Well, as many readers know, online video is a powerful medium for getting your message across. Those that are using it are experiencing explosive growth. Now this site is about marketing online and branding yourself as a leader. One of the tools that I use to market online is video. When I first started producing online videos it would take me a long time to produce one 2 minute clip. The reason is that unless you are really, really good, you need a script. It would take me many, many (20+) takes to deliver that one script right. It made me really appreciate actors; how is it that they can remember all of those lines? Maybe I had a problem because it was all so new to me. However, I do have a new secret weapon, but I will get to that in a few minutes.
Have any of you ever watched any of Mike Dillard’s videos? I recently watched a great one that he produced called Black Belt Recruiting. To most people it probably looks like Mike is very smooth and is delivering all of his lines off the top of his head. It makes him look like an expert and a leader. Mike Dillard is all of those things, and more. However, I found out that everything in his video is scripted. How do I know? I heard him say it on another video.
Now, if Mike Dillard uses a script to create his videos, I know that I need a script to do mine. The problem is that even for a 2 minute clip, if you are not used to the camera, it could take you hours to produce one clip that is flawless enough to publish on the internet. However, as I mentioned to you earlier, I have a new secret weapon. Do you know why Barack Obama is such a great orator? My secret weapon is the “secret weapon” used by the president himself and is instrumental in helping him communicate so effectively to the American Public. By now, many of you know that I am talking about a teleprompter.
You can't see it in this picture, but the copy from the laptop (or your monitor) is projected onto the glass so that I can look right at the camera and read the copy
If you were going to buy a teleprompter to do your video, expect to pay at least $1000.00. But, you can make one like I did for a lot less. All you need is some wood and piece of acrylic or plexiglass. I used the wood to mount the glass at a 45 degree angle and I loaded special software to mirror reverse my script onto my laptop . I then shot through the glass while reading my script. It looks very professional and I can produce a high quality video in one or two takes. Take a look at the picture of mine here, or Google “how to make a teleprompter” for more ideas.
I have plans to modify my teleprompter to make it adjustable. The piece on the top prevents glare from overhead lights. This one was done in a hurry. I may even publish some plans so that others can build their own. I also saw some special teleprompter 2 way glass that I may incorporate into the next version. However, this one certainly did the trick.
