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10 YouTube Cameo Video Tips
Whether you’re shooting a video for YouTube or for uploading elsewhere on the web, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure your time is put to best use, and to create the best video. I have put together the following tips to help you make the most of your video own recordings. If you can think of other tips to add, please let me know in the comment section below.
1. Have a script ready.
You want to have a script ready, not so you can read it word-for-word, but as a guide for what you’re going to say. If you don’t have a script written, you are likely to do what I do and get all ready, all situated, then freeze. Freezing is not a good thing to do when you’re about to take a video, so I suggest that you write what you want to say down in outline form for easy reference.
2. Place your script at eye-level.
I don’t do this for my own video shoots, and believe me, I pay dearly for it in the editing process. If you have the script in front of you, you are less likely to look away and start speaking before you look into the camera. Keeping the words in front of you makes your bright, shining face stay right in front of the camera where it belongs. This is a standard practice. (Think of cue-cards.)
3. Look and feel your 100% best on shooting day.
Everything, and I do mean everything shows up on camera. Hairs out of place? This will become a focal point. Missing an earring? Eh hem. Feeling kinda shabby? Don’t film yourself. You need to look and feel your very best, so do whatever you have to do to get in tip-top level on the day you are shooting the video of yourself.
4. Create a scene.
This tip comes courtesy of Chris Pirillo, but I totally relate on this. Create a scene behind you. Consider what the people will be able to see behind you and all around you. The atmosphere you create on camera will depend on the mood of the shot. Just because you are shooting amateur videos doesn’t mean you can get away with a sloppy set. Check the camera view before you start your video to make corrections early.
5. Check the lighting.
There should be no shadows on your face. If you can’t afford a video lighting kit, make sure that you shoot your video at the right time of day, when the sun is shining in the windows enough to make your whole face and body alight. Check the video regularly to make sure the lighting is right, as this is one of the most important aspects of video. The lighting can make or break how you look.
6. Wear a bright, solid color that reflects your brand.
Wear a color that speaks about who you are as a business professional (if you are using this video for marketing purposes. Stay away from white, as it looks terrible on camera. Don’t wear giant prints or fussy clothing. Keep clothes plain and bright.
7. Speak in sound bites.
If you’re anything like me, when you speak, you run your sentences together. Take care to speak in a moderate rate, finishing words and sentences clearly by annunciating as you go. Important sentences may need to be reiterated more than once to help in the editing process later.
8. Be yourself.
Pretend like you’re entertaining new friends at your home, as you relax and open up to your imaginary audience. If you are fake and stiff, it will come across on camera and make people click away. If you are welcoming, engaging and personable, people will be naturally drawn to your videos.
9. Be bubbly and energetic.
You must over-do-it on the bubbly part, if you’re usually pretty even keel. You need to animate yourself a bit more in a video than you do in real life. Nobody wants to see a long video of a talking head. You need to have enthusiasm and passion for the topic your speaking about, and for the video making process. Get excited!
10. Watch your posture.
The way you hold your body speaks volumes about your confidence level. Make sure you sit or stand up straight, and portray a confidence about your topic. This will command the respect of the audience, and help your message to be more easily conveyed.
Follow these tips and reap the benefits of a spectacular and productive video shoot. If you’re interested in learning about how YouTube videos can impact your business and help you to market your products and services, contact me, dotJenna today for a free social media consultation.
