3 Golden Rule to ensure a perfect video. Practice, Practice, Practice.

It is very common for clients to ask what the best piece of advice I have for ensuring they present well on camera. Beyond physical appearance, covered in our previous blog about what to wear for a Video, the number one rule for ensuring you are presented well, articulate and communicate an efficient message is to practice, practice, practice.

Write a Script

Preparation is everything, it is important, if your video is able to be scripted, make sure you take the time to write down as much as possible. Take time to write down question or topics you would like to tackle and work on a natural, articulate response or dialogue. If you are being interviewed, work to obtain a list of questions and prepare your answers to ensure you are fairly represented in your interview.

Say it out loud

Once you have a script you are happy with, stand up and read it out loud, ensure the flow of the script is appropriate and natural, ensure you are comfortable with the connect and happy with the overall feel of the message you are delivering.

Adjust & Edit

Make changes to your script, identify where there are sticking points and ensure you are comfortable with how you will be representing yourself. Once you have made the final adjustments, read the script back to yourself and repeat the process until you are comfortable with the overall feel of your script and you are comfortable delivering your message.

Practice again in the mirror

Take the time to memorise your script, look in the mirror and read it back to yourself as often as you need to be comfortable with the dialogue. Look at your facial expressions, intonations and micro-movements to ensure the script is natural and you are expressing appropriate emotions rather than mild panic.

Record yourself on your phone

If you would like to see how you may appear in the final video, record yourself on your mobile phone and identify where any improvement can be made.

Practice with someone

Once you are happy with the final edit and adjustment to your script, ask someone to watch you practice, pick someone that is honest and happy to deliver meaningful feedback.

With proper planning and preparation, you will produce a better video, you will present better and appear confident in your subject matter. In the long run, this will save you time on the shoot, save you money as a result and build you a better video all round.