I'm A Video Virgin - Some Advice

16 replies
Hi Warriors

All these years I've remained a video virgin. I'm slightly apprehensive about doing videos, but know that it's essential for creating products quickly and interacting with subscribers.

One of my worries is that I'll clam up and the words won't flow. I've never been in a situation where I just have to talk and talk and talk.

I'll be doing screen capture videos, so will use powerpoint bullet points for prompts - but I'm still worried about it not flowing.

Of course practice will make perfect, but if you could provide any more tips for when using video then I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,
James
#advice #video #virgin
  • Profile picture of the author milan
    Just do it James. You'll see you have to try hard not to make it long
    If you're nervous, relax, get a beer, and try again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896069].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JamesPenn
      Originally Posted by milan View Post

      Just do it James. You'll see you have to try hard not to make it long
      If you're nervous, relax, get a beer, and try again.
      Get a beer? Excellent idea!

      Maybe not too many though otherwise I'll start slurring my words.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896079].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ragnartm
        Originally Posted by JamesPenn View Post

        Get a beer? Excellent idea!

        Maybe not too many though otherwise I'll start slurring my words.
        At least make sure you keep the count low enough to avoid ruining the computer and the camera
        Signature

        Ragnar.

        Quality over quantity. Hire me to write highly shareable, user focused blog posts or articles.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896086].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
        Originally Posted by JamesPenn View Post

        Get a beer? Excellent idea!

        Maybe not too many though otherwise I'll start slurring my words.
        I'm a little embarrassed to admit I occasionally partake with
        intent to lubricate the creative process. I wouldn't advise
        making a crutch of it though.

        You just gotta be willing to go on camera and be a dork.

        I sometimes write a punchy, tight script and record it -
        edit out the parts that suck, and make a video to it.
        I don't do a lot of screen-capture. When I do I just improvise -
        but if you mess up juts go back and do that part over while
        you are recording - easy to do while your gaff is fresh in
        your mind and you are on a roll.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896422].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Rich Struck
          Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

          You just gotta be willing to go on camera and be a dork.
          I think you hit the nail right on the head. I don't think people expect most Youtube videos to be professional quality so you can get away with a lot.
          Signature

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896913].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author JoshuaG
            I've done alot of a public speaking for a young pup and I can tell you 2 of the best things I've learned that you can do to help yourself.

            1)If you have any nervous energy you have to harness it. Use it to speak louder and make bigger body movements. People love presenters with energy and the power you get from the energy will make you feel more confident.

            2)Learn to adapt and don't be afraid to finish a sentence. If you start saying something and you think its not going to sound right you either have to find a way to prolong what your about to say (to give you time to think of something else) OR just say what you didnt want to say and then fix it up with your next sentence.

            They key is to keep your stream of thoughts clear, flowing, and open.
            Signature

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[897023].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    James, get a beer as long as you're 18 since you're in the UK, ha ha. If you were in the U.S., I'd say as long as you're 21, ha ha, funny the big difference in those laws.

    Anyway, as to your question, I think there is no formula or no magic words anyone can give you here, JUST DO IT, mate. The Nike motto, the American motto. Once you do it a few times you'll get the hang of it. It is as simple as that. Like my sales manager said when I was in sales, Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS). Well, that was his own version of KISS (sales people would know it's supposed to be Keep It Sweet and Simple), anyway. So there ya go.

    Also, I've never ever seen anyone slur their words when drunk, I think that's just in the movies...well maybe I have once or twice, but it's a rare thing to see or do, innit?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896097].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author happy_dayz
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896108].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
      Originally Posted by happy_dayz View Post

      check out eben pagan

      youtube search him or google him...

      and see his videos- he flows well, you feel like he is talking to you directly, he gets to the point and gives the information....

      check out the body language, tone and words he uses to market his products
      The guys shoots for hours and edits for usable content. You can
      do the same but you need to be attentive to lighting, sound, and
      so forth to keep it consistent. He is a polished presenter, but
      his stuff is taped together; even though it appears very casual
      and authentic the effect is calculated.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896426].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MavisAA
    Check out videoguy.com - you will be motivated and all your apprehensions will disappear. Like Nike - Just Do It!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896165].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Null-11
    Originally Posted by JamesPenn View Post

    Hi Warriors

    All these years I've remained a video virgin. I'm slightly apprehensive about doing videos, but know that it's essential for creating products quickly and interacting with subscribers.

    One of my worries is that I'll clam up and the words won't flow. I've never been in a situation where I just have to talk and talk and talk.

    I'll be doing screen capture videos, so will use powerpoint bullet points for prompts - but I'm still worried about it not flowing.

    Of course practice will make perfect, but if you could provide any more tips for when using video then I'd really appreciate it.

    Thanks,
    James
    Hey James,

    Sorry to burst your bubble, but the there's a 90% chance that you WONT like the final outcome. That's happened to me even with screencasts and when I did seem to get one perfect my dogs started barking or someone busted in and interrupted it.

    You should just settle for mediocre. If it gives the raw info you wanted to provide and presents it in a understandable manner POST IT ONLINE! Our biggest critic is ourselves. It's most likely that what you spend time worrying about won't even be noticed by your viewers.

    I'll admit, I've never filmed a video - I've done screencasts but no actually videos where I appear on camera. I had one planed out and was going to film it yesterday actually, but it got canceled because awful weather. And I was extremely nervous (and I still am). We've both just got to remember to loosen up and have fun with it.

    - Colin

    P.S. I'm serious when I say just have fun with it. You might want to check one of Frank Kern's videos out. Just know that there's a method behind his madness.

    P.P.S. I'll post back when I get my video done.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896463].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author The Pension Guy
    Free Online Videos - Show You How To Get Your Video Online
    I have learned a lot about the small tricky technical details of making videos from the guy at the link above (no affil!)
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896469].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ragnartm
    depends on your audience. If you're making a video promoting a product to movie producers, you should probably use weeks recording that first little video clip. If your audience is "average Joes" or "somewhat normal people" I wouldn't worry too much about quality or the occasional screw up. If you give them easy to understand quality content
    Signature

    Ragnar.

    Quality over quantity. Hire me to write highly shareable, user focused blog posts or articles.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896631].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Diver's
    hi James..

    My suggestion..

    1.get a simple script done, you'll be more focus and it easier do display related graphics in every sequence..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896638].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Asher
    Hi James,

    I say - go for it!

    The fastest way to learn is to actually do it.
    Once I went that route... I never went back =)

    Asher
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[896887].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JamesPenn
    Thanks everyone for your replies.

    I guess I just have to do it. I suppose I can always edit it, or try again.

    I'll get onto it.

    Thanks,
    James
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[900612].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Irene Houston
    All good information here re: writing a script etc. Another useful product you could try, especially if you have a lot of information to remember is a Teleprompter try Prompt for free light version.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[900917].message }}

Trending Topics