Many people speak to cameras for work, business or to communicate with their friends. Making videos is easy, but developing the skills to speak to a camera can take practice. With a few tips, planning, and a little practice, you can improve your method of speaking to a camera.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Practicing with a Camera
Step 1. Practice speaking in front of the camera
Try to get used to talking to the camera. Being able to do it multiple times will give you a basic experience and a certain level of comfort.
In the beginning, don't worry too much about small details; just take some time to get the experience of speaking to a camera
Step 2. Record yourself
Record yourself practicing so you can play it back so you know how you look and sound. Try to speak using your normal voice.
Step 3. Pretend you are talking to a friend
Look into the camera lens and pretend it's your best friend. Try to forget who could see the video and think that your best friend sees it.
Thinking about you talking to a friend can make the video affectionate and relaxed
Step 4. Upload your practice videos to the Internet
Upload some practice videos to YouTube or another online video platform. Tell the audience that these are videos where you practice speaking to a camera and ask them for advice.
- Some criticism can be harsh, but focus on constructive comments.
- Over time, you will become more comfortable speaking on camera, posting videos, and receiving comments.
Part 2 of 3: Crafting Your Speech
Step 1. Plan your speech
Think about what you are going to say and outline the main ideas. You don't need to have a complete script, but it will help to have a plan in place to make sure you cover the main points.
Planning the order of ideas will make your speech clearer and will help you with nerves
Step 2. Use simple language
Avoid words that most people don't know, including long and unusual words and those specific to your area of work or expertise.
- If the topic you are talking about has a lot of jargon or internal language, use everyday language.
- Avoid using acronyms or nicknames.
- Instead of using the word "website optimization", opt for "make your website work well."
Step 3. Articulate properly
The murmurs cannot be understood well, and the viewer may stop watching the video. Pronounce words clearly and properly. If you don't know how to say a word, look it up or don't say it at all.
Step 4. Speak slowly
Many people talk too fast when they get nervous. Make sure you speak slowly enough that your audience can follow your ideas.
Step 5. Choose short and clear sentences
Short sentences are easy to pronounce and understand. If it takes a long time to complete a sentence, the viewer may lose your point of view.
- Use each sentence to convey a brief idea.
- Long sentences are difficult to pronounce because you can get out of breath. On the contrary, shorter ones will make your speech seem more natural.
- People who watch videos could be doing other things, like having lunch. So keep your ideas short and clear to keep their attention.
Step 6. Breathe first
Before you start speaking, take a deep breath. This will calm you down and help you breathe more naturally as you speak.
Part 3 of 3: Look Good When You Speak
Step 1. Make eye contact
Look into the camera lens to make eye contact with the audience. This will help you connect with your viewers.
- Feel free to look away from the camera to draw attention and make your video feel natural.
- Look at other people in the video if there are any to draw attention to them when they speak.
- Look at the objects you are talking about. If you are holding or displaying a product, look at the object as you talk about it.
Step 2. Choose a fund
Make sure you are standing in front of a background that looks good. Make sure you choose a clean, non-distracting background.
- The background must be static. If there are moving things behind you, they will distract your viewers.
- The background can convey a scenario. For example, a bookcase located behind you will be more of an interesting and important sight than a blank wall and without being too distracting.
Step 3. Dress appropriately
Wear clothes that match the topic you are talking about and the purpose of the video.
- If the video is related to a business theme, the clothes you should wear would be what you would wear to do business.
- For a friendly video about making new friends, opt for clothes that you would wear when hanging out with friends.
- Avoid wearing distracting clothing such as incompatible colors or intricate patterns.
Step 4. Use body language
Keep in mind that the way you position your body and arms can make a big difference.
- Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back to convey confidence and assurance.
- Keep your balance. Don't shift your weight from side to side or make fidgety movements.
- Use hand gestures to direct the viewer's attention or to convey emotion and emphasis.
- Keep your hands visible. Avoid putting your hands in your pockets or behind your back, as this can make you look nervous or unreliable.