Ditch the Script: How to Master The Art of Being Yourself On Camera

Listen to this post as a podcast so you can listen in your car driving to your next appointment. (Right Click to 'Save As' MP3)

When we first started our social media marketing company - it was incredibly difficult to convince clients to be on YouTube or send video to their database. We'd show up to shoot a video and the client would not prepare - so before we went on the appointment we'd type up what we wanted the client to say. Then, we'd hold the sheet of paper behind the camera and they would read it. It would take about 5 minutes to shoot both educational videos, so our client was happy - and to be honest, it worked well. An article backed up the video and the videos were short and sweet, simply introducing the article so your visitor could get to know you.

Remember, You Shoot Your Own Web Video ALONE

However - here's the important distinction; we were the ones showing up for the client and shooting their video. They had an appointment with us and we could coach them in real time. For our national clients, when we ship you the Flip Camera and you shoot the video on your own, you don't have this luxury. Plus, we made an appointment and they couldn't put it off - we showed up if they liked it or not.

Over the past few months, I'm on the fence about providing you with video scripts. When you first start, you may lock up on camera and you'll need something to get you started - and that's okay. However, most of you are exceptionally well trained sales people - by no means do you sit behind a desk all day afraid of meeting people! You're SO GOOD on the phone and in meetings, you do not need a script.

What Using A Script May Not Be a Good Idea

Here's what happening - with a script, you're less likely to be yourself on camera. You'll be choppy because the scripts we write you are in our voicing - it's not how you speak naturally and, unless you're a trained broadcaster, you'll sound like you're reading a teleprompter. Now, writing down what you want to say on camera to organize your thoughts is great for preparation, but our best clients go live without any assistance.

Here are two example videos of our clients who go live without a script. See the rest at www.youtube.com/getvyral (850+)

Charleston Homes - Builders (Omaha, NE) - See Their Blog >


Bill Black - Realtor (Omaha, NE) - See His Blog >


See how natural they are? How authentic? It's not a fancy video, but it's real and that's what counts.

Now, we're all busy during the week and stressed out to get work done, so I recommend you shoot your video on a Friday afternoon or a weekend when it's calm. This way you can focus and you're not stressed out with phone calls and emails. Remember, set one monthly appointment to shoot two videos - STAY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE DATE, you have a deadline. And without an assistant to hold your script behind the camera, you won't take up their time and you can shoot by yourself in peace and quiet without distraction - just put your camera on a tripod.

I challenge you to film your videos without a script. Yes, you'll need to prepare so you know what you're going to say - such as making your topic timely and relevant to your local marketing or audience. Shoot all in one shot - no retakes allowed. If you make a mistake - keep going! Write down you talking points and hold them in your hand , it's okay to look down to look down to remind yourself, you're not on TV.

Effective Web Video Is Like a Telephone Call or Personal Meeting

Shooting effective web videos is just like a live telephone call, imagine you're on the phone with your long time friend, educating them about a topic important to them. Speak as you're speaking to that one person comfortably on the phone, now there's just a small camera in front of you - that's it. This style, in all honesty, will resonate the most with your audience because it's not fake.

Remember your first sales call - you freaked out and locked up, right? But now it's natural and it's why you're miles ahead of your competition. You can effectively pick up the phone and get an appointment or sale. Now I challenge you to do the same with video. Master the art of being yourself on camera and you'll stay miles ahead of your competition. It's a personal development skill to take your career to the highest level, you just need to pick the recording style that the best for you:

Here the video recording options you have:

1. Type your script and have your assistant hold it behind the camera. (beginner)
2. Type talking points (an outline) and refer to it while you speak.
3. Shoot with/without a script by yourself using the camera tripod - multiple take.
4. Shoot without a script by yourself using the camera tripod - one take. (your goal)

Pay attention to Gary Varynerchuck and how he records his videos. He's made millions of dollars from social media and video by being authentic and honest. No editing. All in one take. No script. Be yourself. Talk to me as a real person. See for yourself: