Show your face in video?

by dem0x7
41 replies
Hi guys,

My dad and I have been researching lately for a Video Camera so we can start shooting video for our Sales Page and other projects we get into in the future.

He talked to someone today who told him that he went to a seminar where they said you will get better results if you don't show your face in video, and I guess just use Audio over a PowerPoint presentation.

We have a script all written out, we just need the camera. We were so close to purchasing the Kodak Zi8 until we heard about the better results without showing your face.

Now we are thinking if it will be better to create a short and simple PowerPoint for our Sales Page with the Script we have written, and just use Camtasia and record Audio over it.

What do you guys think?
#face #show #video
  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    Originally Posted by dem0x7 View Post

    Hi guys,

    My dad and I have been researching lately for a Video Camera so we can start shooting video for our Sales Page and other projects we get into in the future.

    He talked to someone today who told him that he went to a seminar where they said you will get better results if you don't show your face in video, and I guess just use Audio over a PowerPoint presentation.

    We have a script all written out, we just need the camera. We were so close to purchasing the Kodak Zi8 until we heard about the better results without showing your face.

    Now we are thinking if it will be better to create a short and simple PowerPoint for our Sales Page with the Script we have written, and just use Camtasia and record Audio over it.

    What do you guys think?
    Hmm.

    I guess that would depend on how you look.
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    • Profile picture of the author Irnes Jakupovic
      Actually showing your face on whatever subconsciously raises trust with your customer. Just try to look respectable and come off with a good honest energy in your videos.

      Take a look at Eben Pagan's (pen name: David Deangelo) little opt-in box.

      Official Double Your Dating | David DeAngelo's Double Your Dating

      If you don't know who Eben Pagan is, he is one of the best internet marketers around now. His company brings in well over 20 million a year after taxes. I say this because what Eben does is usually pretty successful and he is utilizing a lot of video these days. Of course though I advise you to test, test, test!
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  • Profile picture of the author aduttonater
    I think you should just make a free video with a camcorder and upload it to the popular video sites such as You Tube or Viddler.

    Click here to view a list of some other Video upload sites where you can submit your video for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author Toby Lewis
    As a viewer/customer I definitely have more trust in someone that shows their face (As long you look friendly and show a bit of character).

    Maybe it depends on the niche, but in IM I think going to the extra effort of getting in front of the camera takes you a long way.
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  • Many marketer are use sales letter video to sell products. I still get in front of the camera for training tips.
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  • Profile picture of the author ShaneRQR
    Test it. It's going to be different for every market and every product and it depends heavily on how good you are at presenting in person vs. presenting a slideshow (yes, I have and still am testing many video variations).

    Three versions you should test:
    1) Slideshow with voice-over
    2) "Talking head" style with your face in the video (perhaps cutting to slideshow or screencast where appropriate)
    3) Talking head style with a (non-realistic looking) SitePal thingy. Haven't tried this myself, but I hear that Ryan Deiss recommmends using these as they (strangely) tend to increase conversions.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      If this is your first project and you were planning to purchase that camera just for this, I think you can get away without using live video.

      An excellent alternative though would be to use still pictures of the two you in the introduction part of the video, so viewers can see who they are dealing with. I think some kind of personal touch is good. Remove the pictures after the intro, and then just go right into your power point video.
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      • Profile picture of the author glassextreme
        Yeah, if you were buying a video cam for that reason only, you can put it on hold and put a nice picture of you as you talk behind the scenes.

        It depends on whether you want to build a name for yourself, or just for your product.

        I would put my photo just so that people know how I look like, and can put a face to my words or my voice.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sara Young
      Originally Posted by ShaneRQR View Post

      Test it. It's going to be different for every market and every product and it depends heavily on how good you are at presenting in person vs. presenting a slideshow (yes, I have and still am testing many video variations).

      Three versions you should test:
      1) Slideshow with voice-over
      2) "Talking head" style with your face in the video (perhaps cutting to slideshow or screencast where appropriate)
      3) Talking head style with a (non-realistic looking) SitePal thingy. Haven't tried this myself, but I hear that Ryan Deiss recommmends using these as they (strangely) tend to increase conversions.
      Listen to Shane.

      They only way you'll know what works best for YOU is by testing.
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  • Profile picture of the author MassiveMarketer
    You could have a test first. But like everyone else said above, showing yourself in the video gains your viewers trust. It also depends on what kind of video you are doing. Would it actually be better if you show yourself or a product or service your are demonstrating.

    If it's like a product that you'd want to make a review of then it might be better showing of the product instead of you holding the product. Example with be an application for a phone. I'd be interested to see what the application looks like and how it works.

    Just a thought.
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  • Profile picture of the author dem0x7
    Thanks everyone for the great replies. The Sales Page is for a Marketing e-Book my dad wrote, so it would be a minute or two just explaining who he is and what the book is about, kind of like what Steven Clayton does in his videos.
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  • Profile picture of the author sallycev
    You can get video screen capture software to use on your pc to record going through your power point presentation.

    I have a Free tutorial video on my blog showing where to get it, etc.

    It works great.

    There's more than one free software you can get to do this but I found that the bbflashback one works best for me. Easy to use. It's from a company called Blueberry.

    I tried Camstudio (free version of camtasia, not as many features) but couldn't quite get it to work.

    I also own a Flip Mino and the Kodak zi8. Both do a super job for videos. You can't beat them for the money.

    They are High Def. and the quality is amazing. I've done videos for offline businesses that came out great and still come up for searches every day!

    Hope that helps.
    Sally
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  • Profile picture of the author Derek Allen
    It all depends on you. If you are comfortable showing your face than do it. If not, make a powerpoint presentation.

    Like someone said before. If you give off a good, trustworthy energy while showing your face than that's the ticket. If you don't show your face then make sure you have good, strong call to actions in your powerpoint presentations.

    Either way you should sound excited about your product and the results it will give your customer. I always sound excited in my videos and presentations because I really am. So, be sincere and it will show off. People are smart and can sense whatever your putting off.

    Good luck either way!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
    Whats your Goal?

    What would give your customer the most information and value.

    If you are selling a Internet Marketing course, then yes show your face
    If you are showing someone how to use a software to solve a problem, then you dont need too.

    I waited 2 years before I showed my face in a video and within 24 hours of having the video up, I got offered to speak at University of Toronto based on that video showing I was serious of the people they were looking to speak to the Business School. I was at the Olympics so I did not end doing it.

    Keep your customer in mind to answer there question

    Cheers,
    Mukul
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  • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
    Why wouldn't you want to show your face?

    Did Charlton Heston make the Ten Commandments without showing his face?
    Did Tobey McGuire make Spider Man without showing his face?
    Did Judy Garland make the Wizard of Oz without showing her face?

    To me, if you hide your face, your not taking too much pride in your work.
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  • Profile picture of the author createyouwealth
    You won't go wrong by showing your face. It builds "Trust" with your customers, because they know they are dealing with someone that is real and not some robot.
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  • Profile picture of the author cpa-money
    i dont think you need to show your face if its something technical show the powerpoint it`s better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
    Originally Posted by dem0x7 View Post

    Hi guys,

    My dad and I have been researching lately for a Video Camera so we can start shooting video for our Sales Page and other projects we get into in the future.

    He talked to someone today who told him that he went to a seminar where they said you will get better results if you don't show your face in video, and I guess just use Audio over a PowerPoint presentation.

    We have a script all written out, we just need the camera. We were so close to purchasing the Kodak Zi8 until we heard about the better results without showing your face.

    Now we are thinking if it will be better to create a short and simple PowerPoint for our Sales Page with the Script we have written, and just use Camtasia and record Audio over it.

    What do you guys think?
    I think this guy must think you guys are ugly.
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  • Profile picture of the author dem0x7
    Heh, no that is not the case. That wasn't even crossing my mind, I just wanted to see what other people thought. I showed my dad some of the replies and we instantly ordered the Zi8 on Amazon...
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  • Profile picture of the author Amanda Craven
    One tip when you do show your (perfectly handsome I'm sure) faces - keep that camera gaze steady. Sure, appearing on camera helps build trust but only if you use it to create rapport with your viewer.

    Steady gaze (without staring so hard it gets creepy!) and steady voice wins every time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aristodemos
    I STRONGLY suggest showing your face. That's why they have the saying: "Let's meet face to face." It's human nature to trust someone more when you can see their face, it makes you feel like you know them and you can trust them.

    Just be yourself as much as possible on camera. Stay out of your head, be genuine, keep good eye contact, and all will go well. Remeber, the great thing about filming is EDITING! So don't take it too seriously. Have fun, and the footage will be great.
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  • Profile picture of the author metabinltd
    If you don't have adequate lighting your video will come out dark and grainy, so getting a couple of soft boxes is a great idea, they are basically lights on stands with cloths over them to disperse the light as naturally as possible.

    So you want to make sure they are placed at head height facing you at each side - you have to experiment a bit to get it looking just right.

    If you do this then your video will look amazing and more people will trust you.

    Also, get a proper microphone and make sure that it sounds loud and clear because that is another thing i hear on a gazillion videos is some guy who sounds like he's in the toilet and you cant really see him so those are the two big ones i would concentrate on when recording.

    Good luck with the sales videos!
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
    If you are comfortable and can be your relaxed, natural self, then do on-camera. You will do drastically better.

    Now, you don't have to be on there the whole time, just do an intro, and then you can drop into powerpoint screen capture.

    But you will always do better when you show people who you are.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      Originally Posted by Aristodemos View Post

      I STRONGLY suggest showing your face. That's why they have the saying: "Let's meet face to face." It's human nature to trust someone more when you can see their face, it makes you feel like you know them and you can trust them.

      Just be yourself as much as possible on camera. Stay out of your head, be genuine, keep good eye contact, and all will go well. Remeber, the great thing about filming is EDITING! So don't take it too seriously. Have fun, and the footage will be great.
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

      If you are comfortable and can be your relaxed, natural self, then do on-camera. You will do drastically better.

      Now, you don't have to be on there the whole time, just do an intro, and then you can drop into powerpoint screen capture.

      But you will always do better when you show people who you are.
      I don't really buy this, entirely.

      You can accomplish the same things with just having a great business photo of yourself in a short introduction. As long as people don't get the feeling you are hiding something, your content/offer will be THE element of success.

      As well, many people just have quirks about being filmed, even if it is just a web-cam head-shot. You are very likely far more capable of delivering powerful audio if you are NOT being filmed at the same time - And your audio is a key element of video production often over-looked.
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      • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
        Originally Posted by Marty S View Post

        I don't really buy this, entirely.

        You can accomplish the same things with just having a great business photo of yourself in a short introduction. As long as people don't get the feeling you are hiding something, your content/offer will be THE element of success.

        As well, many people just have quirks about being filmed, even if it is just a web-cam head-shot. You are very likely far more capable of delivering powerful audio if you are NOT being filmed at the same time - And your audio is a key element of video production often over-looked.
        You can accomplish SOME of the same things, but not all. As a poker player, you should know that there is a mass of unspoken but meaningful communication that happens when you're interacting with someone face to face. It goes a long, long way to building rapport in my opinion.

        It's true some people are off at first, but the only way to get better is to practice. I'm still trying to get better with the umms myself.

        I think short of doing live on-cam, at least for intros, what you describe is the next best option. The fact is, people don't connect as well without a face to go with the voice.

        If you can't be comfortable and relaxed on camera, you don't have to, but I tend to think that if you can get good at doing the audio, you can get good at doing on camera.

        And like I said, you barely have to do any more than an establishing shot, but there's so, so much you can convey if you're up for it.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bassam Saeed
          I disagree.

          From experience, videos that have YOU in them doing the talking and presentation, get better results.

          HOWEVER, you need to know and apply the art of good presentation and delivery.

          If you don't know how to speak enthusiastically with good energy (pause where you need to, to build anticipation...etc.), in a nice wisely chosen location/bg, shooting in high definition,,,, then stick to videos that don't show you.

          You can also sometimes mix the two. First part includes you talking, then second part, the slideshow presentation (bulletpoints...etc.) depending on the type of your video.
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          • Profile picture of the author Marty S
            Speaking from my experience, I produce both types of videos. I have not noticed any significant difference either way. If you have a preference for either strategy, they can work equally as well.

            It's definitely not something to get hung up on, however, keep in mind there are production advantages to sticking to screencasts. I estimate I can create 3 professionally detailed screencast videos for every 1 where I am personally appearing.

            I would love to see read/some stats that back up your claim of it being drastically better.. I might yet be persuaded.
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            • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
              Originally Posted by Marty S View Post

              Speaking from my experience, I produce both types of videos. I have not noticed any significant difference either way. If you have a preference for either strategy, they can work equally as well.
              Yeah, I'd agree with that - go with what you're most comfortable with. I think if you CAN do it and you don't MIND doing it, on camera can be a unique-i-fier simply BECAUSE not everyone does it. Not necessary, but based on what I've seen, it only improves.

              Originally Posted by Marty S View Post

              It's definitely not something to get hung up on, however, keep in mind there are production advantages to sticking to screencasts. I estimate I can create 3 professionally detailed screencast videos for every 1 where I am personally appearing.
              To be fair, you prefer those anyway, so you get more practice. They don't really take any longer to shoot or edit if you are equally practiced at both.

              Originally Posted by Marty S View Post

              I would love to see read some stats that back up your claim of it being drastically better.. I might yet be persuaded.
              They're not my stats, so I don't feel comfortable sharing them. It's not a mystery what launches I've worked on though, and every single one of them has on camera.

              Also, you notice the most recent crop of high-ticket courses sold all following that high-quality video tack? You notice they all had extensive on-camera?

              If you're trying to become a known figure in the niche, and you can pull it off and be natural and cameras don't freak you out (which you get better at with practice) - it works better than anything else. It just does. Nobody runs slideshow ads on TV if they can afford better.

              I'm not trying to argue, really. You can get by without it, but how could it be possible, that people will not have a better connection to you with video vs. a photo? You don't HAVE to if you don't like it and don't want to.

              The point we agree on is you HAVE to show people who you are, right? At least putting a face and a name to it is vital, right? Let's focus on that, since it's where we agree.

              However you do it, will at least work equally well, and is equally easy to produce with practice.

              EDITED TO ADD THIS:

              Originally Posted by Marty S View Post

              Ouch... bad example Colin. Everybody plays online these days.
              That only proves my point though, because online play allows some people to be successful, when those same people would be eaten alive at a real table. Why? Because we can't help but communicate certain things through our faces and body language, right? It makes the game a lot easier when you can take that away, I'm sure you'll agree. Because you don't have to worry about what you're giving away.

              However, in a marketing environment, if you're friendly and earnest and sincere, your face and body and personality can radiate that in ways that are just not in your voice or photo alone. It's real easy if that's actually what your vibe is. It's a lot harder if you're bluffing.

              For that reason, I think people have a more immediate and innate trust when they see video of someone they like vs. a picture/audio combo. It gives them more info to make a snap judgement vs. having to think too hard about liking you or not. If that snap judgement is going to be favorable, I say show people.

              But that's just, like, my opinion, man. I don't even really LIKE doing it myself, but I make myself do it and I recommend it, because I think it's better.
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        • Profile picture of the author Marty S
          Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post

          As a poker player, you should know that there is a mass of unspoken but meaningful communication that happens when you're interacting with someone face to face. It goes a long, long way to building rapport in my opinion.
          Ouch... bad example Colin. Everybody plays online these days.
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    • Profile picture of the author Robert_Rand
      Originally Posted by Colin Theriot View Post


      But you will always do better when you show people who you are.
      Why do you say that? Have you tested it, or is that just your own personal theory?
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      • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
        Originally Posted by Robert_Rand View Post

        Why do you say that? Have you tested it, or is that just your own personal theory?
        I was StomperNet's chief marketing copywriter for about 3 years. We did a few tests. Video won. That's why they keep using it. You see it all around, right? In the huge launches? John Reese had a pre-launch vid that was nothing BUT on-camera. But no, it's just my pet "theory".

        How about if I just say "test it yourself and find out" - will that sit better with people? Usually people complain when you say that, so I thought I'd share what I know, but damn. I guess people complain no matter what you say.
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    • Profile picture of the author amabaie
      Both trust and credibility are intangibles that simply cannot be dismissed. Over the Internet, I can't shake your hand. I can't look you in the eye and make that snap judgmant "Is this guy for real?". Give me the next-best thing...your video. Each market and each individual is different, but I suspect that 99% of the time it will increase sales or perhaps even increase the amount you can charge.

      Perhaps more important than a video of you, are video testimonials. With so many fake testimonials on e-products, a real, live face and voice make them sooooo credible.
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  • Profile picture of the author defaultuser
    Yeah, if you were buying a video cam for that reason only, you can put it on hold and put a nice picture of you as you talk behind the scenes.

    It depends on whether you want to build a name for yourself, or just for your product.

    I would put my photo just so that people know how I look like, and can put a face to my words or my voice.
    These are all perfect options. Hey just look at Andy Jenkins. He's a smart guy and he is barely in the videos he does. It wasn't till people really knew who he was before he physically showed up in his videos.

    I have done almost 100 different videos and have almost 1.2 Million views across numerous video channels. I haven't seen a difference myself.

    TEST TEST TEST.
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Theriot
      Originally Posted by defaultuser View Post

      These are all perfect options. Hey just look at Andy Jenkins. He's a smart guy and he is barely in the videos he does. It wasn't till people really knew who he was before he physically showed up in his videos.

      I have done almost 100 different videos and have almost 1.2 Million views across numerous video channels. I haven't seen a difference myself.

      TEST TEST TEST.
      I don't think that's necessarily true - having worked with Andy for a long time, he's been in the video content from the very beginning. And in fact, I'll tell you a wee secret.

      He doesn't actually like being on film himself that much (I don't know why, he's got a big personality and voice that are perfect for it). But he does it anyway, because he knows his personality is the heart of his brand. It's a USP no one can copy.

      And it works better. So, yes, you're right with a minor tweak.
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      • Profile picture of the author PaulBaranowski
        The only viable suggestion possible here is until you do both the video with you onscreen and the powerpoint video and split-test them,you'll never
        know what works in your case.
        While the safest route is going with a powerpoint presentation,it makes sense to try shoot yourself on camera - you might end up being a video star in your niche which is a valuable status to have.

        cheers
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        • Profile picture of the author Ellen Violette
          I use both. Seeing you is good if you look good and you're relaxed. But when I want to get certain points across, it's easier to record it with powerpoints. Plus when my husband was in the hospital it was cumbersome trying to make them alone. That's when I really got into powerpoint!
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          • Profile picture of the author goindeep
            Go for the face shot. I see what the others are saying, but the reality is that a face shot can do so much better. You may get good results with no face to the pitch but putting your face out there will deliver GREAT results.

            Some guys out there make their living purely using video.

            Frank Kern, Jason Moffatt, Adam Horowitz...
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  • Profile picture of the author defaultuser
    I just finished making this video. I helped put together the script, edited the audio, tossed the audio into Premiere Pro, and then used title sequences and images.


    Granted we haven't started marketing it to his lists. But so far he and anyone else who has seen it really like it.

    So no. You don't have to be on camera even though this guy is all GQ and whatnot.
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  • Profile picture of the author minitg
    I prefer video when it comes to selling to me. I think most people are suffering from information overload, so you goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to read or hear about your product, and sometimes a video recording is easier, depending on what you are selling.

    You can try Camtasia and they have a 30 day trial. Google Camtasia and you can connect to their site.
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  • Profile picture of the author Igor Kheifets
    Although I can't guarantee that this a one-fits-all
    statement, YES, the 'your face off camera' approach works
    best. At least for many.

    Notice, that most of the sales letter done by the gurus
    in the past 20 launches were done as a powerpoint presentation
    with a voiceover.

    Igor
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