
This is the most commonly asked question from my clients during media training – “How do I look interested and engaged when I’m just talking to a camera?” That is a key question and one that I want to address in this post.
Hosting a live event and an online event are two very different things. It uses two separate mediums to connect with people and it relies on varying energy levels and different communication methods.

When you present in front of a live audience – you have visual and audio cues to guide your ‘performance’. You can raise your voice levels to gain attention, shift your focus when you feel the audience’s attention waning and oftentimes, how you deliver your speech/ presentation is very much buoyed by the energy levels in the audience, which you can hear, see and feel. You get back what you give out.

But what happens when you are simply looking down the barrel of a lens for a prolonged period of time, with no response from your invisible audience to ‘guide’ you and keep you going? Well, here’s a neat trick that you should learn. A camera lens does make you look slightly bigger on screen but it also dilutes and absorbs some of your energy. So when you’re speaking to camera, you have to raise that energy level by about 10 to 15 percent. You don’t want to make this a theatrical performance, and you don’t need big dramatic movements. However, you do have to emote more and you want your audience to pay attention to what you’re saying so you have to make it sound important. Why should they listen to you? Because this piece of information which you are about to deliver is important to you and it should mean something to them as well.
Do you get excited when you’re talking about certain pet subjects? Do you notice how your eyes light up, your voice volume goes up and you gesticulate more because you’re trying to convey something that means something to you? Well, that’s how you should deliver a presentation or speech across a screen. And this, TAKES PRACTICE. Be careful though, you don’t want to come across reeking of affectation, because that’s even more obvious on camera.

I used to come away after delivering each 2 hour news bulletin at Channel NewsAsia, feeling really exhausted, like I’ve given it my all. And I know, I have. Because communicating effectively across a screen is like a performance, especially when it’s a formal presentation or webcast.
So be mindful to not let those energy levels slip just because there isn’t a physical audience cheering you on. As we move into phase 2 of easing post circuit breaker and virtual meetings are still the norm, I hope this handy tip comes in useful for you. Good luck!
To get in touch and find out more about media training, drop us an email: enquiry@yvonne-chan.com