Advice From Behind the Lens
10 April 2021
Ben Fleming
Lead Designer, Identity Marketing
Being behind the camera lens isn’t merely pointing and shooting. I spend a significant portion of my energy giving direction to cut bad habits and deliver ultimate video content.
Through trial and error over many years of experience, I have worked out the best way to direct clients, whether it’s their first time behind the camera or their millionth. I’m here to share my top tips that you can do to present yourself better on camera so that you’re smashing it out of the park and getting a head start on your competition.
The number one piece of advice is to practise, practise and practise your script. If you’re new to video, practise it at least 10 times and film yourself on your phone reading it and watch it back. By doing this, you’ll be able to see any undesirable actions and by the time you’re in front of the real camera, you’ll read like a natural.
Next, be sure to project your voice, but please don’t yell (that’s unpleasant for everyone involved). Projecting your voice gives you energy, and energy makes you larger than life. It makes you interesting to watch on camera. If you master this, you can begin tinkering with your pitch and expand your video prowess.
My third piece of advice is to smile. You’re a real estate agent and property is exciting, especially if it’s in reference to selling an enviable lifestyle to your viewers. I recommend smiling when you’re not speaking as you’ll come across as friendly, as well as making use of the short breaks between talking in your video.
If there is one question that everyone asks me, it’s this: Ben, what do I do with my hands? My answer is to do what feels comfortable for you. If you naturally use your hands when you talk then do that, the intention is to just be yourself. If you’re still in doubt, the best way to work out what your hands should be doing is by practising your video script and filming it on your phone so you can see how they’ll look (i.e. my number one piece of advice).
Lastly, don’t be too critical of yourself and remember everyone is their own harshest critic. If you are looking for feedback I suggest sharing your video with work colleagues, friends and or family.
