“Because the use cases for User Generated Video extend across the entire customer lifecycle, smart B2B organizations will arm revenue team members with UGV tools to assist with prospecting, driving event attendance, onboarding new customers, and other activities.”
Forrester Tech Tide Sales Technologies Q1 2021 report
Video is one of the most effective ways for your business to communicate
User Generated Video (UGV) is set to become mainstream in the B2B community as an effective way for sales, marketing and customer success teams to connect with their prospects and customers. The one to many “evergreen” video message or the personalised one to one video message is fast becoming a part of our everyday working life. Realistically, not everyone will embrace creating videos, for many different reasons – a dislike of hearing their own voice, anxiety or fear of being judged, uncomfortable with how they look on camera, unsure of what to say – all of these things can be overcome with planning, coaching and time in front of the camera. Let’s break down some of our top tips to finding your confidence on camera –
Start with planning what you intend to say in your video
Create a script that engages your audience. Tell your story using relatable facts and references. Using a proven methodology will save you time and keep you focussed on your key messages. Keep your video messages short and to the point. Get comfortable with your script then put it away. Don’t be tempted to read your script on camera, ever.
Set the scene
Take a look at what the camera picks up in the background. Assess the space where you are filming and stage the set appropriately. Remove clutter and anything else you don’t want to appear on screen. Make sure the remaining items look neat and tidy. Whatever type of camera you use, make sure to position the camera at eye level and for internal cameras in your desktop/laptop be sure to look into the camera and not at your screen. Looking directly into the internal camera while you are talking feels strange but it will make your audience feel connected to you and you will appear to be looking at them when you talk. ** It’s really important to keep your focus on the camera and not be distracted by the screen to maintain eye contact with your audience.
Be aware of your facial expressions
Get to know your “resting face” expression, too often this won’t be a friendly face, especially if you are deep in thought. Be sure to smile – a lot …. smiling will help you bring the right level of energy and enthusiasm to your storytelling and help you make a positive lasting impression.
The more relaxed you are the more natural you will appear on camera. Deep breathing and stretching can help you relax before you get on camera and as strange as it sounds- dancing – as it releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety, helping you to feel calm. Be aware of your pace, you don’t want to rush your message. Consider using “Pause for Effect” as appropriate in your message.
Your appearance matters
Personal grooming needs a lot of attention when you are preparing to create videos messages. Things to consider are styling your hair to look your best. Choosing appropriate clothing in a colour that is flattering to your skin tone. Select a colour that won’t make you look washed out or pale. (Plain colours tend to work better on camera than patterns and prints).
If you wear makeup you may notice everyday makeup doesn’t work well on camera. Your usual makeup can make you look hot and flustered. This is because the video and lights can distort your complexion and give your face a shiny appearance. This is easily fixed. You should explore makeup products that have soft-focus blurring and mattifying properties. Also, you need to finish your makeup with a powder to eliminate any traces of shine from your face. Getting this right will help you look and feel more confident and professional.
Most of us will be using additional artificial lighting to create the best video possible. So it’s important to understand these lights generate a lot of heat. Consider using a translucent powder to eliminate any shine. This is something that all of us can benefit from even people that don’t wear makeup. A translucent powder applied lightly to the central part of your face will remove the obvious effects of hot lights. For more information on makeup products see the Article “Camera Ready” posted here in January 2021.
Practice Practice Practice
The tech is sorted, and the lighting and the audio. The script is well rehearsed but still, something is preventing you from creating your video….. for whatever reason you don’t feel ready. This dilemma can only be solved by you. The key thing to remember is you just need to get started – procrastinating can affect your confidence.
One of the best ways to build your confidence on camera is to simply get more time in front of the camera. They say practice makes perfect, and of course the more you practice the better you will be, but you don’t need to be perfect!
To get comfortable with the camera you need to be practising daily. Only then will you see significant improvements. Don’t worry about getting started, don’t think about putting it off until you are ready, Just Do It!