7 Ways to Improve Your Speakers Video

Hi! I’m Dan Shaikh, one of the hosts for Speaker Slam and today I want to talk to you about having a KILLER speakers video. I’ve been video editing a lot of the speeches that go on at Speaker Slam and I've learned a thing or two on what looks good on camera. I want to share with you my insights on how to make you look like a SUPERSTAR on camera.

I have 7 tips that are going to take your speakers video to a whole another level.

1. Let the music fade: If you are lucky, you will have some intro music as you lead up to the stage.  Intro music is great for setting the tone that something new is about to happen and people should start paying attention. If music is playing, resist the urge to run on to the stage right away. Let the music build for 5-8 seconds giving the audience some sort of anticipation before walking on the stage.  Let the host of the event walk off the stage, so the stage is fully yours. Whatever you do, do NOT speak over the music. Let the music fade before you speak!
2. Trust the mic: When approaching the stage, you want to convey confidence and yelling “testing, can you hear me?” deters that. Trust that the people running the event have you covered. Walk with an air of confidence with only one thought, to give an amazing performance. The audience will pick up on your confidence and hang on to your words because they know you have something to say.
3. Pause 3-5 seconds: As the music fades, let the audience adjust to your presence. Build the suspense. Take it all in.  This does 2 things:
   1. First, it allows enough time for the videographers to line up their shots.
   2. Second, you convey confidence to the audience that you aren't nervous
4. Take center stage: Come to the front and middle of the stage with a power pose. Not only does it set the tone that you are about to begin. You give yourself a boost of confidence when you take a power pose. You also pretty fly on video. Once again, when you stand still, you help the videographers line up their shots to focus on you.
5. Movements:  When you move around the stage, move slowly and purposefully. This helps the videographers keep track of your movements. Mindless moving can radiate nervousness and take focus away from your message while leaving a jerky motion on the frame. If you walk with purpose, transitions can occur seamlessly without any clumsy cover up.
6. Closing Remarks: As you end your speech, go back to center stage. This can help indicate to the videographers that you are about to close off your speech. Really save this part for your close, so you can stand still in one position. An experienced videographer can recognize the cue, and zoom in while you finish your speech. It can be very powerful.
7. Take it all in: As you end your speech, don't just run off the stage. That makes you look scared. Use this time to convey confidence in your words. Take a bold stance and really take in those claps, relish it. This will be a powerful finish for your video.​

There you have it! 7 Simple tips to approach the stage and look amazing on camera.

A speaker video is a must for any speakers. It is the only way to demonstrate to your audience that you can carry yourself well on stage. It’s almost mandatory for becoming a paid speaker. If you don’t have one yet, you should consider speaking at Speaker Slam.

​Apply to be a Speaker at: http://www.speakerslam.ca/apply-to-compete.html

​- Dan Shaikh