Argh! I look terrible on camera!
Many occasions require a special wardrobe. Weddings, funerals, job interviews or even a night on the town may require careful planning when it comes to deciding upon an outfit. Each occasion has a set dress code and wearing the wrong outfit can not only make you feel uncomfortable but may also have an impact on how you are received. Wearing a skimpy dress for an accountancy interview may not be the best way to impress your future boss; or rather it may impress him, but it won’t get you the job.
If you are making a video which is about to be seen by (hopefully) a huge number of people it should also be considered an important occasion and one which requires careful thought and preparation.
Our guide gives you top tips to ensure you look your best on camera below.
Familiarity breeds contempt
Since the introduction of mobile technology, taking a video and uploading it onto YouTube can be done in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless if the video is to market your products or services effectively it is worthwhile taking to time to consider both the content and format.
Here are some suggestions for video formats:
- Customer testimonials
- Why not convert a great PowerPoint to video?
- Man on the street style interview
- Whiteboard video demonstrations
- Amuse your viewers with humorous content
Do clothes matter?
Creating a storyboard can be a useful way of focussing on the content, but what about the wardrobe? Do clothes really matter? The short answer is that “YES!” they do.
If you are going to an important event such as an interview or first date, careful consideration will undoubtedly have been given about what to wear and what image this will create. The same applies to video marketing but unfortunately it is something which is often overlooked
Think of clothing as a visual tool or prop which can be used to promote the message being transmitted by the video. At the very least it should not distract from it.
Send a coherent message
Visual messages are extremely powerful so ensure that the outfit is not incongruous. Clothing can set the scene but, if inappropriate, it can also totally negate the time and effort which has gone into developing the concept.
Here are some suggestions about how to select the perfect outfit for your video
Wear something comfortable
Presenting or acting can be a stressful time, so it is important that you wear something which you feel comfortable in. Wearing a suit and tie may seem like a great idea but if you feel flustered and suffocated when you wear one, choose something else instead. Wearing something which is uncomfortable may undermine your confidence and could also result in negative body language.
Patterned or plain
Checks, stripes and ornate patterns can be extremely distracting visually. If you want your viewers to focus on the content of the video and not be distracted by the pattern, plain clothes are usually best.
Avoid extremes
Plain muted colours tend to work best. As some people have an intense dislike of strong colours such as orange and pink, neutral shades such as grey or blue tend to work well. It is also important to consider the background colours and choose colours which are contrasting but not extreme.
Avoid logos
The aim of video marketing is usually to promote your own products and services rather those of other people.
Great necklace!
Unless it is relevant to the product and services you are promoting, jewellery should be discrete. Sparkly rings or large earrings my impress your friends but can contradict the message being conveyed in the video or at the very least act as a visual distraction.
Microphone friendly
Another point to consider is where to put the microphone. Inside a shirt pocket or underneath a collar are all handy when it comes to hiding a microphone.
Focus on the content
Selecting the clothing will ensure will enable your viewers to enjoy your video content without any distractions. If you want video marketing to be a success concentrate on the details, and the rest will follow. Happy shooting!
