Whether you’re considering a video to promote your business or you want to be the next YouTube influencer, here are 6 quick rules you should keep in mind before you get in front of the camera.

6 Insider Rules You Need Before Appearing On Camera

Are you about to make a video, but wish you knew a few insider tips? 

Whether you’re considering a video to promote your business or you want to be the next YouTube influencer—we’ve got you!

Here are 6 quick rules you should keep in mind before you get in front of the camera.

1. Let Your Personality Shine. 

Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.” He has a good point here. There is nothing more off-putting to an audience than someone trying to be someone they’re not. It comes across as disingenuous and just plain wrong. 

Showcase your true personality. Whether you are weird, quirky, offbeat, colorful, artistic, cool, smooth, or whatever is authentically you—show it off. 

2. Show. Don’t Tell.

Video is a visual medium and the images tell the story as much as the words, if not more so. It’s important to show more than just you talking to a camera in your office. Well-planned b-roll and quick cuts help visually represent yourself and the company.

3. Cut Your Words By Half—Or More!

Do you suffer from logorrhea—excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness? If so, ask for help! You only have a matter of seconds to capture your audience’s attention, so it’s essential to tell your story simply and concisely. Start out with something captivating, funny, unexpected, or a hot pop of music. You need something to make your viewers perk-up and focus.

4. Avoid Big Words. 

Did we just say logorrhea? Unless you’re at the National Spelling Bee finals, this word should never be spoken on-camera. Don’t assume your audience will understand big vocabulary or your industry words. Keep what you say simple and plain and you’ll sound more natural.

5. Be Aware of Time.

Most videos should be between 30-seconds and 2-minutes at most. Go longer and you’ll probably lose your audience. With a little work, any story you can tell in 5 minutes, you could probably tell better in 30 seconds. Try it. Tell your story on camera. Then try to do it in 30 seconds, and then 20, 15, 10 seconds. Get to its core. 

6. Consider A Series.

Okay, okay, okay. Sometimes there’s a lot of information to share. But put yourself in your audiences’ shoes. Would you want to listen to you go on-and-on for 30 minutes straight? Instead of making one long video, make a series. Give each video a particular focus. 

Have Fun!

Enjoy the process. Remember, the goal of any video is not to sell or get more “likes”, but to get your audience curious and engaged enough to take the next step in a more committed relationship with you or your brand.  

Let us know if you need our help crafting an emotional video that showcases the good you do!