| How to take your speaking skills to the world of | | | | energy and expression! |
| video and TV without losing a thing! "I can speak | | | | If this resonates with you, then take heart; all it |
| in front of a live audience just fine; I don't know | | | | takes is a change of mindset, and this vast |
| why I don't feel comfortable speaking on camera." | | | | wasteland of video or TV can be your new |
| If this sounds like you, you are not alone. About | | | | playground! You can still build a relationship with |
| 35 percent of the public speakers that that come | | | | your audience. In fact, the camera lens gives you |
| to me have this problem, and it shows. | | | | the opportunity to create an even more intimate |
| Discomfort like this will inhibit a speaker's ability to | | | | connection! |
| seem charismatic on camera even if they are | | | | Here's one approach to try: Think back on a |
| fantastic in person. | | | | special moment when you really connected with a |
| An example: One woman came to me with the | | | | client (or a student if that's more appropriate). |
| problem of looking expressionless in her web site | | | | Choose someone whose life you changed for the |
| video. Her energy level was so low on camera it | | | | better because of what you do. How did it feel |
| was going to be pretty tough to encourage | | | | when you helped them? How did they respond? |
| people to stay on her site for more than a few | | | | Did they show gratitude or feel peace? Were |
| seconds! Yet, this woman taught on stage at | | | | they elated? How did they look at that moment? |
| colleges and motivated classrooms of 100 | | | | How did they look at you? This exercise works |
| students all the time! | | | | best when specific, so choose only one person in |
| What's the problem here? | | | | the beginning. Spend some effort recreating this |
| For those who excel in speaking in from a stage, | | | | moment in your mind. |
| there is a relationship developed with the audience. | | | | Now, while that experience is fresh in your |
| They use a few common practices that let them | | | | memory, imagine that very person is on the |
| know the temperature of the room. For instance, | | | | other side of that camera lens. That lens is now |
| eye contact with audience members helps | | | | your tool to reach not only that specific person |
| estimate the energy level in the group, and verbal | | | | that you helped, but so many more just like |
| responses help to gauge how attentive the group | | | | them! Try delivering your message now and really |
| is at any given moment. Nothing feels better | | | | look into that camera to connect with them; |
| when you are presenting than to ask a question | | | | convince yourself that the lens is the ONLY way |
| and get the entire group agreeing with you! | | | | you can reach them. No other options. |
| Obviously, this major element of instant feedback | | | | It takes a bit of imagination, but it can be fun |
| is missing when working with a camera. The dark | | | | especially when you realize that you now have |
| lens does not smile back at you or nod in | | | | the ability to bring about change to a bigger |
| agreement. The barometer that so many | | | | audience than you could ever assemble live, and |
| speakers use to gauge their effectiveness is | | | | you can touch them all in a matter of seconds! |
| gone! It's understandable why there can be a | | | | The camera will go from being your enemy to |
| natural inclination to dislike this little round camera | | | | being the biggest asset in the building of your |
| lens that appears to be a black hole for your | | | | business. |