For the people who record audio and video presentations that sell...

[lisaann]

Do you use a teleprompter? Or read from a script? Or just 'wing it'?

Also, do you record your audio and then go back and add the video later?

Just wondering what makes the best presentation ...

I've watched videos from a few marketers and I'm thinking some of them, while it looks like they're just randomly talking, might actually be using a teleprompter.

Mike Filsaime's butterfly video is one that looks that way. And that's great if he did, he looks casual, but it's also not like he's just reading it.

I've watched videos, or tried to, where the speaker was obviously just speaking as it came to him/her and I can't stand all the um's ... it's very unprofessional and hard to watch.

At the same time, I've also recorded things for the education industry where I read and you can tell I was reading. I admit that's also not the best way to do it either.

I guess I'm just looking for advice on how to put together a professional presentation, yet not read it the whole way through. If anyone uses a teleprompter, I'd love to know how it has worked out for them, the benefits, and any tips.

Thanks,

Lisa

[kenj]

I use bullet points and actually do a dry run through OUT LOUD before recording.

I find that hearing myself makes me edit and improve things.

Mind you I am used to public presentations to 100's.

The other thing I do is try to speak as if to a single person - keep it personal.

Reading always sound stilted for me. Doing it off the cuff is unprofessional and usually sounds amateurish

[MichaelHiles]

I always have someone sitting near me because I am essentially "talking to them", which makes it sound far more conversational.

I've actually considered moving to more of an "interview" format - which has been wicked successful for decades in television and radio.

[Irishman]

Hi Lisa,

Much like Kenj, I always use talking bullet-points and do a full walk through. Most often I create a powerpoint presentation to cue me for the topic matter.

Finally, I agree with you regarding the um's etc... I use Camtasia - and I painstakingly edit/remove every um or otherwise slip that sounds "sloppy" or thrown together.

Doesn't mean its not conversational, just without the mental pauses that can accompany talking to a topic.

I would imagine Filsaime, even if he used teleprompter would edit his recordings as well.

Hope that helps!
Will

[Jill Carpenter]

Depends on the project. I find a massive reduction of my "um's" disease when I have had a chance to thoroughly think out what I'm about to do.

I just did a whole series where I shot it and talked, but then went back through and recorded a written script after the fact, and then just did a lot of hacking in the editing.

I found my macspeech dictate to be an extremely useful tool in this process - and realize I talk much differently then I type. I also talk much differently when using the dictate.

[Martin Luxton]

Script that I practise many, many times then I do it "spontaneously".

I might miss out a word or two but I get the main points.

Also, never try to do one long take. 30 second chunks is best.

Martin

[Quentin]

I use everything above as it will depend on the audience or what I am trying to do for example if its just me speaking to my members then I quite often do it off the cuff as it is a chat more than anything. It gets recorded and slightly edited.

For tutorials etc I will run through once or twice and then make it in one hit to get a flow and then edit.

I whipped this one off last night just for fun and used my little personal teleprompter and then made the video. Not really professional but the purpose was not to sell but just provide some info.

I think it is important to try all different styles to find out what you and your views like.

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[lisaann]

Thanks for all the replies. I find it much easier to present in front of people then sit in front of a microphone by myself. I'll try some of the ideas you all have shared with me and I bet it will help. I'll probably limit the recordings to just a few minutes and work off powerpoint that I've practiced a few times.

Lisa