Videotaping Your Communication Has Value by Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

There is nothing like seeing yourself on video to give you a clearer and often sobering look at how you are perceived by others. One of my coaching clients specifically requested that he not be videotaped while giving a presentation in a seminar. His logic, as well as that of countless others, is that videotaping makes him nervous and just feels “unnatural.” Some pressing questions.

Q—What are the specific benefits of videotaping a presentation, speech or mock sales pitch?

A—There are so many things you can pick up including how you carry yourself, your posture, your tone of voice, whether you are making strong, focused eye contact. What are your facial gestures like? Are you sitting up or slouching? How long is it taking you to make your point? Are you making your point? The list goes on from there.

Q—What about the argument that being videotaped in this way causes people to be uncomfortable or nervous?

A—Of course it does, at first. That’s not a bad thing. The key to successful public communication is to face those fears and anxieties and deal with them directly. By overcoming them, it gives you confidence and a sense that you can deal with anything that happens. This is extremely important because you will experience some of this same nervousness and anxiety in real life communication situations. The other thing to remember is that these uncomfortable feelings largely occur because being videotaped is an unfamiliar experience. You get caught up in the equipment and technology and convince yourself that it is a stressful experience. But just like anything else, once you do it a few times and see the benefits, you’ll forget that you are even being taped. You just have to get through the initial experience.

Q—What about if I’m not in a professional training situation where someone else is videotaping me? Can I do it myself?

A—Absolutely. Just set up the videotape equipment in front of you about 10 to 12 feet away. Take a wide shot so you can move around and then ignore the equipment. Just present and communicate. Don’t talk to the camera. Imagine that there are people sitting all around the room. If you can set up a few chairs that will help. You can also ask a friend or family member to run the videotape equipment or to sit in some of the chairs, if that’s easier.

Q—What are some of the ways I can use a videotape or DVD of a presentation?

A—More and more, organizations want to see how people communicate before they hire them. Consider that a resume tells you what someone “looks like on paper,” but seeing and hearing a video resume where a person is communicating more directly about who they are and what they offer a potential employer can make all the difference. However, in a case like this, you will need to speak directly into the camera because people viewing it afterwards will be distracted if you don’t.

Q—What are some other potential uses for having a presentation of mine on videotape or DVD?

A—Other than analyzing it and critiquing it yourself, you can ask some friends or colleagues to do the same thing. Ask them how clear your message is. But also make a checklist utilizing the answers to the first question in this column that will be a great coaching guide for you and anyone who is giving you feedback.

Dr. Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on the subjects of communication and leadership and is the author of the book "Speak from the Heart." Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, or click here to contact him through this web site.