image credit to vnvjiet
I talked last week about the importance of using videos in your social networking, so today we’re going to look at how you can create a video that’s worth watching. You don’t have to be a filmographer to put out a quality and by quality, I don’t necessarily mean the image. You can have the best looking image out there, but if the content isn’t there, no one will watch it.
Planning
The very best thing you can do before starting your first video is to sit down with a pencil and paper and figure out what you want to do.
Write down what you want to accomplish with the video. Do you want people to come to your website? Do you want to inform them of problems with the method they currently use to do something? Offer solutions?
Once you have an end goal, figure out how you’re going to get there.
Pick a format
There are many business videos that have nothing but a computer screen so don’t feel that you have to be onscreen if that makes you uncomfortable. In fact, it may be easier to explain things if you show your audience via the computer.
For some, being onscreen is fine and works better for their purposes, so think about it carefully before you select a format. At its simplest, a PowerPoint video is quick and easy and can get the point across nicely. You don’t have to do a world-class production, just make sure it’s interesting and informative.
Write a script
Even if you end up winging it, writing out a brief script will cement the order of things in your mind. You want to have an introduction, your presentation and a call to action. Don’t forget, if you’re loading things up on YouTube, random strangers will come across it so you need to mention who you are right at the beginning.
You can distill your script to notes if you prefer and keep them handy while filming.
Technical tips
One of the biggest issues with online video is the lighting. Most people don’t have adequate lighting and while this isn’t necessarily going to dissuage people from watching your video, why not improve things? Sit with a window to one side and film during the day so you have plenty of daylight, which will make the camera very happy and add a more professional look. If the opposite side is too dark, you can easily fix this by placing a whiteboard or even a sheet on the other side (offscreen, of course) to reflect light back on the other side.
A few more tips . . .
Avoid wearing red, stripes or plaid which can look odd and cause visual issues onscreen.
Mount your camera at eye level, rather than tilting it. It should be placed at least three feet away . . . zoom if you need to, to avoid that fish eye lens look.
Use the white balance setting on your camera. It will help, trust me.
Chill out and be natural. You are best when you are totally YOU!
Do you have any more video tips to share?
