TIPS TO SOUNDING NATURAL ON VIDEO

As much as we aspire to be like a social media influencer, we aren’t all exactly comfortable in front of a camera, especially when we are talking about ourselves. With the ever-increasing digital shift and need to communicate online as well as the pressure to keep ahead of the game and bring our marketing to life, being in front of camera is now a necessity. Creating video content can generate business opportunities as well as build brand awareness, generates social proof and boost search engine optimisation (SEO).

But what if being in front of a camera sounds worse than not doing it at all? Sounding and looking natural on camera is difficult for many and can be really uncomfortable, particularly if it’s a new experience. The fear of filming can automatically create a dry throat, sweaty palms, a monotone sound, lots of “umms” and generally can make us freeze up.

With practise, however, it is something you can learn and improve on to feel more natural when being filmed.

How to sound more conversational on video:

• Don’t read from a script
  Reading off a script will sound like you are reading and can be more obvious with your eye movement. Instead of a script, create a list of points to help guide you through the video and this will allow you to speak more normally. If you do struggle, then it would be better to memorise the script or there are some useful autocue apps if you are recording on a device.
• Use the right equipment
  Having great quality sound and audio puts less pressure on you and allows you to speak naturally like you would with a person. There are some great microphones out there at a reasonable cost but if you are recording regular videos, it might be worth investing in a lavalier microphone that you can clip onto your clothing. Having the right set up such as a camera stand for your recording device or lighting in the background might ease the tension when you are recording and make the job easier for yourself. However, don’t think that you have to spend a lot of money and take up space with equipment especially in the current climate with everyone working remotely - you can make great quality videos from simply sitting in front of your iPhone.
• Move
  Moving whether this is through your hands or head will automatically make you look more natural and in turn helping you to sound more natural. Don’t forget to smile! Smiling can help to make you relax and not look as tense but will also bring out a personality and will add friendliness to your voice.
• Dress comfortably
  It’s important to wear the right outfit that represents you and your business, but it is also important to be comfortable so you can move freely. Taking off a tie or wearing more smart casual clothes, for example, might help to make you feel a bit more relaxed as well as sitting on a sofa or table with a coffee, as opposed to a work desk or in front of your computer.
• Practise
  Practising and refining will always make your final recording more polished. It might be worth practising with another person or perhaps think about an interview-style video in the first instance – this is a great way of rehearsing and building up confidence for being on camera.
• Watch your videos
  Many people can’t bear the thought of watching themselves on video, but this is key to improving. Replay your video to identify what you do well and what you need to work on.

Even though camera shyness can take over, sounding and feeling natural on camera isn’t as difficult as most people think.

Do you want to start recording or improve your videos? As an award-winning digital marketing agency, Cal Partners can help you to create, set up, record and edit engaging professional videos. Contact us here for your free consultation.