Dear DIY video folks,
I think it’s great that you’re using self-shot video to promote yourself and your business. After all, I’ve been marketing video for sixteen years, and I worked with hundreds of small businesses for decades before that while I was in broadcasting.
Now, can I give you a couple of tips that will help you connect better?
If you’re trying to reach me, as a professional, then I want to be on the same level as you. So lift up that desktop webcam or smartphone and bring it up to eye level. Try a tripod.
That’s better. See, when I watch your video, I can see the ceiling, the curtain rod, and everything else in that realm. From my point of view, it looks like I’m lying on the floor. In a word: Eew.
Secondly, and any photographer will tell you this: Please don’t have a window behind you. It washes out your face, and we can barely see who’s talking. Did you know that small LED video lights are extremely reasonable? They will actually take your efforts to the next level very easily. Put the light behind whatever camera you’re using, and just off center a bit. Now, you look like someone I’d like to have a conversation with.
Lastly, Why are you wearing a headset? If you’re listening to yourself, you’re not concentrating on delivering the message to me. When I was producing multi-track analog audio for broadcast, I HAD to wear a headset to hear all of the sources. But I haven’t done that in 20 years. I can balance all of the inputs in the digital mix. Just check to make sure you are recording, then take the headphones off and talk to me.
Have some respect for your viewer. You wouldn’t do any of these things if we were live in a one on one, so why do them in a video.
Thanks.
(signed) The Rest Of Us.
–that’s a wrap
Blog written by Ron Harper, West Chester Alpha
Visit Ron’s website:
Videos On Your Website
Phone: 513-477-5175
Affordable Business Videos – I’m a Marketer With A Camera
