Some thrive on it, some despise it and some actually run away from it.

Facing a camera can be both an enjoyable and daunting experience. We film a huge variety of people, yet it doesn’t matter how confident someone is, put a camera in front of them and anything could happen! They may speak consistently to hundreds of people on stage, yet place them in front of a camera and they crumble.

The camera has the ability to unnerve the best of us. Likewise someone shy and retiring may blossom on camera and totally surprise us with their articulate and well presented delivery.

Here’s some advice based on the many victims/subjects we have previously interviewed on camera:

Do your Homework

It’s obvious, but know what you’re talking about. We’ve seen scripts being thrust into a CEO’s hands, minutes before filming and they’re supposed to digest and deliver off the cuff. Why make it hard?

If you have a habit of going off on a tangent, write bullet points as prompts. There is also the option of using an autocue. It’s easy, reliable and a great comfort blanket (especially for those thrown in at the deep end). As long as you’re using you’re own words, you’ll have a greater chance of getting your message recorded in a focussed and efficient manner.

 

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Feel Fresh!

You may not be going out to battle, but still, don’t go out drinking the night before. Your performance will likely suffer (this client will remain anonymous!)

Be Real!

Don’t get bogged down by trying to act as you think others want you to act. You’re chosen as the person to be interviewed for a reason. Be yourself and you will instantly become more relatable.

Buzz Words

If you must use ‘corp talk’, keep asking yourself, ‘Do I sound like a human being or a manufactured robot?’ Using the lingo is fine, as long as you are certain that your audience will understand your language.

Relax and Trust Yourself

Nerves are common, it’s natural. But if you’re not confident in your delivery then it appears that you are not confident in what you are saying. So why should the audience believe you?

Maintain eye contact. Looking around makes you look shifty on camera. Talk with your hands if you do normally, you’ll be more animated and less likely to stiffen up. Most people are like an oven, they need warming up. This is fine, we would recommend you repeating yourself a couple of times anyway so that we have options when it comes to the edit.

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We’re Here to Help

We’re not trying to catch you out or make you look silly (although if you make a twit of yourself we can make a great ‘bloopers’ video!)

Our job is to make you deliver to the best of your ability, whether it’s through gentle coaching on ways to use effective body language or a suggestion on a more efficient ways of delivering your key message.

For more guidance we offer training to help you communicate effectively and hone your presentation skills. Get in touch to find out more.

Lucy Helliwell