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Video content is a great way to communicate with your audience in a personal and friendly manner, and it is particularly important now when it’s not possible to host face to face meetings. Whilst we love producing stunning, inspiring content for our clients, sometimes budgets and time (not to mention Covid-19 restrictions!) just won’t allow for third-party support. In these situations, it can be handy to be able to create your own video content, especially if you need to get important information to your employees.

Below we share some useful guidelines to get you filming yourself like a pro!

1. Setting up

• Think of where you want to film, and ensure the setting is private, quiet and somewhere you will not be disturbed.
• Ensure you have enough light in the room so that you can be seen easily but try not to sit in front of a window or bright light. Your video will look significantly better if you’re lit from in front and not behind.
• Think about your audiences’ view – what will they see? Make sure you don’t have a cluttered background and that they will not get distracted looking around your room.
• Decide how you are going to film. Will you have someone filming you or are you setting up the camera yourself? Do a few test runs, ensure the camera is stable, neither too close or too far away, and that you have checked you are shooting in landscape mode (if you are filming on your iPhone).
• If you have a lapel mic – use it, your sound will be clearer – but don’t worry too much if not.

2. Think about what you’re going to say

• Spend some time planning your video before you start filming.
• Write down the key points you need to make, highlight any important facts or updates you need to communicate and take time to rehearse, so you sound natural and balanced in the delivery.

3. Connect with your audience

• Engage with your listeners and really talk to them.
• When filming, envisage your team and think about how they’d react if you were delivering this in person. Walk them through the updates, without rushing, and give them time to process and understand how this may (or may not) affect them.
• Use emotion and passion in your voice.
• Think about your body language and what this conveys to your audience.

4. Be concise

• Keep your video as short as possible to get your key points across without waffling.
• This doesn’t mean you should rush, take the time you need over the points you want to make, but understand that attention spans are limited, particularly when watching video from a phone or computer, so be concise.
• Keep your video to around 2-3 minutes maximum. If you have more to say, breaking the content up into smaller videos and sharing a series of updates is more effective.

5. Be authentic

• We’re all human, and one of the big benefits of video is that you can more closely engage with your audience.
• Show your personality and don’t worry if you fluff your words – it just shows you are human and we all make mistakes, making you more relatable.

6. Call to action

• What do you want your audience to do with the message? Let them know.
• Invite them to visit a website for more information, you might want them to give you feedback or ideas for a particular event or theme. Whatever it is, tell them and ensure you give simple instructions, so it is easy to follow.

Lastly, before you share your video – watch it back! Check you’re happy with the content and delivery, the duration of the piece and how you sound. Good luck!

We want to know how you have found making your own video content! Share your favourite tips with us on hello@adpr.co.uk and check out this blog about how to shine and be the real you on camera!

We know that social media can be an essential growth tool for your company. Download our free Social Media Content Planner now and change how you engage with your audience!