I shot this video to teach about Speaker Demo Reels and hawk my wares.

When I went to trim it, I noticed several things about this video. I thought about NOT posting it because of what I saw. However, I realized there's some valuable lessons in how much the details matter when you are shooting video.

I shot this with a Logitech Brio 4k computer camera, and a Samsung Q2U microphone. I shoot in my bedroom because there are two large windows and the natural light works best. (I do have lights, but I prefer natural if I can use it. Plus, setting up the lights to get them right is such a pain in the rear and I don't want to do it every time I shoot.)

I recorded this on Zoom because I have a pro level account through the National Speaker's Association and it's easy to use.

The video is 10 minutes long and there is a HUGE shift in the lighting. It starts in the bottom corner and you will see the sunlight grow into a big bright spot. Most of the day the sun is behind my house so there is...

 You Hate Being on Camera.

I get it.

Your nose looks funny. Your head does a weird side tilt thing when you talk that you didn't know it did. Your voice sounds shockingly different. You didn't know your office or your hair actually looked like that.

However, you KNOW you should be making videos. 

Or worse, you just paid a fortune for a videographer to create your demo reel and you hate all the footage they shot.

As an actor who has done a lot of commercials and some film, I so understand the cringe factor of watching yourself. An acting coach once gave me the advice, that I turned into a worksheet below, to help you.

First, remember we live in a world of glorious photo and video filters. I am so spoiled with using filters that a regular photo or video of me makes me want to dry heave. Here's the truth. You don't look like the filtered version of you. SORRY! But you can't expect to be on regular video and think the filtered you is going to show up. It's not. The regular video is w...

10 Tips for Improving Public Speaking Skills: Become a Confident Speaker

Public speaking is an essential skill that can significantly impact your personal and professional life. Whether you are delivering a speech, making a presentation, or speaking in front of a group, honing your public speaking skills will help you convey your message effectively. This article presents ten invaluable tips to help you become a confident speaker.

Understanding Public Speaking

Public speaking involves delivering a message to an audience, and it encompasses various elements including content, delivery, and engagement. Mastering public speaking skills can enhance your communication abilities and boost your confidence. As a speaker, you must be able to connect with your audience, adapt your message accordingly, and deliver it with clarity. Understanding the nuances of public speaking is the first step in improving your overall performance.

The Importance of Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking...

If you’ve been keeping an eye out for ways to make you appear better on your videos or virtual presentations, you’ll find this blog eye opening.

 (Two cheesy puns in the first sentence. No eye rolling allowed…)

 If you’ve been eyeing fancy equipment, elaborate editing or plastic surgery - start smaller. Much smaller. Focus on the eyes first.

 Why? Because the eyes don’t lie. On camera everything is amplified significantly. Which means the tiniest eye movement says a lot. Your audience on the other side of the lens can tell if you are uncomfortable, unprepared, or ready to divorce your significant other who just walked into the room.

Here's a Bird's Eye View of 7 Ways to Communicate Better Through Your Eyes On Camera

 1. Keep the Camera at Eye Level

 The camera lens should be equal or slightly higher than your eyes. Why? A few simple reasons, but the gist is it makes you look better.

 When you’re zooming on your laptop placed on your desk, we get to see up your nose, wrinkles o...