Always be prepared for video
When it comes to video – always be prepared
Here’s me and my 13-year-old daughter waiting for a YouTube interview early this morning. I’m sharing this to show my clients that I genuinely use the processes and tools I preach and teach them.
My three golden rules
- Impromptu communication opportunities are often the most valuable. So be ready and willing to grab every chance to increase your airtime and profile.
- Accept plans rarely go to plan. Today I’d planned to open the call, do some intros and check sound & lighting. The interviewer had other ideas and immediately kicked off the questions. Without prep this could have been very unnerving.
- Remember it’s not over till it’s over. As I closed the call I was invited to add a few wise parental words. Unbeknown to me my wife had passed the buck my way. A clunky close is the perfect opportunity to undo a hitherto great communication. So think about the end as well as the beginning.
The 5 steps we followed in 30 minutes
Here’s the 5 steps we went through today, not quite child’s play but not rocket science either…
- Be FOCUSED. Know exactly what you selfishly want from your communication. Irrespective of the channel you must have some personal gain – otherwise why do it?
- Consider your AUDIENCE. Be clear who your key audiences are, and what makes them tick. Remember you may have thousands of viewers, but only a few key people you really need to ‘reach’.
- Define your MESSAGE. Have one simple storyline. This keeps things on track even if the interviewer goes off. And on that subject, always take a few moments to anticipate questions. Especially those devil’s advocate ones we really hope no one asks. Then jot down no more than 3 talking points for each.
- Be ENGAGING. Consider how you can shape your communication so it’s clear, compelling and human. Stories and anecdotes are good here.
- EXPRESS it. Consider the persona you want to project: smart, funny, creative, considerate… and where you can introduce some colour or context to make this possible.
So, there you have it – a few top tips that we can all apply.
And a reminder to always be prepared!
