Don’t let your discomfort become a distraction.
Oftentimes, we interview people on camera playing the role of “hosts.” These interviews are not conducted traditionally with off-the-cuff responses from those in front of the camera. Because they’re not responding to questions, they recite scripted lines they memorized. But they aren’t actors. In fact, a lot of the time, they’ve only reviewed those lines to a certain extent before the video shoot. It can be difficult for them to talk through it in a way that feels natural.
Well, of course, why not get a teleprompter or find a way for the person on camera to read the lines?
First of all, you could rent a teleprompter, but that’s expensive. Second, you could purchase some equipment online and create a sort of do-it-yourself teleprompter. However, that involves spending more money and requires more people to make the interview flow smoothly. Even then, reading off a teleprompter and doing so naturally is not as easy as people think. There’s certainly an art to it. Providing the person on camera with a teleprompter doesn’t automatically mean they’re going to come off as authentic.
Whether you’re the person in front of the camera, behind it or the one overseeing the project, there are ways to become more authentic and genuine without the speaker appearing like a deer in headlights.
Don’t hold your script. The first issue with this is any professional microphone will pick up on even the slightest rustling of papers. In addition, you don’t want to be looking down as you read your script while on camera. You’re supposed to be the expert on the subject of the video. You know this topic like the back of your hand. People will question why you’re referencing notes when you’re supposed to be speaking with authenticity and confidence.
Don’t try to tape your script to the camera or somewhere behind it. We’ve seen people attempt this before, but it’s still obvious you’re reading something. There’s nothing wrong with having a script nearby for reference, but reading off it in your hands or somewhere nearby doesn’t seem genuine.
Talk slowly. People are already a little uncomfortable when speaking on camera. Just like when giving a speech or presentation, people tend to speak faster out of nerves. Avoid talking fast, especially when going over a new topic that people may need more time to comprehend. You want to make sure your audience can clearly understand each of your words. Take your time and slow down. No matter how uncomfortable being in front of a lens can be for you, don’t make it a race to get to the end of what you have to say.
Add some oomph. It’s important to speak with charisma and enthusiasm. Emphasize certain words. Take advantage of dramatic pause. Give your words a punch. That’s how we speak naturally. But once we get on camera, we begin to speak robotically and monotone. Become comfortable enough with your script to know which words need an extra punch or need to be accentuated.
React to others. If there’s more than one host on camera, it’s good to look at them, too. Don’t feel the need to stare solely into the lens for the duration of the video. It’s natural to turn and listen to the other person as he or she speaks. It’s awkward when the other person is speaking and you’re staring into the camera. Feel free to nod your head as well to show you agree with their words. Body language is always helpful.
Pay attention to your eyes. Even when people have memorized a script, they often feel too awkward to actually look at the camera. Their eyes dart to something or somebody else in the room. This is distracting. So make sure when you keep all these tips in mind, you actually look at the lens. Don’t let your discomfort become a distraction.
Try not to stumble or allow awkward pauses. Don’t hesitate to repeatedly mention that someone is stumbling on camera, even if you think it will embarrass them. Don’t accept a delivery that is less than smooth. Someone at the location must be able to step up and explain that you need to shoot another take.
Keep it simple. The end goal is to come off as authentic and genuine. When you write a script for the person on camera, don’t make it convoluted and lengthy. Especially if they’re not accustomed to being on camera, they definitely don’t need the extra challenge of grappling with a confusing script. Keep the script short and sweet. The idea is for the speaker to actually be able to remember the script. Complex sentences won’t make that easy.
Don’t forget visuals can always be added to the video to emphasize what your speaker is saying. If the video is 30 seconds, don’t make your speaker memorize a script that’s 30 seconds long. The video will fill in any gaps.
Don’t give up. It’s easy to get frustrated and bogged down on everything that’s not working while on camera. Being on camera is understandably nerve-racking, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue on. Keep trying. After a few tries, you will get it down. Even if it never feels perfectly natural, the more takes you go through, the easier it will get.
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