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Learn how I went from never having done videos, to becoming a semi-pro in 48 hours

by Christian H
45 replies
Hey guys, Christian here.


I'm finaly starting the see the pieces come together regarding a project I've been working on for the past 16 months.

I've hit a brick wall though, I need to get myself on camera.

I've got my squeezepage set up with a 3 minute teaser video, and the confirmationpage needs to contain a video of me talking.

I need to inform my opt-ins about what to do next, and this is where I completely stonedwalled.

I don't mind going on camera, but I really need to golden tips on how to make a succesful video recording of myself.


I want to show some of the material that I'll be sharing with the opt-ins, and also instruct them on what to do next.

Sounds like a piece of cake right?

Well not for me.


Anyone out there with experience in making videos who would share their kind advice with a newbie?

I would love links to examples of people that you think did a great job, in passing on short information, possibly from an identical project.

Roughly one hour after thread creation, and 10 attemps to make videos, here is the result:

After the first video, attempt two:

Third attempt, only had to shoot this video two times.

Fourth and final step
#build #courage #fiinaly #make #videos
  • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
    I turn a crappy Flip camera around on me, hit record, and start talking. Upload it to the server. Put the code on the page. Done.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by drewfioravanti View Post

      I turn a crappy Flip camera around on me, hit record, and start talking. Upload it to the server. Put the code on the page. Done.
      By all means, show me something ! - Any inspiration is inspiration!

      I've got a quite alright webcam with proper quality (records in 720p)

      Being from Denmark and not speaking English as a first language is kind of a challenge to me. Do you have the same problem?
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      • Profile picture of the author talfighel
        Originally Posted by Christian H View Post

        Being from Denmark and not speaking English as a first language is kind of a challenge to me. Do you have the same problem?
        Don't let this stop you from doing videos.

        I know that it may be scary at first but just do it.

        When you talk on video, make sure that you don't speak too fast because you do want people to understand what you are saying. Make a few videos and then see yourself talk. Just practice and you will master this in no time.

        Just because English is not your first language does not mean that you can not speak on video. You can do it. It might not be perfect but you should do it anyway.
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        • Profile picture of the author Christian H
          Originally Posted by talfighel View Post

          Don't let this stop you from doing videos.

          I know that it may be scary at first but just do it.

          When you talk on video, make sure that you don't speak too fast because you do want people to understand what you are saying. Make a few videos and then see yourself talk. Just practice and you will master this in no time.

          Just because English is not your first language does not mean that you can not speak on video. You can do it. It might not be perfect but you should do it anyway.
          Do you agree with the ''personal touch' theory leading to higher convesions?
          - Thought it would be a great question to answer in this thread, in case someone searches in a few years from now, sitting in the same spot.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrey Doichev
    You're like me arent you? You want everything to be perfect before it goes out. Don't make this mistake. You're not Frank Kern and don't have to be yet. Just be natural, make sure you look the part, get some good lighting and off you go

    Don't overstress it
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by Andrey Doichev View Post

      You're like me arent you? You want everything to be perfect before it goes out. Don't make this mistake. You're not Frank Kern and don't have to be yet. Just be natural, make sure you look the part, get some good lighting and off you go

      Don't overstress it
      Of course it has to be perfect! - I doubt it will be though.

      Do you recommend making a script beforehand or just go by the 'liver' as some people would put it?
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    I use video on my sales copy now (in addition to text) as well as continual video blogs. In a recent challenge we did, several people started using video blogs - imperfectly - and their traffic and viewers grew.

    Be natural - just talk.

    What I do is not have a script but a messy jotted down bulletpoint of stuff I want to make sure I hit on so that I'm not rambling on longer than necessary. A script is too obvious and personality is what will win them over
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by TiffanyDow View Post

      I use video on my sales copy now (in addition to text) as well as continual video blogs. In a recent challenge we did, several people started using video blogs - imperfectly - and their traffic and viewers grew.

      Be natural - just talk.

      What I do is not have a script but a messy jotted down bulletpoint of stuff I want to make sure I hit on so that I'm not rambling on longer than necessary. A script is too obvious and personality is what will win them over
      As you wrote your reply, I grapped the first piece of paper I saw and started writing down bulletpoint stuff myself.


      - To all of you: Thank you for your responses, keep the advice coming.

      Remember, you can't spell Learn without earn
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  • Profile picture of the author drewfioravanti
    I tried using a script at first but then I sounded robotic. Now I just get a general idea of what I want to say and go for it.

    It gets easier the more you do it. You beceome much more comfortable.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by drewfioravanti View Post

      I tried using a script at first but then I sounded robotic. Now I just get a general idea of what I want to say and go for it.

      It gets easier the more you do it. You beceome much more comfortable.
      I'll reherse myself a little bit and post my results later today in this thread. At the moment I'm having some issues with my microphone not recording my voice loud enough.
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian H
    Here's the end result:


    The video took me 10 attempts, after that I got comfortable about my own voice ect.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrey Doichev
    Hey Chris!

    Great stuff! I'd lower the boom to beneath your cheek so you can be heard more clearly and people can see your face

    Other than that - It's really good for your first ever video
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by Andrey Doichev View Post

      Hey Chris!

      Great stuff! I'd lower the boom to beneath your cheek so you can be heard more clearly and people can see your face

      Other than that - It's really good for your first ever video
      Cheers man! I'm very happy with the results. Never imagined it to be that easy
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Hi Christian,

      Congratulations on putting the tips into fast action and
      getting your sample video up.

      Just a little tip: Put end of the microphone in line with
      the tip of your nose to avoid the mic picking up the
      noises from your breath and certain letters (e.g. p's,
      b's, etc).

      Another tip regarding video. Try and imagine that your
      target subscriber is right in front of you (really picture
      and 'feel' them) and then just speak to them in a very
      relaxed and conversational way.

      Try and make your initial videos 2-minutes or less as
      people's attention spans online are very, very short.

      Good luck.

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
    A few tips I have from watching the video.

    1. Bring the camera a tad lower so you are even with it. (Imagine talking to a person your height, put the camera there)

    2. De-clutter the background so it's easier to focus on you. In the frame (what you see in the video) the door to the viewers left actually calls a lot of attention away from you. (remember, you want to be the focus so don't let the viewer to be distracted by things in the background)
    .
    3. Look at the camera. Keep looking at the camera. You are speaking to your leads/customers/followers so maintain "eye contact" with the camera so it seems more like you are talking to them.

    4. I like how you are flowing naturally and not appearing to read from a script. Keep that up!

    Congrats on overcoming your fear of video!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian H
    Thank you very much for your feedback Nate and Shaun, a special dedicated video response to the two of you:


    Troy Dooley is an MLM critic, he usualy has an american flag in the background, but I figured I could tape a sheet to the ceiling and that could act as a background.
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  • Profile picture of the author Igor Fridrihs
    Hey

    I have crossed one guy who is very keen to teach how to create videos. His name is Matthew McDonald. He gets plenty of training videos. Look at Video Master P.S. I am not affiliate
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Christian,

    Glad I could help.

    Your English sounds good to me and I encourage you to keep at it with the video creation.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      Hi Christian,

      The mic needs to be in line with the tip of your nose
      horizontally and vertically to be able to pick-up the
      sound well without popping, etc.

      On your second take video, I couldn't hear you very
      well when playing your video via my speakers so the
      mic needs to be closer to the center rather than off
      to the side.

      Good luck!

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Christian, I would advise losing the headset, and getting yourself a decent microphone.

    If you're going to be shooting videos often, grab some lights too.

    Here's the equipment that I use. (I do videos almost every day, and have been doing them for about 7 months)

    Video Marketing Isn't Complicated or Expensive. Here's The Equipment and Software I'm Using To Create My Videos
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    • Profile picture of the author bengirwb
      Great tips from Nate and John Romaine

      Have a lot of light, headphone mic is distracting.

      Your eyes wander a lot. You need to keep contact with the camera.

      If you are glancing at notes on the desk, put them on a board just below camera.

      Watch TV newscasts and notice that they use a lot of facial and hand gestures.

      You're improving with each session.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    Pick a topic that you're passionate about, it always comes over well on camera. Try and work to a script that's short and succinct that has a structure that flows. Your vids are looking good
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  • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
    The 2nd version looks a lot better. You did a great job of bringing the focus back to yourself with minor distractions.

    Honestly, I wouldn't even worry about the other things you mentioned in the background, the changes you made are a great improvement already.

    As Shaun mentioned, I would just work on the volume of your voice since it's pretty difficult to hear you in the 2nd version.
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian H
    Thank you very much for all of your replies.

    Here is my third video:

    The other videos I recorded about 10 times each, before I felt comfortable uploading them.

    This time, I did two takes, and was happy with the results.

    Any other feedback is most welcome (:
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  • Profile picture of the author SurrealPSD
    You got my vote mate, latest video a lot better. A nice even background will round it all off nicely
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by SurrealPSD View Post

      You got my vote mate, latest video a lot better. A nice even background will round it all off nicely

      Ducktape + sheet = Pleasing every single feedback.


      That was it, I'm extremely happy with the results.
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    • Profile picture of the author Pathway Insurance
      Video marketing is definitely a worthwhile investment and personalizes your marketing message... Two very important steps, Lighting and audio.

      Someone commented previously that you need to have lots of lights! Too much is bad! There are tons of YouTube videos that provide helpful information on proper lighting, watch those for tips.

      Light diffusers can help to soften the lights, you can build a DIY diffuser for less than $25 in some instances, bad audio can distract and the type of audio that you use depends on your camera equipment,you may be able to use a wireless mic, or a boom mic, what type of camera are you using?

      If you have $$$$ for a great camera there are a number of DSLR cameras That with good lighting and good audio shoot incredibly excellent video!
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      • Profile picture of the author Christian H
        Originally Posted by Pathway Insurance View Post

        Video marketing is definitely a worthwhile investment and personalizes your marketing message... Two very important steps, Lighting and audio.

        Someone commented previously that you need to have lots of lights! Too much is bad! There are tons of YouTube videos that provide helpful information on proper lighting, watch those for tips.

        Light diffusers can help to soften the lights, you can build a DIY diffuser for less than $25 in some instances, bad audio can distract and the type of audio that you use depends on your camera equipment,you may be able to use a wireless mic, or a boom mic, what type of camera are you using?

        If you have $$$$ for a great camera there are a number of DSLR cameras That with good lighting and good audio shoot incredibly excellent video!
        I'm using a Microsoft HD LiveCam, it has a microphone built in to it.
        http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en...ifecam-hd-5000
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    • Profile picture of the author keyon
      Latest video much much better! I'm sure you can see now that the headset wasn't such a good idea! Don't forget that Americans are charmed by European accents. That alone will add crediblity to your message, Interestingly enough.
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      • Profile picture of the author Christian H
        Originally Posted by keyon View Post

        Latest video much much better! I'm sure you can see now that the headset wasn't such a good idea! Don't forget that Americans are charmed by European accents. That alone will add crediblity to your message, Interestingly enough.
        One of the reasons why I want to go to America - The girls love it :b
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    That last video isn't playing for me?
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by John Romaine View Post

      That last video isn't playing for me?
      I was probably a little too quick on posting my reply, the video was barely uploaded. Try again
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  • Profile picture of the author MatthewWoodward
    Congratulations - when I made my first video tutorial (tiered link building series) there was a lot of 'mental obstacles' to overcome for me to do that.

    Kudos sir!
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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    Hey Christian, congrats on taking the first step! I have some in detail content sent out to my list about creating high converting videos so click my sig link if that interests you.

    To sum up though videos are all about creating good value for the viewer so no need to worry about your pitch and stuff like that just deliver as much content as you can and then right at the end have a very short call to action to do whatever it is your most desired action (or outcome) of that particular video is.
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    • Profile picture of the author Drjoenjenga
      Congrats

      I also noted a Typo on your title...the word finally is written as fiinaly ..just correct it
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  • Profile picture of the author TheWillisTeam
    You videos are great, the best part you did it and took action. Way to go! I am doing the same thing now, was not easy to start! I am happy for you!
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    • Profile picture of the author Dburn
      It seems to me that whenever I make a video and just talk like I would normally... It comes out very boring. My advice would be to try to be really, really enthusiastic, then when you watch it back it will seem normal.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by TheWillisTeam View Post

      You videos are great, the best part you did it and took action. Way to go! I am doing the same thing now, was not easy to start! I am happy for you!
      I am happy that I could act as an inspiration for you!
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Ning Lo
    Your videos are great.

    You understood the trick, you just need to take action, get something out and then improve it.

    Check out some video marketing courses to improve.

    Andy Jenkins's products are great.

    Cheers,

    Gary
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by Gary Ning Lo View Post

      Your videos are great.

      You understood the trick, you just need to take action, get something out and then improve it.

      Check out some video marketing courses to improve.

      Andy Jenkins's products are great.

      Cheers,

      Gary
      You are absolutely right.
      I just downloaded Camtasia Studio 8, gonna start doing intro's ect for my future videos.
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  • Profile picture of the author attan
    Congratulations for taking the step and show yourself in front of the camera.
    I'd say they are very good also..

    The secret is the more you practice the better you get,
    and if there's some small errors in those, don't worry so much about to get them perfect, otherwise you won't get any video's uploaded.

    Your English is just fine so don't let that bother or stop you!

    I would also recommend to get that headset off especially if you hear your own voice while you're recording because you'll only get confused!

    So just keep em going and you will very soon see much better results.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christian H
      Originally Posted by attan View Post

      Congratulations for taking the step and show yourself in front of the camera.
      I'd say they are very good also..

      The secret is the more you practice the better you get,
      and if there's some small errors in those, don't worry so much about to get them perfect, otherwise you won't get any video's uploaded.

      Your English is just fine so don't let that bother or stop you!

      I would also recommend to get that headset off especially if you hear your own voice while you're recording because you'll only get confused!

      So just keep em going and you will very soon see much better results.
      Thanks buddy!
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  • Profile picture of the author attan
    Congratulations for taking the step and show yourself in front of the camera.
    I'd say they are very good also..

    The secret is the more you practice the better you get,
    and if there's some small errors in those, don't worry so much about to get them perfect, otherwise you won't get any video's uploaded.

    Your English is just fine so don't let that bother or stop you!

    I would also recommend to get that headset off especially if you hear your own voice while you're recording because you'll only get confused!

    So just keep em going and you will very soon see much better results.
    Signature
    ** [$1 WSO] Finally, A Newbie-Friendly Method That Makes You Daily Profits While You Build Your Email List For FREE..**
    Free Video on Youtube on how to optimize your videos for better ranking
    www.myimtips.com
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  • Profile picture of the author rleejr
    I see a lot of improvement in the final video that you posted! All thanks to the good advices above. I second the comment using bullet points and not an entire script. The last thing viewers would want to see is your lack of confidence since you needed a script. Try practicing in front of the mirror before you record. It let's you see how you deliver your messsage.

    I hope you can purchase a decent mic that way the sound quality would be awesome.

    Don't worry about your English. As long as we understand what you say, we'll focus on the content, it's what truly matters.

    Hope this helps!
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Get out of that chair!

      OMG, you are moving all over the place. Get a non wheely chair.

      Better without the head gear, but take a deep breath and don't be afraid to project yourself.

      and SMILE! Have a cocktail or something so you can relax. You are looking nervous.

      Put a picture of a friend up by the camera or something and pretend you are talking to them and it is a private/intimate conversation.

      Have a bullet list of what you are discussing.

      Don't be afraid to do like a bazillion takes.
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