How to Talk to a Camera

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Many people talk to cameras for work, business, or to communicate with friends. Making videos is easy to do, but developing skills for talking to a camera can take practise. With a few tips, some thought about how to plan your video, and a little bit of practise you can improve your on-camera talking.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Practising With a Camera

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    Just try to get used to speaking to the camera. Having a chance to do this a bunch of times will give you some basic experience and level of comfort.
    • Don't worry too much about the small details at first, just get some time talking to the camera under your belt.
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    Record yourself practising so that you can play it back and see how you look and sound. [1] Try to speak in your normal speaking voice.
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    Look into the camera lens and pretend it is your best friend. Try to forget about who might watch the video and think about your best friend watching.
    • Thinking about talking to a friend can make your video warmer and more relaxed.
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    Put a few practise videos on YouTube or another online video site. Tell the audience that they are videos of you practising speaking to a camera and ask for advice from viewers. [2]
    • Some critiques may be tough but focus on constructive comments.
    • Over time you will get more comfortable with the process of speaking to the camera, posting videos, and getting feedback.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Crafting Your Speech

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    Think about what you are going to say and make an outline of the main ideas. You don't need a complete script but it helps to have a plan to make sure you cover the main points.
    • Planning the order of ideas will make your speech clearer and help with nerves.
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    Avoid words that most people don't know including long and unusual words and words that are specific to your area of work or expertise. [3]
    • If the subject you are talking about has a lot of jargon or insider language, try to use everyday language instead.
    • Avoid acronyms or nicknames.
    • Instead of "website optimization," say "making your website work well."
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    Enunciate properly . Mumbling people can't be well understood, and the video-watcher might even stop watching your video. [4] Pronounce the words clearly and correctly. If you're not sure how to say a word, either look it up or don't say it at all.
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    Many people talk too fast when they become nervous. Make sure to talk slowly enough that your audience can follow your ideas. [5]
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    Short sentences are both easier to say and easier to understand. If it takes a long time for you to complete a sentence, your viewer may lose track of your point. [6]
    • Use each sentence to convey one brief idea.
    • Longer sentences are hard to say because you may run out of breath. Shorter sentences will make your speech seem more natural.
    • People watching videos may be doing other things, like eating lunch. Keep your ideas short and clear to hold attention.
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    Before you begin talking take a few deep breaths. [7] This will calm your nerves and help you breathe more naturally as you speak.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Looking Great While Talking

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    Look into the camera lens so that you will make eye contact with your audience. This will help you connect with your viewers.
    • Feel free to look away from the camera to direct attention and make your video feel natural.
    • Look at other people in the video, if there are any, to direct attention to them when they are speaking.
    • Look at objects you are discussing. If you are holding or showing off a product, look at the object while speaking about it.
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    Make sure you are standing in front of a background that looks good. Pick a background that is clean and not distracting.
    • The background should be static. If things behind you are moving around it will be distracting.
    • The background can convey a setting. A bookshelf behind you will be more interesting and important looking than a blank wall without being too distracting.
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    Wear clothes that match with the subject you are talking about and the purpose of your video.
    • If your video is business related, wear the clothes you would wear when doing business.
    • For a friendly video about making new friends, wear the clothes you would wear when hanging out with friends.
    • Avoid any clothes that are distracting such as clashing colors or complicated patterns.
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    How you hold your body and arms can make a big difference.
    • Stand up straight and hold your shoulders back to look reliable and confident.
    • Stay balanced. Don't shift your weight from side to side or fidget.
    • Gesture with your hands to direct the viewer's attention, or to convey emotion and emphasis.
    • Keep your hands visible. Putting your hands in your pockets or behind your back might make you look nervous or untrustworthy.
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      References

      1. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
      2. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/tjwalker/2012/02/16/how-do-i-get-comfortable-and-more-confident-in-front-of-the-camera-for-my-video-segments/
      3. ↑ http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/tip-9-for-making-great-video-how-to-talk-on-camera/
      4. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
      5. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
      6. ↑ http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/tip-9-for-making-great-video-how-to-talk-on-camera/
      7. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.

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