Guest Post by Yolandia A. Facio
Cheap, cheap, cheap!
A Flip cam for 99 bucks, how can you resist? Better yet, how can you resist throwing up your first video post! What a great idea, it’s fast, it’s easy, it’s cool!
(Long hard screech….)
But are you ready for the world to “hear” you?
Yes, video posting is the new trend. I admit it is easy to take a quick video, immediately post it to youTube and send all your Facebook Friends and Tweeps the link. And, who doesn’t like a good video?!
“What? Wait…wha….go back, okay…turn up the volume…did you catch that?”
But, this is not the type of reaction you want from your audience so I put in an email call to my favorite voice coach, Lavonne Ellis of Speak Clearly Online to see what she could tell me about improving your online video voice.
Lavonne explained that there are three things she works on the most with her clients, they are: stamina, energy and mumbling.
Stamina that fades – you start out loud and clear but as the recording goes on we can’t hear you anymore. If you are doing training video that lasts longer than 10 minutes you’ll need to address this issue. Most of us aren’t used to speaking for 10+ minute increments because conversation allows us to pause as we listen. If we can’t hear what you are saying…we probably will just click away.
Energy means that you just aren’t exciting to watch or listen to…sounds awful I know but it happens…a lot. In your mind you might be jazzed about a subject but when you get in front of the camera it just doesn’t show. And doing a serious tone doesn’t cut it because we’ll just think you’re boring, even if the subject matter is serious. Another issue I see is where the speaker starts out all jazzed but then begins to peter out as they move through the presentation. This is another big area where improvements should be made.
Finally, mumbling. Ahhhh, yes, mumbling. It raises so many memories… My brother has always been a mumbler. I say, “What” so many times that often times I just…guess. He’s always been like that. I can remember my mother yelling at him to stop mumbling. And, thankfully, he isn’t required to do video or public speaking so I just keep guessing. But you want to be in front of the camera and you want us to hear you clearly so make sure you tackle the mumbling bug, you don’t want your audience guessing!
Lavonne offers up the following three improvement exercises to improve your online voice:
1. Vocal stamina:
Stay hydrated. Drink water, not just during the presentation, but all during the day to keep your vocal cords moist and well lubricated. Also, read aloud for 5-10 minutes every day and build up to longer periods. Pausing frequently can help a lot. It also helps your audience process what you’ve said without missing anything. So give yourself and your
audience the gift of pausing.
2. Energy
is both a physical and a mental problem. For more physical energy during your talk, exercise for a few minutes just before you speak. A brief, brisk walk is a good way to get the blood and oxygen flowing. Stand or sit forward when you speak; don’t lean back in your chair. Mentally, think of one specific person you’re trying to help. Visualize and talk to that person. Think about their specific problems and how important–no, URGENT–your information is to that person.
3. Mumbling:
We’re all a little lazy in our speech among friends and family. Learning to speak more clearly is a lot like exercising our bodies, only you need to exercise the muscles in your mouth and tongue to make them work harder. A simple trick is to put the tip of a pen between your teeth and speak for a couple of minutes, as clearly as you can. This really gives your mouth a workout, and you’ll find that your articulation improves when you take the pen away. Do this every day to build those muscles.
You can probably see why Lavonne is my favorite voice coach…three easy and simple fixes, it doesn’t get better than that.
And because I watch online video myself, I’m going to offer up a few other improvement ideas:
- Think about what you are saying before you say it. Having a script is even better. You want to sound intelligent and prepared, which doesn’t mean that you won’t sound spontaneous. It just takes a little practice.
- If you have a thick accent, definitely follow Lavonne’s suggestions for mumbling. Remember I’m from Arizona and ya’ll from New Jersey can be hard for me to understand…
- Ummmmmm…yeah, that’s a big one. In fact one that I have a terrible time with. I, like most people, hate silence. So I pause, but while I’m pausing I’m ummmming and even though it sounds okay in my head, when it’s played back…not so good. You may not be an ummmmer, you might have a different thing like saying, “soooooooooo” or “annnnnnnnd”. Whatever your thing is, work on it.
- Tone matters. You aren’t a robot so don’t speak like one. Add some emphasis; let us know how you feel about your topic. Be yourself. Of course if you happen to be a robot…please pretend to be someone else.
My quick fix? Of course I have one! Practice. Do a couple of dry runs. Show your first videos to someone you trust who will give you legitimate feedback; this is probably not your mother. And watch your own stuff; you’ll likely catch some of these things on your own.
Video is a great addition to your blog posting mix. It’s fun, adds credibility and lets your audience get to know you a lot better. It provides a connection that is rarely the same as reading something you’ve written. Be sure however that you are giving your audience the best possible experience when they do visit your site and watch your video posts. Be clear, get the volume up and be excited. These three things alone will put your video post in front of more viewers. And don’t forget that practice makes perfect; so keep at it.
Yolanda blogs at www.MarketingUnhinged.com.
About Kiesha Easley
Twitter: NaeemCongo
says:
I just posted my first video yesterday. I’m not a fan of my voice, but it’s the only I have. I expect to get better with each video post. That’s why I agree with this post. You have to practice and then evaluate your videos. And then have a small group of other people evaluate your videos for critiquing.
If Bishop T.D. Jakes can get up in front of thousands each Sunday and speak, then anyone can do it.
Naeem Congo recently posted..A Pit Bull Expert I’m Not
This is a great article. It helps even if you don’t want to post videos on your blog or to make a speech.
Practice, practice, practice…….I’m in sales and we actually take the time to practice our presentation AND tape it.
Uncomfortable, especially in front of your peers but this gives you the confidence to get rid of the uhms, improper words, and funny hand gestures, etc.
Hearing your recorded voice can be a little uncomfortable. Throw a southern, central Fla cracker accent on top of that and whoooeeee. I’d like to think I’m somewhat neutral sounding, but there is a hint of that accent back there.
The key is to speak w/ confidence, vary your pitch and tone and show a little life when you are talking.
You should certainly give it a trial run or two, but w/ a little practice you can provide a credible product.
Bill Dorman recently posted..I used to be a twitter Ho
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Hi Bill,
Thanks for chiming in on this discussion! For the longest, I hated my voice, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve just got to get over it. But I just don’t understand why it’s so irritating to listen to – obviously everyone can’t feel this way or their wouldn’t be any singers, right?
Anyway, I totally understand who you feel about your slight accent, I can’t escape mine no matter how hard I try. I think that’s why I love writing so much. :)
And of course, sometimes like a picture of ourself we don’t think is flattering, most people probably don’t think twice about it. We tend to be a lot more critical of ourselves……
We know where our strong suits are, and I think it’s safe to say I won’t be seeking a job in broadcast journalism…………y’all…..:)
Bill Dorman recently posted..I used to be a twitter Ho
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
LOL!! You and me both, Bill! I don’t want to be the cause of a mass ear-bleed!
Thanks for the tips…as you know…I am all about learning how to make my videos better.
I think one thing I’d like to add…really practice on being focused with your video content. I get that people don’t like to watch a 5 minute video, with 3 minutes of it being rambling, undirected crap. They want to get to the meat of the content FAST. If you can do that with your videos, and include some of these great tips…you can be golden.
Brandon
TheInfoPreneur recently posted..A Million Dollar Business – What does it look Like?
Agreed. You should have a script but not READ from the script! In a short piece people really want you to get to the heart of the post.
Thanks for input Brandon.
Yolanda Facio recently posted..Customer Service: What kind of customer are you?
From my own experience I can admit that the most effective way to improve the diction is to practice hard before.That’s the only way.
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Maybe one day I’ll be brave. I’m a Myers-Briggs ISTJ with a capital I!
Well, I’m not totally shy but when I did my first videos at MarketingUnhinged.com they were audio with powerpoint slides! I haven’t had the guts to do a full on video of myself even though I specifically asked for a Flip Cam for Christmas…here we are 6 mos. later. HA!
So do audio with slides! It’s a good start!
Yolanda Facio recently posted..Customer Service: What kind of customer are you?
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
That’s what I’ve been planning for my first video post – a powerpoint with audio – but I guess I’ve been procrastinating too much ’cause I just can’t seem to get the time to work on it.
I’m just going to have to buckle down and just do it!
Great article, Yolanda, and thanks for the kind words!
LaVonne Ellis recently posted..Is your voice running out of steam too soon?
Are you kidding! Couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for letting me pick your brain!
Yolanda Facio recently posted..Customer Service: What kind of customer are you?
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
Yes, this is a truly refreshing post. Gave me plenty to think about. I keep threatening to do a video post, but I just haven’t carved out the time. Turns out, it very hard to get alone time once I’m at home. Maybe I’ll find some way to work the kids into the script so that it won’t be so obvious.
Hey Yolanda,
Three great tips! I do find it boring when I’m watching a video and it seems like they have no enthusiasm on the topic. I know that isn’t the case, but come on…show some excitement.
Chat with you later…
Josh
Josh Garcia recently posted..How To Manage Your Time and Have a Better Blogging Experience…
Ha! You made me laugh Josh. You’re right tho’ people are generally excited about their topic but it doesn’t come through. Sometimes it’s nerves and sometimes we want to sound serious and professional. I say lighten it up!
Yolanda Facio recently posted..Customer Service: What kind of customer are you?
Josh, a big mistake people make is reading from a script instead of speaking extemporaneously. The fear of forgetting something is a huge fear — I have it myself — but it’s far worse to sound like you’re reading. Most people without training immediately dull it way down, the same way they used to read aloud in grade school.
It’s much better to have a few one-word notes in front of you to remind you of what you wanted to say when you get lost, and then wing it. With practice, you get much better over time, and you always project much more excitement — because it’s scary, and that’s always exciting. :)
LaVonne Ellis recently posted..Is your voice running out of steam too soon?
Twitter: dragonblogger
says:
Excellent post, one other tip which may be technical is using whatever audio tool you have to remove background/filter noise. Most audio programs which are free like “Audacity” can do this, they remove the sound of background fans that may be in your office, or the spinning whirl of computer drives…etc. They can sometimes remove excess breathing noises into the mic as well.
Justin Germino recently posted..Playing XBox Can Be Putting Your Child at Risk
Xllnt suggestion Justin. Removing background noise can help elevate the perceived quality of the voice track. Sometimes all the background noise drowns out the speaking part and makes it hard to hear and understand.
Yolanda Facio recently posted..Customer Service: What kind of customer are you?
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
That’s a great point -
When I have recording to do at work, we use a foam insulated cardboard box. It works wonders.
Avoiding from keep mumbling is the greatest challenge for me. It’s like our natural way of talking to people.
I see the trend of readers preferring the casual way of talking through video posts and I guess the best way to do this is by ample of training before you start recording.
Yes Nasrul training or practice.
I’ve found that by doing the energy exercise it helps a lot because it raises my volume a bit. I have a tendency to talk too quietly.
Yolanda Facio recently posted..Customer Service: What kind of customer are you?
Hi Nasrul,
Try the pen exercise for a minute or two every day, and just before you give a presentation. This will give your mouth and tongue muscles a real workout! And just like any other muscles, they’ll get stronger and learn to work harder with practice.
Good luck!
LaVonne Ellis recently posted..Is your voice running out of steam too soon?
Twitter: weblogbetter
says:
These are some great tips, I’ll definitely give them a try when I finally work up the nerve to create a video post :)
Great tips! Gotta find a flip cam.
Kathleen O’Connor recently posted..When Life Gives You Feet, Make Soup
Flip cams are great and cheap. Now that they have upgraded to HD you can probably find a used one even cheaper…do they have Craigslist in Japan?
Thanks for stopping by!
This blog also works for web cams too. Thanks.