Lights, camera, confidence: A Chamber member’s guide to speaking on camera
In this collaborative post, video producer Robyn Lund explains what a Spotlight Video is and why it matters, with guest tips from fellow member Pete Morgan, MD of MonkeyPants Productions, on how to present with confidence and clarity on camera.
What is a Spotlight video?
Introduced in October 2022, The Spotlight Video is a member benefit that allows all GBCC members to submit a 60-second video promoting their business.
These videos are then shared across the Chamber's social media channels, providing members with increased exposure to a much broader audience than their individual accounts.
Despite being introduced in direct response to business feedback, the number of businesses using the benefit has remained stubbornly low.
As a video producer I find this astounding; it’s such a missed opportunity! Especially if you’re in a company that’s selling B2B.
Spotlight Videos offer businesses a unique opportunity to be seen by GBCC’s 15,000 LinkedIn followers to name a single platform.
And just like all your other marketing content, they can be repurposed; add it to your website, share it on your own LinkedIn, pop it in a newsletter, you could even add a Call to Action and use it for a PPC campaign.
Breaking down the biggest myth
However, it's a common misconception that a Spotlight Video has to be a high production brand film.
In reality, success hinges on the strength of your message and delivery. Imagining you need flashy graphics and aerial footage has probably made the whole idea of a Spotlight Video a write-off.
The good news is that a straightforward piece-to-camera approach can be both cost-effective and highly engaging. Once you focus purely on your message, the way you speak and present yourself is what truly captivates your audience.
To help you get the most out of your Spotlight Video and present yourself with confidence on camera, I’ve teamed up with fellow Chamber member Pete Morgan, managing director of MonkeyPants Productions.
As a podcast producer, Pete specialises in engaging business audiences with speech and has some valuable, actionable insights. Pete’s helped countless professionals deliver their message with clarity and impact. Here are Pete’s top 5 tips for sounding your best when you’re speaking to camera:
1 The first thing you need to know about your audience - is that it’s just one person.
Whether you’re filming A Spotlight Video, recording a podcast - or even filming something on your phone for social media - you’re only ever speaking to one person.
That isn’t literally the case, of course - but that is how the audience should feel, and that’s how you should approach it.
The audience should feel like you are speaking to them and only them. If they feel like they are just one of many, they stop feeling special, they lose that connection with you - and you have to fight harder to speak to them.
So, keep away from phrases like “I’m speaking to all of you” or “…you lot watching / listening to this…”. Always try and keep it to a single person.
Connecting with your audience comes down to a couple of simple steps.
2 Be authentic
Audiences know when you are trying to be / act / speak like someone you are not.
They might not know it consciously - but they will always suss you out.
Speak your truth, using your voice and your words.
The number of people that I hear trying to sound like Tony Robbins, Stephen Bartlett or Karren Brady is infuriating. It’s good to be inspired - just stop trying to impersonate.
3 Don’t assume too much
It’s always best to assume that your audience don’t know what that acronym means, or that 80’s cinema reference you’ve made.
A good tip is to imagine your audience is an intelligent 14-year-old. They get broad concepts, but anything that’s too specific, too niche or too highbrow - just a couple of extra words to explain what you’re talking about will go a long way.
4 Stand up, and look me in the eye
Make the lens of the camera your focus.
Yes, I know it’s difficult - but how many people do you trust who won’t look you in the eye?
Looking down the lens of a camera (no need to stare, you’re not that person) will really help with that connection, that bond, that trust. Like I say, though - there’s no need to stare. Just keep returning to the lens whilst you’re talking.
5 It’s not difficult, it’s just new
Keep filming yourself and get a constructively critical friend to watch it for you. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel - and the more the audience will like, know and trust you.
Ready to do this?!
If you’d like more tailored, one to one support with podcasting or video for business you can get in touch with both Robyn and Pete via their websites:
https://www.popcornandco.com/ and https://www.monkeypantsproductions.co.uk