I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately from readers asking about my videos and how I do them.
Today I offer three tips for making your next video more engaging.
Enjoy, and yes, that is a real gong you hear near the end.
Click below to watch.
3 Tips for Engaging Videos
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, and tip #4 – good lighting. Try not to stand in the corner of your office at the end of the day!
I am glad you added the lighting comment, I was going to email you about it. (oh, wait, I just did).
Great tips.
Have a great weekend.
JW
Yeah, I know, pretty bad. I recorded at the end of the day (no natural light) and in a corner of my office, and frankly couldn’t tell how dark it was until i had edited it and uploaded it and saw it on a monitor (at which point I had to leave). Better lighting next time!
Mike. Love it. Props? Now that is interesting. I’ll have to chew on that. You need to move a light closer to you though. The lighting you had today, your face was too dark. I need to get a mike myself …
Yes, props make a huge difference, particularly when giving a live talk. Nothing like running behind the podium and pulling out a newspaper or baseball bat or whatever relevant to what you’re speaking about. I have yet to grab a live animal from back there but I hope to one day (a snake would be an attention-grabber!). You can just feel the audience perk up when you hold something in your hands!
RSVP – doubtful.
I will therefore eat your ice cream myself, Brad!
Mike,
What mike for your camera would you suggest ?
Thanks for all the great tips.
I found this helpful video clip, thanks to reader Jack Pignatello, who gently suggested back in January that my audio was miserable. I bought exactly what the guy in the video suggests: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVdJwqIK7GM
The only downside, I find, is that while the quality is very good, i wish i could raise the volume on the audio through the mic. It has an on/off switch, but no controls beyond that. But otherwise, highly recommended if you have an iphone.
When you leaned down to your mic to talk about it I could hear you better. And I’m glad you don’t use makeup. You don’t, do you?
Yes, no volume control, unfortunately.
Makeup? Do you think my head would shine like that? The last time i was on a tv interview, the makeup person used about a gallon of that spray on stuff just to dim the glare!
Michael, I look forward to each and every one of your emails. Your upbeat, personal and always funny stories are inspiring and very helpful. I participated in one of your seminars before and loved it. Your tip about the good microphone has hit home just as I am about to start shooting a series of Tips for Golf Fitness. Bob asked about the microphone you use. I would like to know what camera and mic you use.
Many thanks! Ken
I echo Ken’s comments about Michael’s stuff. It is great. At Katz’ recommendation I film my videos with an iPhone and download Reel Director. I am a golf fitness enthusiast and would love to see your videos.
Thanks very much Ken. I appreciate it. Check my answer to Bob above on the details. Good luck with the Golf Fitness shoots!
Mike, Been thinking of doing videos for a while — hope your tips will get me off the schneid. Useful and fun as always. And I like the scary lighting.
I like “off the schneid.” I have no idea what that actually means, but I intend to start using it.
(And believe me, the lighting would be even scarier if you got a good look at me.)
Schneidly yours,
Michael
And this weekend is when I was planning to do my first videos, Michael, so your timing once again is amazing! Now it will be fun. Thanks for the tips and for your ongoing generosity in helping us build our businesses. And I have the same question as Ken: what camera do you use, and what mic?
My pleasure, Joanne! Check my answer to Ken above on the details. Good luck on the video!
Great video. I need to share it with others because the video was informative, had humor, and was well organized. I see so many people reading a script which may be easier for them but they lose eye contact with their audience.
Thanks Ron. And yes, a little odd to be all perky and talking to a camera when you’re all alone (hint: lock your office door), but once you get over that it’s actually a lot of fun!
Loved your tips on better videos. I strongly agree with getting a good mic. I am using a sony bluetooth wireless for iphone video….just getting started, but testing reveals great audio. I would suggest, Mike, some better lighting so we can see your handsome face! Window light works great if available….or even a “clamp lamp” with 100 flood lamp projected through shower curtain liner can produce simulated window light….
Thanks for the tip, Mike. I have a really bright outdoor light we use to light up our ice skating rink in the winter. I’m going to try that (don’t’ tell my wife where the shower curtain went).
Great idea re: the props, Michael. But you really do need to improve the lighting on your face. I’m told you can get $20 lights from Home Depot that will do the trick. I think you need one on either side. Do you have any friends who work in TV? They should be able to advise.
Yes, time to light things up, Daphne!
Another thing you didn’t mention is the background (a.k.a. set). You have a wonderful background with your office and the penguin on the wall. I Skyped my sister and she helped me rearrange my office so it was presentable for both video and Skype calls. Though I really need a serious remodel.
Thanks Katherine. Yes, i love that wall penguin. It’s a stick on truck decal that I had made by a local place that does those. Very fun to have in my office!
Great idea about using skype to have someone help with the office too!
Sorry I’ll miss the ice cream fest once again. (Being out here on the Best Coast and all). You are a good guy and well deserve the second scoop! Thanks for all you do. – jb
Thanks Jeff and sorry you can’t make it! And I’d argue about which coast is the “Best,” but I’m pretty sure you’d win in about 10 seconds, so I won’t bother. Happy summer!
that was short and sweet and valuable. I gave it a 9.5. good job. I will implement all of your suggestions.
Excellent, thank you Monica. And make sure to read the lighting-related suggestions in the comments – very helpful stuff from your fellow readers!
I am sorry I will miss the ice cream and meeting you in person. Like everyone else I love your newsletters, video’s and great advice!
Thank you Melissa! Maybe next year…..
Michael
Love it! Great tips I will definitely need to implement in my next training videos. I can’t believe I was missing the obvious.
Your the BEST! Thanks.
My pleasure, Cindy! Good luck with the training videos.
Michael
This is one of my all time favorite Blue Penguin videos. Great energy, fabulous tips and I love your stuffed penguin!
Thank you! But what do you mean “stuffed?” He’s just quiet. (Given to me by a very good friend!)