Here are 5 ways to get over your fear of creating Video Content
The reality is that video content isn’t going anywhere, it is here to stay, and that can be confronting for those of us who were born before the selfie generation. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t like seeing or hearing ourselves on camera. With an almost entrenched culture in Australia of self-depreciation and it’s no small miracle, to bust through the conditioning to tell your story in a way that is engaging and non confronting.
I too have been here before and like many things, in business, and in life I have found that the best way to overcome it is to jump in boots and all, so here it goes.
Step 1: Get a Decent Setup
If you are concerned about how you look and sound on camera, start by making sure that you have the equipment required to keep it simple and easy.
Personally, in my kit, I use the following:
- The Mevo live streaming camera, which you can order here. Why? Because it is intuitive and user-friendly and makes it easy to film by myself or with someone. It also either live streams or saves as a HD file for easy editing.
- Lapel Mike – I use the Vidpro XM-L Lavalier Condensor Microphone for Cameras and Smartphones, which you can get here. Why? Because it has a nice long cord to simplify things, and again is plug and play.
- Shotgun Mike – I use the Rode VideoMic Me Directional Microphone for Smart Phones.
- Green Screen – I use the Studio Soft Box Continuous Lighting 3x6m GREEN Screen Backdrop Stand KIT
- LED Lights – I use 2Pcs VILTROX LED-160S Bi-Color Dimmable Studio LED Video Light + Light Stand
Step 2: Learn How to Use it
- Either get one on one coaching from a pro or do a class. Whilst YouTube is your friend and will teach you everything you need, the reality is the more comfortable you are with the equipment the easier your life will be.
- There are some great tips regards sound and lighting in the previous step.
Step 3: Practice in a Safe Environment
- Going live is not for the faint-hearted, so start off by getting comfortable in front of the camera and with the equipment. Some of this is easiest done by playing with your kids, if you have any. If not, borrow someone else’s and conduct some interview style vox pops. Kids really do say the darndest things and filming in a discussion will prepare you well for the best type of live streaming. Try getting some friends together and doing some informal video chats over lunch.
- Film a video a day for 10 days or film once a week for 12 weeks. Get used to allocating the time and thinking about topics.
Step 4: Have your Video Kit Set up all the Time
You are much more likely to find 5 minutes to film a live video if you don’t have to put everything together. Dedicate a corner of your office or your house. Find a favourite spot and leave things set up. This gives you consistency of backdrop and removes a lot of the headaches.
Step 5: Brainstorm your Video Topics
- Who do you want to talk to?
- What is interesting to them?
- Who can you rope in to have a conversation?
- What are the top 20 things people ask you all the time?
Bonus Tips
- Scripts are not your friend. Stick to bullet points and keep it as simple as possible.
- Stick to topics you know well or are passionate about as it means you will come over as natural and authentic.
- Don’t try to cover everything in one video and remember the first 3 seconds are crucial.
86% of global internet traffic is going to originate from video content by 2020 and 38% of brand recall is driven by video impressions shorter than 2 seconds, so think about how to make sure your brand is at the front and centre.
