Did you know that evaluating a video of one of your presentations is one of the best investments you can make as a presenter?
And smart phones make video recording easier than ever.
While viewing a recording of yourself is never easy, our clients consistently tell us that it is a powerful exercise to learn what is working in their presentations and where they can make adjustments.
Watching the video—however—is not the same as evaluating it. The goal is to identify strengths and areas that need improvement. Below are four strategies that will help you make the most of your video evaluating experience.
Watch in Regular Mode
Observe yourself and write down your first impressions. Is it grabbing you? Is your presentation easy to follow? How is your energy? Identify two strengths and two areas to develop.
Turn the Volume Up and Look Away from the Screen
You will be able to focus exclusively on your voice quality and word choice. As you listen, focus in on projection, enunciation, vocal variety, filler words (uhm’s, ah’s, etc.) and pace. Identify two strengths and two areas to develop.
Turn the Volume Off and Look at the Screen
With the volume off, you are forced to focus on your body language. Body language will always override our verbal communication. Observing the body language alone, put yourself in the shoes of the audience. What message is getting across? Enthusiasm or lack of energy? Passion or apathy? Confidence or insecurity? Identify two strengths and two areas to develop.
Fast Forward
In this mode, you are able to see themes and trends in your delivery. The goal is to observe variety in your movements and gestures with a consistent focus toward the audience. Identify two strengths and two areas to develop.
Are you ready to take your presentation skills to the next level? Make good use of your smart phone or tablet video capabilities and turn the camera on yourself. Then grab pen and paper and write down what you are doing well as a presenter and what areas need some tweaking.
Enjoy the show!
