If you’re a newcomer to marketing on the internet, and you’re looking to use the video medium as a way to connect with your audience, then this article will provide you with valuable suggestions for success.

In my many years in corporate life, I was called upon regularly to conduct training sessions, webinars, and to produce video material used in staff communication and quite often in client pitching. As with so many issues associated with starting something new, getting to grips with the basics can sometimes be daunting. I’m going to provide you here with some helpful tips to enable you to overcome fears and uncertainty and to learn how to begin to master techniques which will help you convey powerful messages in the video medium.

1) Take time to prepare what you want to say. This may sound obvious, but I’ve seen so many videos on the internet where people have clearly not done their important preparation. Now this doesn’t mean that you need to write out a script and memorise that parrot fashion. In fact, it’s actually more important that you exude a relaxed personality, rather than being too scripted. I’ll come on to this issue in my next point. As part of your preparation, think about your appearance. Remember however, that the whole point of marketing through video is to let people connect with the real you, so don’t try to be something you’re not. People will want to see you in a very natural way, therefore dress, style, and present yourself as you would if you were chatting to friends and family.

2) Be natural. If someone viewing your video sees you as nervous, incoherent or uncomfortable, they’re going to know you’re either trying too hard or you’re not knowledgeable and passionate about your subject area. Allow your vocabulary and delivery style to flow, just as though you’re sharing stories with friends.

3) To help achieve the natural style I’m referring to in the point above, one important technique that has worked really well for me is to look through and beyond the camera. This is a technique that professionals have mastered for years. Imagine the audience you want to connect with and see beyond the lens of your camera, connecting with the people you’re communicating with in the video. Imagine the lens of the camera as a doorway to the world of your audience and forget about the technology.

Follow these initial practical steps in the preparation of your video material and you will overcome the understandable anxiety and trepidation associated with using this medium.

Good luck and to your success.