The Chinese proverb says a picture is worth a thousand words. IMAGINE how many words a video is worth.
For years I've been saying that speakers will need broadcasting skills. Well, the future is now. Recently, I was asked to do a live stream webinar to sales teams across the country. I've also been coaching a senior executive on her internal quarterly webcasts. And I predict there will be more requests for employees and entrepreneurs to do video presentations.
Video is a powerful medium for getting your message across.
Video use is skyrocketing.
- YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google.
- Close to 80% of people watch online videos at least once a week. (Online-publishers.org)
- Videos in emails can double the rate of response. (Getresponse.com)
- Videos are shared 12x more than links and text combined. (B2Bmarketing.net)
- Online video viewing increased by 38% between May 2011 and May 2012. (Comscore)
So we know video works. But it can work against you if you don't know how to present on camera. Here's how to get your ideas across on video:
- Keep it Brief. Don't put your entire presentation on video. Edit and display video segments.
- Speak in sound bites. It will make the editing process easier. Sound bites are memorable.
- Make an eye connection. If you are broadcasting to a remote audience, look directly at the camera. Your viewer should feel as if you're talking just to them. Have a conversation. If you are videotaping your presentation, look at your live audience.
- Light it up. You can buy a special lamp for your desk that will provide softer lighting and make you look more professional. (Harsh lighting can make you look ghastly.)
- Use a microphone. You can purchase inexpensive clip-on mics which amplify your voice and cut down on background noise.
- Content matters. Provide value for your listeners. If your content is compelling, they will want to hear what you say. Speak in terms of their self-interests.
- Let video tell your story. Video provides a consistent message to a wider audience.
Whether you're communicating virtually, selling a service or product, or giving internal webcasts, when video is done well, it is one of the best ways to get your message heard.