Nearly three-fourths of the world’s mobile data traffic will be video by 2019, according to a new study by Cisco Systems. That’s a 13-fold increase between now and 2019, proving once again that video is a juggernaut. With so many of us gobbling up content on the go, it’s no surprise that video will be the medium of choice.
But how do you jump on the video bandwagon if you’re camera shy? What if you’re what I refer to as a “vidtrovert,” or video introvert?
First, know that you’re not alone. Most business owners are not all that comfortable on camera, even if they’re used to speaking in public. Talking into an iPhone, tablet or webcam is a completely different experience than speaking from the stage.
Here’s how to look like a pro on camera, even if you are a card-carrying vidtrovert:
- Get Over It – My colleague Ruth Sherman, a speech and performance coach who works with celebrities, CEOs and business owners, says if you’re camera shy, you just have to get over it! “Video marketing is a reality of business today, so you just have to do it. You’re a professional and you have to go to work. It’s part of your job now.”
- Focus on Your Content – When doing online video, your message is what matters. Stay on message and don’t get bogged down with the tech stuff. Viewers will forgive a small lapse in video quality as long as your content resonates with them.
- Enlist a Co-Host – Two heads are better than one and, when it comes to video, having a co-host can really take some of the pressure off. You’re on-camera partner doesn’t even need to be in the same time zone, let alone the same room. With Google Hangouts, Skype or Zoom.us, you can share your screen and share the responsibilities. Having a partner also is a great way to make your video more engaging (and less scary!).
- Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse – Like the old “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” joke, if you want to shine online, you just have to practice. There is simply no substitute for preparation. If the greatest actors and actresses in the world need to rehearse, shouldn’t we do the same?
- Drop Back and Punt – When all else fails, when the camera is not cooperating or when you just can’t muster the enthusiasm for an on-camera performance, you can always fall back on off-camera options. Whether it’s PowerPoint video, animation or screen-capture video, off-camera video can still be a powerful way to deliver your message.
Video marketing isn’t going away, so you can’t avoid the camera forever. At some point, you’ll need to be ready for your close-up. The sooner you suck it up and get it done, the better off your business will be. Just hit record and go for it!
Lou Bortone and Ruth Sherman will be teaching their popular “Video in a Day” online course on Friday, March 6. For details, visit http://www.videoinaday.com.
