The video craze that’s taken over society isn’t just for trendy dance moves or epic fails. Recorded media can be used as a sales tool on your website, emails, and social media. The best part is, you can do it yourself with the help of your smartphone camera. By investing some time and patience, you’ll be yelling “action” more often than “cut” as you get more comfortable with the process.
Julie Hansen, the founder of Performance Sales and Training, helps sellers deliver critical visionary content and actionable steps for virtual sales success. With her background as a professional actor, Julie keeps even the most seasoned pros engaged as she uses humor and improv to create a memorable event that inspires action. Here are some tips from Julie to get you started.
Make Friends with Your Camera
The camera picks up how you feel about it – and so will your audience. Spend a few minutes per day looking directly at your camera and having impromptu and planned conversations with it.
Don’t Confuse “Natural” with Comfortable
Acting “natural” (i.e., relaxed and comfortable) on-camera comes across as low-energy and lacking interest in your audience. Familiarize yourself with best practices, and you will have a greater sense of ease. Instead of naturalism, strive to present your best self with heightened energy and focus.
Eyes on the Camera
Improve your connection by focusing on the camera roughly 2/3 of the time. Do not focus on the other person’s picture - it will look like you’re not paying attention. Occasionally check their expression and body language but get right back to the camera.
Know Your Frame
Fill the camera frame with as much of your head and upper torso as allows. Keep your movements within that frame.
Lean Slightly Forward
Sit straight and lean forward approximately 15% to appear more engaged.
Remain an Even Distance from the Camera
Objects may appear larger than they are! Anything placed too close to the camera(like hands and faces) will appear disproportionately large.
Less Is More
Large, fast movements are distracting on-camera. Make slow, deliberate movements within your frame. Keep your energy and intensity high without increasing volume or pace.
Check Your Notes and Get Right Back to the Camera
You don’t have to have it all memorized! Use a teleprompter (practice!) or place your notes on a stand next to the camera. Get your point and then back to the camera.
Warm-Up
Doing a physical and vocal warm-up before your call reduces nerves, releases tension, and channels nervous energy into positive energy. Be sure to download Julie’s free warm-up tool.
Now that you’re comfortable in front of the camera, you’re ready to master the art of connecting with customers and increase your conversion rate through video. Tools like Vidyard are a great way to get started. Contact us if you want help getting started using the attention-grabbing power of video as a sales tool.
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