Never Be Scared On Camera again!

Hey there, friendly folk :)
I’m glad you’re joining in today!! It’s gonna be a doozy.

Today's blog came about because I wanted to share three scripting techniques for entrepreneurs who are beginners to making video to feel a lot more comfortable on camera.
Even more than just comfortable, I wanted you to get the best *natural* speaking footage that shows you as a confident expert (even when you feel nervous).

I’ve had plenty of clients assure me that preparation for their video shoot wasn't necessary.  They'd swear that they knew their material and had it down pat. 

“I could talk about this in my sleep”   They say.
And they did!  Until the camera started rolling. 

So without further explanation, lets talk about scripting for nervous beginners & intermediate entrepreneurs that still want great footage.

Scripting is when you write out the words or ideas that you want to get across in your video.
​Have you ever gotten to filming day and felt like you’re completely unprepared?

I can’t tell you how many times people I've worked with have said that they wanted to script their own video only to arrive frazzled because they are trying to memorize something they’ve written out the night before.

Most were not used to being filmed  and couldn’t predict just how stressful the experience was going to be.

Don’t get me wrong I’ve worked with professional actors who have spent years training to memorize hours of scripted text and, even they will produce some memorable outtakes.

For those with less experience in front of the camera. I am here to ease your stress.
So before you have to look deep into the abyss of the dark lens let me show you 3 types of scripting that will ease filming day woes.

1  Full script and read from a teleprompter:
If you’re already a great speech writer and confident reading out loud and can remain natural while doing so this can be a great way to go.

As I’ve seen from footage or testimonials that I’ve had to edit into sizzle reels, this technique isn’t for everyone.
If you looks like you’re reading with no personality and no emotion, your video isn’t engaging and frankly…quite boring.

In my experience…leave this technique for those that do it all of the time. It takes practice to build the skill to relay personality while reading.

The next 2 scripting techniques are how I get most of the footage with my clients.

2.  Create an outline with talking points and put it on a prompter.
The majority of my clients are often comfortable speaking on a stage so they have their concepts prepared ahead of time and usually they just need the outline to make sure that they cover everything  they want to say.

This technique is especially successful for speakers or educators with years of being in front of an audience.

And Lastly

3. Use *Off Camera Questions* To engage You in natural conversation.
For those that have a special unease around being on camera this works wonderfully.

To do this questions are prepared in advance.  Questions that inspire informational conversation that positions you as an expert.
I basically work backwards from the points we want to make, asking questions around those points and allowing the person in front of the  camera to ease gently into conversation.

Side Note: This requires a little more in the editing process as we then go in and remove the voice of the person asking the questions off camera, leaving only the information you need.

There you have it.

3 different ways to script your video depending on your skill and comfort level in front of the camera.

Try each one out!
Practice with your smart phone to see which technique looks and feels the most natural. You can even share your best one with close social media friends and get their feedback.

Have fun with it!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don’t miss all the other ways to prepare and plan for video that gives you results.

Enjoy your day!

CP~