10 Video Insider Secrets To Performing In Front Of A Camera

1. If you have to sit on a chair, sit on the very edge of it.

When you sit "normally" on a chair, your body look awkward on video - either slouched, or "gut bustingly" forward. When you sit on the edge, your posture is much better. If you're wearing a sports jacket, tuck the lower part under you - it will make it look 100% better.

2. Practice smiling.

When the camera starts rolling, you tend to think about what you're going to say, how you're going to say it, and how it will be heard by the audience. Remember, they're watching too! Don't forget facial expressions.

3. Talk "through" the camera, not "to" the camera.

Pick a spot behind the camera, and talk to it. This will cause your voice to project, and will shift your focus away from all the gear in front of you.

4. Pause before and after what you're going to do/say.

There's almost nothing worse than editing a video with a great dialog that ends with "how was that?" immediately after the subject finishes their lines. A s simple pause will allow anyone editing the video to have space to work with. Just remember to "end on a smile."

5. Remember the 3 R's

Recite, Rehearse, Record. Say your lines to yourself, practice it once or twice in front of the camera, then go for the real thing. (As a side note, I tend to record the rehearsal parts - from time to time, the first take is the best one!)

6. Clap your hands vigerously 10 times before the shoot.

This awakens your senses, raises your awareness, and gets your energy flowing. It will make you mentally sharper, and ready for your video shoot.

7. Stretch before the shoot.

Remember, you're not a robot - don't act like one in front of the video camera. Loosen up a bit before you do the shoot. It will cause your body not to tense up when you're focused on your lines.

8. Have a bottle of water close by.

Rarely does someone go in front of a camera, and "get it" on the first take. More often than not, it takes 4 or 5 shoots to get it done right. During this time, you'll be talking a lot - and you will get thirsty. Best to plan ahead and have some water on the ready.

9. Have a realistic time schedule for the shoot.

Don't think to yourself, "Hey, I'll just knock this video out in 10 mintues", or "We'll block out the entire afternoon for the video shoot." Don't fool yourself. Most website video shoots will take about 3 hours, including set up and take down of the set/lights. Giving yourself a time limit will cause you to remain professional during the shoot.

10. Have fun with the video shoot.

Your body language is amplified on video. There are people in the world who make their living analyzing such body language. If you're having fun shooting the video, it will translate to positive body language, which is a good thing for your audience.

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