Tips to Prepare for Video Appearances

"Just be natural on camera" is the WORST advice I’ve ever received. (And I heard a lot of bad advice in my TV days…) Here’s what your audience actually craves from you instead: 1️⃣ ENERGY Not that jittery coffee-buzz energy. I’m talking about that genuine “I’m excited to be here” vibe that makes people lean in. Quick insider secret: In the news, we’d amp up our energy 15% above normal. Sounds weird, but plays perfectly on camera. 2️⃣VOCAL VARIETY Let’s be real - monotone = audience death Your voice needs to dance. Up, down, pause… like you’re sharing gossip with your best friend over coffee. 3️⃣ BODY LANGUAGE • Your hands aren’t criminals - stop keeping them locked up! • Let them move naturally (yes, even on Zoom) • Drop those shoulders (I can see you tensing up) • Own your space like you pay rent for it 4️⃣STORY STRUCTURE Without this, you’re just another talking head in the digital void: • Character (make it personal) • Conflict (what’s at stake?) • Content (your core message) • Conclusion (tie it with a bow) The difference between “natural” and “intentional” is the difference between being ignored and being unforgettable. Drop a 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the comments - which element challenges you most? #video #oncameratips #videocontentcreation ============================ I’m Kerry—Emmy award-winning former-NBC news anchor, reporter, and producer. I turn video-shy lawyers into video-confident lawyers.    If you liked this post, please consider commenting and sharing. I’m looking to take on 1 more client for February.  If you’re interested email me at kerry@kerrybarrett.com

You ever catch yourself on camera and cringe? 😅 That was me, sitting in the virtual greenroom before EVENTASTIC with GURU Media Hub. I clicked into the tab, lounging all the way back in my chair, with my camera pointing up at me. Y'all. I. Look. ROUGH. 😳 I immediately sat up, which helped a little bit (the middle photo). But the real change came from sitting up properly, adjusting my camera angle to be more straight-on, and holding just a bit of tension in my face. I look happier, healthier, and more engaged. 🙌 These screenshots are literally 2 minutes apart across all 3 images, with the same lighting, same laptop positioning (ie: I didn't put my laptop on a riser or significantly change the distance on the table), and same mental state (ie: not listening to music, talking about a spicy topic, or reading a heady page). Which of these people do YOU want to talk to? When we talk about showing up with "presence", looking "trustworthy", and staying "engaged" in a virtual environment, this little series is the perfect example of how small changes make a huge difference. Nitty gritty tips: - Sit facing a window to take advantage of the natural light - Point your camera straight-on or slightly down to ensure you're eye-level with the camera - Sit up straight, and frame yourself in the center of the video screen to include your chest, entire face, and a bit of space above your head (PS - My friend Lorraine K. Lee wrote a whole book on "Unforgettable Presence". Grab a copy of you want more practical tips on showing up with impact: https://lnkd.in/ezjNRJ5H)

One-way video interviews—candidates often tell me how awkward they feel. But here's the irony: these same candidates spend hours on apps like TikTok watching one-way videos. So, what's the difference? TikToks don’t feel like someone awkwardly reading cue cards for a local used car commercial. They’re casual and conversational, like the creator is talking directly to you. Even when the content is carefully planned, it still feels natural. So, how can you bring that same energy into a HireVue or similar platform? ⏱️ Use the Planning Time Wisely Most platforms give you 20–30 seconds to review a question before recording. Use that time to jot down 3 key talking points. This prep time is your superpower! In a live interview, you wouldn’t get such a luxury to think and structure your response. Leverage it to shine. 📚 Don’t Script. Seriously. Do not write out your answer and read it word-for-word. We can tell. Every. Single. Time. From your eyes darting across the screen to the robotic tone of your voice, it’s obvious—and painful to watch. Instead, stick to key points. It’s okay to stumble or say “um” occasionally—it’s more authentic than reading a ChatGPT-generated monologue. ⚡ Bring the Energy We review hours of video interviews, and let me tell you: most are boring. Candidates often dial down their energy in an effort to sound professional, but the result? 😴 Think of your tone as conversational, like you’re talking to a real person—not just a camera. Channel a bit of that “Hi guys, welcome back to my channel!” energy from the YouTube girlies(without being fake). Let your personality shine through naturally. 🎥 Practice Makes Progress Most platforms offer a practice mode—use it! Get comfortable with the interface so you don’t accidentally hit “submit” instead of “record.” Beyond that, practice answering questions on video and watch yourself back. If you don't like watching yourself, send it to someone who will give you honest feedback. Get comfortable with timing and how you present yourself. Mastering one-way video interviews isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared, authentic, and engaging.

“How do I knock my video out in one take?” 👀 Last week, someone asked me this, and it got me thinking about the video planning process. Planning your next video and trying to feel more comfortable. Here are three easy tips I have: 1. Plan your talking points. Take time to outline your main points. A script can be helpful, but try to avoid writing out every word—this can feel stiff on camera and super “read.” Instead, bullet out key points to keep you on track while giving yourself room to be natural and conversational. 2. Rehearse your talking points. I have found that the more you know your material, the easier it becomes to riff, play, and experiment. I also believe that the more you know your material naturally, the more comfortable you’ll feel in front of the camera. Review your notes and know your material and what you want to say. Remember, your favorite actors, celebrities, and artists have rehearsed. You just see the finished product. 3. Take multiple takes for variety. I will tell you a secret: Your favorite scene from your favorite movie was 99.9% likely done in multiple takes. Don't be afraid to record multiple versions of your video. Sometimes, the first try isn't perfect—and that's okay. I love to use the first time to just get the words out of my mouth. After that, I know what I want to keep and what I want to revise. Keep it comfortable, casual, and approachable. Extra tip: Use tools. If you’re nervous about staying on script, a teleprompter might help! Plenty of apps on your phone or laptop allow you to stay focused while sounding natural (a simple Google search will bring up tons of options). Just remember: the goal is to sound like yourself, not like you're reading from a book. What other tips would you recommend? 

Lights, camera… Your knees lock. Your palms get sweaty. Suddenly, you can't remember your lines. Congratulations, you're human. You have FOMV (fear of making video). FOMV is something most of us have experienced. When your mouth gets dry and butterflies start fluttering, you experience a physiological response that goes back millions of years. When the camera rolls and you don't know who your audience might be, your body kicks into "fight or flight" mode, as if you're in real danger. It's just your body's way of protecting you. Here's how to override the misplaced survival mechanism and focus on the camera: + Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarity breeds confidence. The more you practice, the more you associate good feelings with your performance—practice in front of the mirror. Take multiple takes. Bonus points if you get a friend to produce you. + Get More Oxygen: Take a deep breath before each sentence. People tend to collapse their diaphragm when nervous, which strains their voices and makes them lose their breath quickly. Taking deep breaths expands your diaphragm. You'll look more comfortable to your audience and feel more grounded. + Play the Part: Your audience will feel that way if you seem more relaxed and comfortable. The adage "fake it 'til you make it applies in this situation." Even if you're terrified, you may begin to feel those chill vibes you're trying to give off. + Lather, Rinse, Repeat: Don't stop there once you've nailed your recording. Keep getting in front of the camera—repetition is essential to becoming comfortable on screen. Before you know it, you'll be a pro. Have any of your own tricks for keeping FOMV at bay? I'd love to hear them.

The most helpful interview prep you’re not doing Record yourself. 🎥 Then watch it. 👀 Some common things you’ll pick up on: ➜ catching if you’re talking too fast/slow ➜ noticing that you look like you’re frowning and miserable ➜ learning your ticks like saying “um” “uh” “like” etc ➜ confirm you’re looking at the video instead of the screen ➜ decipher if it’s obvious that you’re reading the cheat notes you have on your screen My insight for myself when making video content for my business? Idk why, but I have a tendency to be too calm [read, boring] on video. So to have my ideal video energy, I’ve learned that I have to *feel* like I’m way over-doing it to come off as enthusiastic. 🤷♀️ (I’m just a really even-keeled person) Bonus Tip: Watch with and without sound. And with only sound. You’ll catch different things. Caution: Avoid worrying about your appearance. Basically, do you look natural, pleasant, knowledgeable, and comfortable - and CONFIDENT? If yes, 🎯! What do you notice about yourself on video?