Welcome back.
In the last blog I discussed the particular challenges of presenting on camera, with ways to overcome some of these challenges.
In this second part I provide some more general, practical pointers to improve your presentation skills. It is best to discuss these points with the director or videographer to see whether they apply to your specific production. These are some good general guidelines that will work in most situations.
- Avoid wearing clothes with complex patterns, stripes, black or very bright orangey reds. For specific reason why check out the 'Further Reading' for some great online articles on dressing for camera.
- Also, wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. If you are standing and no one will see your feet, then wear a pair of comfortable runners. You might be standing for a while!
- If it is going to be a long day make sure to take plenty of breaks. Jump around and try to keep yourself loose and relaxed.
- Drink lots of water
- When presenting it's always good to stand tall and straight. It helps with the breathing.
- Whether male or female it makes it easier if you wear shirts with a collar, or a jacket so that the audio recordist can have a place to attach the lapel mic. Avoid wearing jewellery around your neck, it can get in the way. The audio cables are usually hidden inside your jacket or shirt. For this reason it is better to avoid dresses. If the microphone is wireless you will still need somewhere to hide the transmitter, generally clipped to the back of your pants or skirt.
- It helps to have camera ready makeup. Camera ready makeup is a specialised area and really does require a makeup artist with experience working in front of the camera. It's not just about looking good on camera, it is also about looking consistent when you are shooting several takes over two to three hours. Check out the 'Further Reading' for more specific information on camera ready makeup.
- Mouth exercises before any interview or presentation can really help you get into the zone. Check out the links in the 'Further Reading' for some great videos on mouth exercises.
- If the option is available try to do the interview or presentation somewhere familiar, such as at your house or around your office. If you're familiar with your environment then you're more likely to feel at ease.
- Be aware of difficult words and if they are words that you don't usually use then maybe replace with an equivalent set of words you would feel more comfortable saying.
- If you need to move around as you present it helps to mark the ground so that you hit your mark and rehearse your steps to be sure you and the videographer know where you have to be at specific points of the presentation. This is called blocking. With blocking you rehearse the steps only and not the presentation itself so as to keep the presentation as fresh as possible once camera is rolling.
Hope you have found these few pointers useful. Make sure to read the further reading for more information on what I have discussed. There's some great information there. And, feel free to contact us if you have any question about filming your next event.
FURTHER READING/WATCHING.
On Presenting
Presentation Tips. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
How Do You Prepare for Presentations? INSTIGATOR BLOG
How to give a presentation: 10 tips to move your audience. THE GUARDIAN
On Makeup
10 Expert Tips for Getting Camera Ready, M3 MAKEUP LLC
Dressing for camera
Dressing for the camera. WISTIA
What to Wear (and Avoid!) When Presenting On Camera. ENVATO TUTS+
Mouth Exercises
How to Improve Your Voice for Presentations, BRITISH COUNCIL WORLDWIDE
Exercises to Warm up your Voice before a Speech, VIRTUAL SPEECH
General references about presenting. (Most of these are on public speak but great material for inspiring great talks.)
Before Public Speaking ... TED TALKS
