How to become more Confident on Video
I’ve written this blog for those of you out there who are not confident when it comes to doing a video and filming themselves. Those who cringe and feel a little sick at the thought of pressing the record button, those who don’t like to listen to the sound of your own voice. However, amidst all of this, you should be doing to get a more personal side of you across in your marketing.
This blog is for those who are looking to become more confident with video, so they can show themselves, their business and products/service off to the audience they want to build.
Video is right now THE best way to get engagement and show a bit more of who you are and why people should buy from you.
By 2020, online videos will make up more than 80% of all consumer internet traffic – Cisco
55% of people pay close attention when consuming videos — more than all other types of content – HubSpot
Knowing that you need to do more video or at least make a start, how does it make you feel about it?
If like me, you cringe at the thought of having to do a video and think…
- no, I’ll be no good
- I’ll clam up
- I don’t feel confident
- no one wants to listen to me…
…but you’d be wrong!
You need to look at this as a new skill you need to conquer and add to your marketing ninja belt…
Just because doing video is new to you, it’s scary and you’ve not done it before, makes you feel like you can’t do it. But, I’m telling you, you couldn’t be further from the truth!
I’m sure you’ve done many things that you thought you couldn’t in the past, like pass your driving test, buy a house, pass exams…
Once you learn a little more about how you can utilise this marketing activity for the better, you will want to do it more and more! Believe me!
I’d like to share with you 7 things I do to ensure I can create videos for my audience and how I’ve got over the fear…
3-5 Second Rule
Remember the 3-5 second rule I’ve talked about before? If not, no worries. Let me explain…
People/humans will look at another person or object and within 3-5 seconds make their mind up if they like them/it or not… this is your gut reaction to things; people and life.
Have you ever met someone and instantly got on with them and are still friends to this day? Yes, of course you have!
Have you ever met someone and thought… Hmm, not sure I like them?… Even though they haven’t said anything or done anything to you?
This is the 3-5 second rule and yes of course it can be wrong at times., but more often than not it is correct and further down the line, you will end up saying to yourself… I knew it! Which is why video is now the number one way to create engagement and a personal brand. People can see you and like you (or not) straight away, helping you qualify your clients quicker, to either keep watching or turn you off, never to return.
I NEED to say this though… It is OK for people not to like you… let’s be honest. I’m sure you have a few people you don’t like…
I’m not going to lie; the fear is still there but I know that I need to do it not only for public consumption but also for my Membership Site, Koogar Academy.
1. Plan, plan, plan
Before I create ANY video, I need to know what I’m going to talk about, how long for, who to and know what they will get put of watching the video.
This may come in the form of;
- who is it for? Which client(s) am I speaking to
- work out how does THIS video tie in with what I stand for, my marketing message – in my case Integrated Marketing and Customer Journey
- writing down a few titles for each video as you may get inspired to create others along the way
- scripting or bullet points of what I would like to talk about
DON’T: Read your script unless it’s on a teleprompter or you have practiced speaking it. You know your subject, have confidence in yourself!
Just one more thing to add here. When you write a script, it may not sound right when you read it out. The reason for that is, generally we don’t speak how we write. So, read it out loud a few times and see how it comes out. It sounds strange, but you’ll see what I mean.
DO: Ensure you have ONE message to share in this video.
Take a look at another blog we wrote about 6 Types of Videos to help you get started!
2. Make sure I feel my best
What do you need to do, wear or feel to be confident? For me, I need to ensure I’ve had a miracle morning. If you don’t know what one of these is read this book! (The Miracle Morning: The 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Life Before 8AM). I’m well dressed, have make-up on and my hair is at its best.
I choose a shirt or top that I’m comfortable in to make sure I’m looking my best for the people watching the video. Getting a little dressed up helps me as I know I’m now camera ready and happy for it to either go out live or be pre-recorded.
DON’T: Get caught up with your outfit. Wear what you would normally wear to be in front of a client
DO: make sure you are in the mood to get this done. If you think you can, or you think you can’t, either way you will be right…
You’ve got this!
3. Equipment
Do I have everything I need to make this video a success? Probably! Sometimes we believe we need so much more.
What do I need?
- A camera (Web Cam or Mobile Phone)
- Microphone (Remember; one comes with your phone, but you could buy one to make the sound perfect)
- Lighting
Check out my list of equipment you should have when it comes to creating video.
Download the Video Equipment Checklist for Free!
This is a resource from the Koogar Academy and there are plenty more like it!
DON’T: Buy new tech if you already have equipment available to you. Use what you have to start and buy the tech as and when you need it or decide you want to take your videos to the next level.
DO: Testing things to make sure they are working and delivering the quality you want and need to put your videos out.
4. Check my environment
Where shall I be filming today?
Is it quiet? Or too much sound/noise going on?
How does my background look?
Am I sat in the right position?
Where am I looking? (The answer to this should always be the directly at the camera!)
DON’T: Settle for somewhere you are not sure about, make sure you are happy with your surroundings.
DO: Move things around to make sure you have the best shot you can. Change your position within the frame, on your seat. Even move things in the background, if you feel something is out of place.
5. Before Testing
Get yourself ready!
Now you may want to dance to your favourite song, sing out loud, jump up and down. I’ve heard some have done a few push ups before creating a video or doing a podcast. Gets your adrenaline pumping and drives you forward to make the video.
DON’T: What you don’t want to do is keep putting it off… Video NEEDS to be within your marketing arsenal… By 2020, Google have said video will be the highest type of content consumed on the internet. Start today!
DO: Do whatever you need to do, to put yourself in a good mood and smile! No one wants to watch a video where you look terrified even if the content is amazing.
6. Testing, testing, 1,2,3…
Testing myself… I can guarantee that in the first take, AS SOON AS I have turned the camera on, I have forgotten my name, what I do and how to speak… It either comes out jumbled or nothing comes out… Maybe a little swear word, or three.
6a. Stay hydrated…
When recording video or a podcast for that matter, make sure you don’t drink milk! Only drink water or juice.
Milk makes mucus, which is horrendous to listen too. You don’t want that noise that people make when they are nervous and need a drink…
Run through your video a few times, with the camera on and off.
Re-watch and check the background and lighting. Is it right or do you need to move?
DON’T: Drink milk… It will make that funny noise after a while
DO: Keep testing to make sure you are ready for the final shoot.
7. Go for it!
You’re ready… You have planned, you look your best, you’ve got everything you need, your environment is right, and you have tested… You are ready!
It is just a case of cracking on and getting it done!
DON’T: Keep putting it off! I know you can do this, and you know you can do this too…
DO: Keep going. Once you have done one, watch is back and see how brilliant you have been. I’m sure you will surprise yourself.
REMEMBER: YOU are not going to be one watching this. I know you don’t like looking at yourself or hearing your voice back. I get it, honestly, I do.
This video is for your potential customers and current clients.
They hear your voice differently to you AND are watching it for different reasons.
I’d love to hear how you have gotten yourself more camera confident.
What is your routine?
Share your tips and tricks below… We can all learn something new!
Alternatively, if this has helped in any way… Let us know by leaving a comment.
