How To Tell Visual Stories
1. Start practicing an authenticity hour
Take 30 minutes to an hour to just hit record. This will feel silly, but it will go a long way to see what you can realistically come up with in an hour. Talk about the weather, wear what's comfortable, sit somewhere that makes you happy.
If you're creating content for business, this can be a fun challenge to give to your team. You will find something unexpected in honest dialogue!
Don't show this to anyone, just sit and talk to the camera. If you're a social person, grab your best friend or your spouse (if they are willing), and bring them in to have a dialogue.
Some Tips Before presenting (From Our Friends At Dale Carnegie Training):
- Take time to pray and ask God for wisdom on what to say
- Think through the things that your audience would want from your presentation
- Have a good feeling about what it is you are going to be saying
- Consider the problem spots or mindsets that may be holding people back from hearing and receiving your message
- Be sure that a message of love and grace will be received, so that you are not just noise to the audience
- Use third party, data, facts, quotes, stories, and statistics - don't succumb to the pressure to speak solely from your own experiences or success.
- Position yourself as a conduit of a greater message, even if you have mastery or credibility - and give credit where it's due.
- Focus on the actions you want your audience to do after they listen that they can apply now
2. Use your to do list as a shot list, and your camera to cross off each item.
Think about what your next week looks like. What are you going to be doing? Be sure to document key moments where you go. Instead of writing down your to-do list. Just film each bit. Record each shot for 8-10 seconds and do your best to make each shot steady or easy to view later. NO SELFIES. Invest in a small tripod or ask your friend to get a few shots of you.
This step is good for Vlogs, behind the scenes, and journalistic pieces. Keep curious, search for truth, try to find meaning in the moment, and look for moments of excellence. This can be artful and prayerful or can be more analytical and scientific in its approach.
3. Watch your authenticity hour inside your video editing system.
Look for things that you do constantly that you like as well as things that pull you away from your content. Make a cut of the best pieces and cut them down into a short 5 minute piece.
Some things to consider:
- Body movements and posture "how does my body respond to the message?" "Is my body language communicating confidence, grace, and humility?"
- Overused phrases, stutters, stammers, nervous ticks
- Is the theme or main message coming through?
4. Focus on what needs to be improved first, then see where you can use some help.
Often times, sitting in front of a blank piece of paper or a blank word document can prevent us from just living in the moment and speaking from our hearts (for better or worse). On the other hand, not everyone is excellent at spoken words. Maybe you'd be more comfortable using a script and recording a voice over, or using visuals to tell the story. We want to find a format and environment where you can comfortably share and deliver a message. Ask yourself what areas below that you can do well and focus your energies on these strengths.
Try not to take on more than 3 of these at a time
- Write / Format
- Produce
- Act / Present
- Direct
- Cinematography
- Casting
- Editing
- Music Composition
- Music Supervision
- Location Sound
- Art Direction
- Visual Effects
- Special Effects
- PA / Grip
- Gaffer / Electric
- Legal Contracts
- Gear Rentals
5. Ask yourself what you need in order to produce your project.
Where will I post this video?
What audience am I naturally reaching?
How much time, effort, or money do I want to spend?
Who will help me promote this video?
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