No Scripts, Teleprompters in Our Video Production

Okay, so let’s get this out of the way first.

Watch this video…
 

 
Let’s get something straight – I’m not making any political statements here.

I am, however, siding with Jon Stewart on the fact that a podium and dual teleprompters are probably not entirely necessary for an address to a 6th grade classroom.

In the same way, what I call “reading eyes” have no place in online video either.  The best online video feels real; it makes the viewer feel as though he’s getting to see and hear something that isn’t a polished marketing message, i.e. something BELIEVABLE.

Here are some tips I often share with our subjects when they’re on camera…

1. Trash the script.  Time and time again the script just gets in the way of you sharing what you REALLY want to say.
2. Go with bullet points instead.  Or, think of them as sign posts.  Sure, you have certain things that must be said, but fill the rest in with whatever comes to mind.
3. If you catch yourself saying something you wouldn’t normally say, it’s probably because you’re trying to sound like the script or like someone else.  You need to say things the way YOU would say them.
4. Stop thinking so much!  I can always tell when subjects are thinking about every word they’re saying.  They have those “reading eyes” even though they’re not reading.  Most of us don’t think about each word or phrase we’re saying when we’re in normal conversation.  We just let it flow. Your speaking for online video should flow as if you are sitting across the table having coffee with your viewer.

So imagine the camera is in its underwear and relax.  And, of course, if you need a little help along the way feel free to talk to your favorite Indianapolis video production team at 12 Stars.  We’ll help you keep it real!

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