As a coach, you wouldn’t let a player step on to the court for a game without warming up first. You must warm up before stepping in front of the camera too. You may feel nervous whether there is an audience or not, so regardless you must engage your supportive breath by warming up.
The first step is to connect to your breath.
Performing a speech live and recording one are two very different ball games. Each has its own challenges.
Once you have properly warmed up your breath, body and voice - you can hit that record button. However, you must know who you are talking to. Do you want to speak directly into the camera or do you want to seem as if you are talking to a room full of people? The best choice is to speak directly into the camera. It is more direct and personal at the same time.
Before you press record: practice your speech. On and off camera. You wouldn’t play the No. 1 team in the country if you hadn’t practiced first. It’s the same thing when giving a speech - practice, practice, practice. You may find yourself changing your speech as you practice -- that’s ok. It’s just like running through the scouting report for that No. 1 team - you might find out the key to scoring during the walk through. PRACTICE IS KEY!
If you are recording, you should have your speech memorized or placed on a teleprompter.
Working with a teleprompter can be very difficult and can make your recording dull or hard to watch. It is always worth the time to memorize your speech. If you are reading from a teleprompter, make sure you know your speech extremely well and … PRACTICE! You do not want your audience to know you are reading. You must engage with them as if you are speaking from memory.
If you are using a teleprompter - consider putting bullets down instead of the entire speech. A couple of bullets for each area of focus will help prompt you.
Body language is just as important in a recording as it is in real life. The camera picks up every small movement so make your movements count. Don’t be too eager. Don’t touch your face or hair. Keep your hands at your side. Feel your feet on the floor and work to connect to your supportive breath. You don’t want to look stiff. Find some ease, move your hands and most importantly -- smile.
To master your time behind the camera, practice, practice, practice. To warm up by running through the exercises for presenting confidently: click here
If you looking to work on your presentation skills, check out what Bee Young Comms offers in terms of training by clicking here. To discover more about Susanne McDonald, click here.
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