So your CEO decides a new corporate video needs to be created for the company - and that you would be GREAT to deliver their message on camera. Isn’t that exciting!? If you’re anything like the majority of employees, you’re likely a little nervous of how you may come across. Isn’t it strange how you can go from uncomfortable with the idea, to calm and comfortable, to ‘deer in headlights’ when put on camera?
It can be a challenge to convey the right balance of enthusiastic, friendly and authoritative while staying brand aligned. Here at 5Gear Studios, we coach executives and employees on every shoot from start to end on how to act and speak on camera to effectively and effortlessly deliver your message. Here, we offer you some of our expert tips to help prepare you deliver your corporate message like a pro!
Mix Up The Speed and Intonation
A monotone presenter is guaranteed to make the subject matter boring and dull, sending viewers off to sleep. The simplest way to catch viewer’s attention (and keep it!) is to change up your speed and intonation. Change the intonation according to where the emphasis is in your script. Slow down when talking about important things, and speed up to create excitement. Ensure to speak with authority in a clear concise manner, and avoid mumbling.
Posture
Slouching and poor posture immediately reads as lacking in confidence. To ensure your posture projects a positive image, follow these body language tips:
– Hold your head up and in a neutral position with your ears in line with your shoulders.
– Take a deep breath, open your chest, and relax your shoulders.
– Radiate confidence like an A-list celebrity.
– Start with a smile to warm up your face and create a more appealing delivery
Wear The Right Clothes
Depending on what your corporate image is, you may want to be dressed in casual, business formal, or the all time favourite business casual. Whatever the style, ensure to avoid neon or bright colours, or close repeating patterns as they can play havoc with cameras. Also avoid any clothing with logos (unless it’s your company’s logo!) to avoid any copyright issues.
Be Natural
Don’t stare directly into the camera. Instead, allow your eyes to move naturally, the way you would if you were talking to someone face to face. Use your eyes to give rhythm to your speech - let them move around as you think of something and then look back at the camera. This approach is natural and super effective. Don’t forget to smile!
Use Your Hands For Emphasis
Gestures help others understand not only what you are trying to say, but how you feel about the subject too. But be careful - TOO MUCH gesturing can be distracting. If you’re concerned that you might use your hands too much, you can always practice prior to the shoot in the mirror or even filming yourself on your phone to see how you come across.
Lots of Takes Are A Good Thing
As satisfying as nailing a scene on the first try is - the best takes we generally end up using in the final video are after 3 or 4 tries. Each take typically reads as increasingly natural as you become more comfortable in front of the camera reading your lines. So don’t stress about being perfect on the first try! Nobody ever is :)