We all know speaking on camera can be nerve-wracking. How you convey your message can impact its reception, the overall video’s quality, the viewing experience, and the brand you represent. Here are some tips to help you develop a more fluent on-air personality.
Writing
Authoring your script should be one of the top priorities before you begin any video project. Here, many businesses get bogged down articulating features rather than benefits. This naturally forces the speaker to place a ton of emphasis on getting the sequence correct (re: very technical jargon) rather than explaining why the offer is valuable. People often rush through their lines to make sure everything is mentioned while sacrificing clarity, rhythm, and purpose. In many instances, nerves/anxiety and stage fright can supersede the actual emotions you intend to depict (i.e. excitement, sadness, cheer, awe).
What can you do?
- Use the language of your key buyer personas
- Change the structure of your message to focus on the benefits
- Focus on quality differentiation points of your product/service
Remember, you can let the images do the talking for you depending on the format of the video. Following the “show, don’t tell” wisdom, a more minimalist approach can connect with audiences.
Prepare Your Lines
Your script has been finalized and storyboards/shot lists have been developed. You and your team have blocked off time for a dedicated shooting schedule. However, you have that nervous anxiety gnawing in the pit of your stomach. You’re busy with ten million other priorities in your organization. How can you ever find time to remember these lines? Just remember that every minute of preparation pays off when you start rolling.
- Rehearse! Find little pockets of time to hone in on specific points in your script. You don’t have to memorize everything in one shot. Prioritize the value proposition.
- Do a table reading with all talent involved. We agree 150% with Wistia on this pre-production advice. Table reading results in feedback and brainstorming that strengthens your final product. You also get a sense of the dynamic (e.g. volume, accents, cadence) between everybody speaking on camera.
- Record yourself. Whether at the table reading or your own session, record your initial attempts before you actually start filming. Here, you can see which words and phrases trip you up or which sections need polish. You’ll save time by nailing the message during filming in fewer amounts of takes.
Remember, many people treat the script as more of an outline (with room for improvisation) than gospel. If you have trouble memorizing, you’re always free to re-phrase the information so it makes sense to you and –more importantly – the viewers.
Voicing
Recording your rehearsals reveals the way in which you speak “on air.” Listening to your own voice in an objective manner takes a lot of guts and patience. We can be our own worst critics after all.
Rather than feel embarrassed or self-conscious, zero in on the phrasing. Listen to the sounds you articulate. Is there emotion? Are there any changes in pitch, tone, or volume? Are there any distracting habits? If you don’t sound excited about your message, why should your audience to be?
- Start slowly during your first recordings. Then, speed up to your desired comfort range as you begin memorizing lines.
- Practice, practice, practice. You will get better and better with experience.
