By Katherine Galliani
Filming around your office or putting employees or a CEO in front of a camera has many benefits for a business. It can allow your audience to get to know you better and eventually create more brand loyalty. However, you don’t just want to push someone in front of a camera without preparation. You want to give them a day or two to plan what this video will look like and how to act. Read more for some quick tips on filming a video for your business.
Attire
Unless otherwise stated, always dress professionally. This might include a suit, dress shirt, blazer, dress or blouse. If you are a service provider that uses uniforms, we suggest utilizing those. If you are doing a fun, relaxed video, for example, a “how-to” cooking video, you will want to dress down. Choose clothing that fits well and that you are comfortable in. Do not wear T-shirts with slogans, logos or distracting graphics on them.
Solid colors work well—opt for solid colors rather than busy patterns or stripes, as they can be distracting on camera. Choose colors that compliment your skin tone, and avoid wearing colors that may clash with the background or cause a color cast on camera.
Avoid overly trendy or flashy clothing. While it’s important to show your style, it’s generally best to avoid clothing that is too trendy or flashy. These styles can quickly become outdated or may distract viewers from your message. You want your video to stay relevant as long as possible.
Consider the colors and tones of the background you’ll be in front of. Choose clothing that contrasts with the background, making sure you don’t blend in or appear washed out.
Before going live or recording, test your outfit on camera to see how it appears. Lighting and camera settings can affect how colors and textures translate on screen, so adjust if necessary.
Makeup—if you wear makeup, opt for natural and well-blended makeup that enhances your features without being too heavy or distracting. The goal is to look polished and professional on camera. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone and blend it well for a seamless finish.
Only wear hats if it is part of a desired uniform. Glasses may create a “glare,” so do a video test before filming with them on. Do not wear sunglasses.
Speaking on Camera
Prepare talking points to keep you on track. Take some time to organize your thoughts and identify the key points you want to address. Jot down the main goals, challenges and expectations you have. This will help you stay focused and deliver your message concisely.
Decide if a teleprompter is an option and whether it will aid you in delivering a natural conversational tone and cadence on camera.
Remember to speak to your target audience in a way that will be interesting or entertaining to them. Consider their demographics, preferences, behaviors and pain points. The more you know about your target audience, the better you can deliver messaging and campaigns to reach and resonate with them effectively.
Be authentic and enthusiastic—let your passion for your business shine through. Be authentic in your communication and convey your excitement about working in your industry. Your enthusiasm can inspire them to be more invested in supporting your business.
Speak clearly; do not use words you are uncomfortable saying; do not swear or say anything that would offend the average person.
Speak a little louder than you typically would, especially if you are soft-spoken.
Practice multiple times before recording. This will help you refine your message, improve your delivery and feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Remember, It’s Not About You
This is a bit of a strange point, seeing as you’re the one who will be on camera. But when you think about it, the video you’re making isn’t really about you; it’s about your message. You’re sharing information with your audience.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about smiling at the lens, remember people won’t know how far out of your comfort zone you’re feeling—they’re tuning in to hear what you have to say.
If you need more help with video production, contact us today at tlcmarketingconsultants.com or call us at (913)904-2125!