10 Things You Need to Stop Doing in Your Videos

First of all, this post is created WITH LOVE because a) I know how vulnerable it can be to even try to make videos, and b) I want you to use video in a way that will work better for you. Whether it’s Instagram Reels, IGTV, Live or Stories, TikToks, Facebook videos or Lives, or even training videos, you are building a relationship with people. Getting all of your ducks in a row means the difference between somebody watching your entire video, and somebody tapping “next” after the first 2 seconds.

I’m so passionate about this, that I made my own video about it! Check it out.

After you read through the 10 NOs, make sure you pick up my handy “Video Prep Checklist” at the end, so that you can make badass videos that truly showcase your strengths!

Prepare

1. Ditch the “Hey guys…” when you “pop on” (and think twice about using pop on, too). Guys is a gendered word (look, I get it, it’s hard because we’re used to saying it, but be aware and slowly it will get out of your regular rotation). Things you can try instead “Hello…”, “I want to talk to you about…”, “Hey folks, I have an important message…”

2. Know what you’re going to say ahead of time. In fact, even better, write it out and have your notes in front of you. If this is a training video, write out your modules exactly how you want to say them, and use text mapping and some kind of video prompter to create exceptional videos.

3. Know what kind of relationship you want to have with your crowd. Is this a training video? Is this a casual chat video to create engagement and relationship? Are you speaking to corporate clients or casual Instagram followers? “Know your role” and stick with that voice.

4. Clear your space and have everything you need ready. Background is at the very least tidy, if not interesting, and not cluttered. (Or use a handy virtual background - you can even make one with your business logo!)

5. Floss your teeth (seriously), check your hair and make sure you’re not in your pyjamas. This also helps YOU feel more presentation-ready (as opposed to casually lolling around your house in your sweats that you last washed… er… better wash them.)

6. Breathe. If going on Lives or videos makes you nervous, make sure you take 2 minutes before going live to practise controlled breathing. Here’s a handy gif for that.

No Apologies

7. OK this is really serious, and if you take nothing else from this post, take this: stop apologizing for your presence. Take up space. Be big. Work through your discomfort and own your spot. What does this look like? “I just, um, wanted to come on today, uhhh I know, I know, you’re sick of me!” Stop it! It’s really helpful to follow the above instructions ahead of time, so that you don’t even fall into the apology trap.

8. “Ummmmmmm”, “ahhhhhh” - so here’s the thing - this is also slightly dependent on your audience. Are you giving a speech? There should be no reason to use “umm” unless you’re answering a question, and even then, practise ditching it from your habits well in advance. Is this a casual Instagram video? It’s less important, but know that it always takes away from your power. Societally, we are trained to perceive fillers like “um” and “ah” and “y’know” as less intelligent. It also takes away from the sense of ownership and being concise. How do you ditch it? Start by being aware of it. Notice every time you use fillers. Ask people in your house to call you on it. Make videos of yourself talking about stuff, and notice when you use fillers. Start to get comfortable with silence. Fillers are usually what we use while we’re buying time and figuring something out in our brains. But we don’t need them. Silence is powerful. Replace your fillers with silence.

Target Audience

9. I touched on this above, but who specifically are you talking to? An ideal client? A bestie? How do you speak to those people? Who are they, and picture them when you’re speaking. Sometimes that’s enough to hit exactly the right notes.

Camera Technique

10. Look. Into. The. Camera. Lens. Don’t look at yourself! Speak to the camera lens and imagine the other person/people on the other side. And remember, as I’ve always said (and if you still don’t have my public speaking guide, get it already!), too much eye contact is just as bad as none. And even though we’re still navigating the world mostly digitally, we feel like you’re speaking to us if you look into the camera. It’s an easy trick to help build connection. And if you’re reading a speech, make sure to use text mapping (explained in the above mentioned guide), so that you can read AND look into the camera.

Now that you’ve got the free public speaking guide, and have figured out how to create knockout videos, make sure to download this FREE Video Prep Checklist to look over before every video! And if you love this post, please share it and let me know your favourite tip in the comments below!

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Want to create compelling videos where you can truly shine? Let’s work together! Email me and let’s make a plan!

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