a blog, a website, a place for my stuff
'Talking Heads.' That's what newscasters are sometimes referred to as - you know, the ones sitting behind the news desk. When you're putting together you speaker demo video, you might consider using a few talking heads to drive home the benefits of your program. Here's two ideas. Instead of always getting your testimonails immediately after a workshop, set up a time to visit a current or former … [Read more...]
Most testimonials for speakers and trainers that I've seen come across to me as ego gratification at best and down right lies at worst. Whether in print or on video, most of them in some way say, "You were great!" and that in my opinion is the world's easiest lie to tell. Okay, maybe I exaggerate, but I'll bet you it's in the top ten! But it's not the fault of the person who's giving the … [Read more...]
If you want to make your life easier in the edit booth when making a speaker demo DO NOT video your workshop, keynote or presentation from start to finish. Unless you plan to use it to review your performance or create a DVD product there's a more strategic way. Here's my take on the subject. 1. Take short and sweet video clips of less than 10 minutes. This will make it easier once you begin to … [Read more...]
Although I know people who can make anything complicated, getting decent video clips at your speaking gigs or workshops can be pretty simple these days. Getting a catalog of clips is one of the first steps to producing good demo videos. With a today's technology, a little forethought and a little know-how, you'll be able to market yourself a little better with each gig... even the ones you do … [Read more...]
Speaker demo videos were once done on VHS, moved to DVD, and are now primarily via the Internet for maximum visibility and success. Make yours available online wherever you can. Adopt the concept that you'll never burn a DVD. Internet and email only - Welcome to the future. Great speaker demo videos bring out the strong points in your topics, personality, delivery and IMPACT TO THE … [Read more...]
You can put together an affordable speaker demo video on a shoestring. Start with this basic framework to organize the seven elements that go into making a great video. First, you must realize that it's more than just video. Creative use of these seven elements will help tell your story, bring depth to your message, solidify your brand - and most importantly, establish credibility - even if … [Read more...]
I've been working with up-and-coming speakers since 2004 and there's one thing that I don't think has changed in that time. Every speaker needs video. Today, video is so easy to produce and share, I don't really get why speakers wouldn't have any - or why they shouldn't have a hard-drive full of it for that matter. Although I teach speakers that there are seven elements to a great speaker demo … [Read more...]
Although I don't think I'm cut out to be a full-time parent, I'm starting to REALLY like kids. Two in particular. My daughter Nikki (Ladybug) and my nephew LJ (who I think looks just like me when I was his age.) As my sister Alesia and I say "Nick and LJ can run with us anytime!" They're both really smart, really fun, absolutely fearless and pretty darned cool! Loved hangin' with you guys in … [Read more...]
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