How To Confidently Shoot a Selfie Video with your Smartphone

It's intimidating for a lot of us, the thought of recording a video of ourselves and posting it to a professional platform like LinkedIn. 

01: Getting Prepared

✅ Who’s this video for? 

You’re talking to a camera, and that might feel weird. Instead of thinking about that, think about the people you’re creating this video for and speak to them. For marketing purposes, typically you’re going to be speaking to your target audience or to target partners. Clarifying to yourself who the video is for will help you deliver your message in a way that’s more natural. 

✅  How am I going to serve them with this video? 

You have something to offer: your knowledge, experience, and point of view. How can you provide the most value to your viewer? Knowing and focusing on the value you’re providing will help increase your confidence in front of the camera.  

✅  How do I look?

“Lookin’ good, feelin’ good!” When you’re dressed in your favourite shirt, or you’re donning that ballcap you feel yourself in, you’re going to be more confident. 

02: Quick Tech Tips

✅  Am I using only one light source? 

Pick one type of light. If you light half your face with tungsten light and the other half with window light, you’re going to get weird skin tones. Either close the blinds and stick with indoor lights, or close the blinds and use only the indoor light. 

✅ Am I filming in soft light? 

Is the light you’re filming in creating soft shadows, or hard shadows? If you can film yourself in “soft” light, your chances of looking good will increase. 

✅ How’s the Signal to Noise Ratio? 

The Signal to Noise Ratio. Increase the signal and decrease the noise. Get the microphone nice and close, and reduce any background noise that could distract the viewer from the signal. Keep an ear open for reverb. Sound travels in waves, and sound waves will bounce off of walls and create noise. 

03: Hitting the Record Button

✅  Am I looking into the camera lens? 

The camera lens creates the effect of making eye-contact with the viewer. Plus, if you’re looking at yourself the whole time you’re going to be more self conscious and that’s what we’re trying to avoid! 

✅  Is my energy level where it needs to be? 

A good rule of thumb is 20% more than you would in a face-to-face conversation. It’s going to feel unnatural at first, but remember most people will be watching your video on their tiny mobile screens and a little extra energy will help engage. Play your videos back and find your own sweet spot for energy levels. 

✅  Just Do it! 

The more you produce and post video content, the sooner you’ll get comfortable with the process. Your first few videos probably aren’t going to be amazing. As you get more comfortable with the process your videos will start to get better. And be sure to POST your videos! 

You’ve got this!