12 Top Tips to make engaging videos

 In the evolving world of digital communication, many of my clients, including corporates and associations, are increasingly turning to in-house video production. These videos, which often involve their marketing teams or a videographer, are a key tool in enhancing the online presence of their organisation. They serve various purposes, such as highlighting the organisation's work, vision, and upcoming events, or as training tools with content that ranges from simple to complex. These videos are frequently shared on social media platforms, like LinkedIn, to elevate the organisation's profile.

As a communication coach, I have noticed a growing demand for guidance in this area, especially as we shift towards more remote work. Many professionals, despite their expertise, often lack formal training in video presentation and grapple with the same anxieties associated with public speaking. To address this, I offer my expertise in public speaking courses and personalised coaching to help alleviate these concerns.

Here are my 12 top tips for making engaging videos, focused around three of my powerful communication pillars: presentation skills, language, and voice and body language.

Presentation skills - Plan format

1.      Speak directly to the black circle/camera.

Always speak directly to the camera. This creates a personal connection, as maintaining eye contact is crucial in building trust and making your videos more approachable.

Check your first takes to ensure you are doing this before moving on. And warning some videographers may give you opposing instructions.

2.      Learn your lines or use a teleprompter.

Whether you learn your lines or use a teleprompter, it's essential that your delivery appears natural and confident, key characteristics of an effective public speaker.

I found a teleprompter difficult to master so I choose to learn my lines, 2 or 3 at a time. More is almost impossible.
Or you may opt having a colleague holding a card with bullet points above the camera and be content with improvising but watch you don’t ramble.

What’s essential is the audience can’t tell you are reading or even referring to notes i.e. eyes darting off to the side. It’s disconcerting and you loose trust.

3.      Place your script/computer on a high stool/table in front of you.

Positioning your script or device strategically allows easy reference without distracting movements. Mark where your feet on the ground, so you can return to the same spot.

4.      Be realistic and patient.

Don’t be frustrated with multiple takes. This is a normal part of the process and crucial in achieving a polished end product.

5.      Mark where there will be slide overlays.

Then you can cheat and read. But beware as there is a tendency to sound monotonous, so remember to be engaging with your voice and body to keep your delivery dynamic.

Language

6.      Use Conversational English, not written English.

Please don’t always rely on your internal Communications department as from experience they can use long, complicated sentences which often sound unnatural and formal.

Written English, like with all languages, is very different to conversational/spoken English. In general, it’s more informal, consists of shorter sentences and often begins with words such as ’And, So, Well’.

Read your script out loud and if you stumble, shorten the sentences, keeping your messages concise and to the point. Click here for more information.
Or better still, put your text through ChatGPT and type ‘Make this more informal for a video for Xmedium and for Xaudience’. Even the non-paid version is great. Then you can adjust to suit your personality and your audience.

7.      Chunk your script

Break your script into manageable sections, perhaps 2 to 3 lines. This technique aids in memorisation and delivery. Nice digestible chunks.

Voice and Body Language

8.      Indentify opportunities in your script where you can vary your tone.

Motivated/serious/challenging etc and practice so your emotions match your words. This helps in conveying your message more effectively, a vital aspect of what makes a good speaker.

9.      Incorporate pauses and breathe.

This will give your audience time to absorb the information. Click here for more information. Pausing, that brief moment of silence, shows you are in control and are confident in yourself and in the messages you are conveying. This also helps in managing presentation nerves.

10.   Start and end your presentation with a smile.

This simple act of body language in speaking can significantly enhance audience connection. Again, check the first take before moving on. If appropriate, you want your final messages to be warm and your call to actions to sound achievable and you’re there to help your audience.

11.   Stand up.

This posture naturally boosts your energy level, aids vocal projection and gives you the freedom to use your arms to gesture. Click here for more information.

12.   Use gestures to emphasise points.

Don’t stay wooden. Look for opportunities and then practise your gestures so they are appear natural and effortless. These not only make your video more engaging but also help in illustrating your points more effectively.

In conclusion, making engaging videos requires a blend of presentation skills, the right use of language, and effective use of voice and body language. For those who feel anxious about video presentations or wish to enhance their skills, I offer comprehensive training that covers these aspects. This includes guidance on how to not be nervous for a presentation, and further development of the characteristics of an effective public speaker.

If you're interested in improving your video presentation skills, I invite you book a free 30-minute consultation with me for personalised coaching or to explore how public speaking courses could benefit you.

I’d love to meet you.