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You're
scheduled to appear on camera for a web broadcast! What
do you wear, how are you supposed to act? No need to worry,
you will look and sound your best, of course, by following
these simple guidelines.
What
to wear?
Before
you go to the closet to select your favorite outfit, bear
in mind that the video camera "sees" color,
pattern and contrast way more differently than the human
eye. So it's important to dress for the way the camera
actually sees you not what looks good to your eye. Video
cameras don't like high contrast. For this reason, the
most important rule to follow in selecting your on-camera
outfit is to keep it simple and low-key. You don't want
the audience to focus on what you're wearing more than
what you're saying!
Good
colors to wear are in the medium range, such as medium
blue, green, maroon, wine, light brown, rust, and gray.
Remember to avoid wearing pure white or deep black. In
fact, an off white shirt will look white to the camera.
Web
broadcasts and video cameras don't take too kindly either
to strong patterns like plaids, stripes, checks or any
pattern which is clearly visible from 10 feet away. And
for that matter, stay away from glittery material like
sequins or anything that's very shiny and reflects light.
Never wear anything that distracts from the message you're
trying to convey to the camera. For instance, a Mickey
Mouse T-shirt wouldn't look appropriate if you were discuss
the merits of your company products even if you are the
product engineer!
What
to do with your body?
When
presenting before the camera what are you supposed to
do with your body and hands? Moving around is perfectly
fine provided it adds to your message. If you do use your
hands remember to hold them up higher so the camera can
see the hands and your face. If you're nervous, try not
to fiddle with the mic cable or play with keys in your
pocket. Nervous habits have a way of becoming magnified
on camera.
Keep those eyes from shifiting around too much. It's okay
to look at your audience but remember that your audience
is also inside the camera. Look at the camera from time
to time if you're making an audience presentation. On
the other hand, if you're being interviewed on camera
just look at the interviewer and not the camera. The eyes
tell a lot about who you are and how you're feeling. If
you make any subtle side to side eye movement or look
at the camera crew you'll appear distracting and the audience
will wonder what's up and not listen to your message.
If you must look away to gather your thoughts, just look
down.
Some speakers have a habit of rocking back and forth while
standing or in their chairs. Be sure to move with a clear
purpose in mind. There's nothing more aggrevating than
watching someone who moves back and forth in the same
spot. Erratic movements can also be distracting, not to
mention how difficult it is for the cameraperson to follow
your unpredictable movements. And if you're sitting, keep
those legs crossed at the ankle or keep both feet on the
ground.
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Wendy
Ackerman, Senior Meeting Consultant from
InterCall,
says that "Practice makes Perfect".
Whether it's a simple web presentation, or a series
of video trainings, think of it as an event. Plan
at least one or two practice sessions. She recommends
taping yourself ahead of time with a home camera
and making notes about what works and what doesn't.
"We don't see ourselves the way others do and
we need the objective feedback the camera provides",
says Wendy. Many presenters think that they don't
need any help and then are horrified when they see
themselves on video tape. Her last piece of advice
is "script your remarks, even if you never
use your notes. If you've taken the time to write
it down, your presentation will improve dramatically".
Most web conferencing presentations and virtual
meetings involve more time and planning than a live
face-to-face one. It's a smart idea to ask a Meeting
Consultant for some professional help.
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Glasses
and make-up?
For
guys, make-up isn't needed. However, if you're the CEO
making an important presentation it's well worth the expense
of having a makeup person help you look your best. If
your forehead shines under the lights, some face power
is all that's needed to keep the glare down. For women,
no special makeup is needed other than what you might
wear normally. Depending upon your position in the company
you may want a makeup person to help you look your best,
besides you might even get a free makeover!
Glasses test the talent of your video lighting director.
Glasses have a tendancy to reflect the glare of the lights
right back into the lens. There's nothing more annoying
than watching an interesting speaker only to be distracted
by the glare of lights off a pair of glasses. If you can
help it, don't wear glasses unless you can't see without
them. If you do need to wear glasses be sure you have
a great lighting director.
Where
am I being videotaped?.
Sometimes
you'll have to make a presentation on the factory floor
or in your office. In these cases be sure your work and
work area show no safety or code violations. If a safety
violation is videotaped even by accident, the company
can be fined even later! During
the shoot itself, it is important to have your co-workers
avoid laughing or loud talking in the background during
video taping. The microphone will pick up any extraneous
noise.
Final
word.
JUst
follow some of these tips and it's really not so hard
to look good for the camera. Just be yourself, relax,
have fun, and enjoy the experience!
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