In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the nuances of on-camera communication, drawing insights from his book, "People Play Story." The episode explores why speaking to a camera can feel awkward and offers practical advice for overcoming this discomfort. Kloss highlights the importance of understanding the camera's lack of feedback and the necessity of developing on-camera skills through practice. He provides tips on visualizing your audience, understanding film basics like focal length and movement, and mastering shot types to enhance your message.
Listeners will learn about the significance of camera angles, eye contact, and body language in creating a compelling on-screen presence. Kloss emphasizes the power of vocal delivery and the importance of focusing on the message rather than oneself to ease pre-camera nerves. With practical strategies for improving on-camera communication, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to connect with their audience more effectively, whether in a virtual presentation or a video call.
[00:00:08]
Martin Kloss:
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Welcome back, everyone, to our People Place story deep dive. It's great to be back. We're gonna be opening up, another chapter in Martin Klaus's brilliant book all about impactful communication. Yeah. And, specifically, we're gonna be going behind the lens and exploring that unique world of communication on camera. I'm excited for this. Yeah. It's something that,
[00:01:16] Unknown:
a lot of people have to deal with. Totally. And it's a very specific set of skills.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
Yeah. I think most of us, when that camera turns on, there's this discomfort. Yeah. It's not natural. Yeah. It's like all of a sudden you're like, oh, wait. Right. Where did all my, like, smooth conversational skills go? Yes. You feel very self conscious. Totally. And so, you know, maybe you're someone who's getting ready for a big video presentation or a virtual job interview, or maybe you're just curious about how those on screen pros make it look so effortless. Right. So Kloss acknowledges that feeling right off the bat. He says that it's totally normal to feel uncomfortable speaking to a camera. Yeah. It's a different beast Yeah. Than than face to face. It really is. So then the question is why why is it so different? Does the camera is it just me, or does the camera just have this, like Yeah. Mystical awkwardness aura? I think it does Mhmm. A little bit. But I think Kloss, he points to two key reasons. Okay. The first is that the camera gives you absolutely zero feedback. It's like talking to a wall. Yeah. You know? You're not getting those nods and smiles No. Or even
[00:02:22] Unknown:
brows that tell you Right. If what you're saying is landing. No. It's just it's like it's like sending a text message and then getting that, like, read Exactly. To nothing nothing else. And the second reason, believe it or not, is that being on camera is a skill set. Oh, okay. It's it's just like sailing. You know? Yeah. You have to to learn the ropes, and you have to understand the tools. Gotcha. And you have to practice. So it's not just about showing up and and hoping for the best. Not if you wanna connect Right. Yeah. With the with the audience. But the good news is is that just like with sailing, the more you do it, the more comfortable you'll get and the more confident you'll get. So it's it's one of those things where practice really does make perfect
[00:03:01] Unknown:
or or as close as you can get. Exactly. Yeah. So alright. So let's say let's say I'm about to give this huge presentation on camera. Are there any are there any tips that Kloss gives us to, like, ease those prerecording
[00:03:13] Unknown:
jitters? Yeah. He does, actually. And and I've used these myself, and I think you'll find them helpful too. One is to really visualize your audience even if you're recording for later viewing. Okay.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
Just imagine that you're speaking directly to a person you know or your ideal audience member. Oh, that's cool. So you're kind of creating a connection even though it's it's not really there in the moment. Exactly. Because it's easy to just feel so lost staring into that lens. Right. If you can kind of picture a friendly face on the other side. Right. It could make a big difference. Yeah. Totally. And,
[00:03:47] Unknown:
you know, Kloss also recommends that if you are gonna be doing this a lot to to seek out resources. Okay. There are, you know, lots of books and workshops that are specifically dedicated to on camera communication.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
Great advice. So we've talked about the mental game a little bit. Yeah. But what about what about the technical side of things? You mentioned that being on camera is a skill set. What does Kloss have to say about understanding the sort of language of film? Right. And this is where it gets really interesting. Okay. He actually delves into some some film basics to to kinda help us understand
[00:04:21] Unknown:
how the camera sees and how that impacts our communication. Okay. And he starts with focal length. Okay. So is focal length just how far away the camera is? Well, it's more nuanced than that. Okay. Think of it, think of it like using the zoom on your phone's camera. Okay. A wide angle lens is gonna capture a broader view, like a whole room Yeah. Whereas the zoomed in lens is gonna narrow the focus Right. And highlight specific details. I see. So it's not just distance. It's really about It's about what's being emphasized within the frame. Exactly. Got it. And and that choice Yeah. You know, whether it's made by you or a camera operator Right. Is gonna impact how your messages proceed. And then another element that he talks about is movement. Movement. Like, should I be doing a little dance while I'm presenting? Or Not quite. Yep. But in film, there are two types of movement. Okay. There's the subject moving Okay. And the camera moving. Got it. For presentations, usually, the camera is static. Right. So that means any movement you make becomes magnified for the viewer. So even, like, shifting my weight or or adjusting my glasses It could be. It could be distracting. He emphasizes that subtle movements are key on camera. Right. Too much motion is gonna pull the viewer's eye away from your message. It's almost like having
[00:05:37] Unknown:
to relearn how to how to move because Right. I'm I'm a big pacer when I'm, like, brainstorming Sure. When I can't I can't be doing that Right. On camera. Exactly. Yeah. So and this kinda leads us to you know, this awareness of movement kinda leads into one of the most crucial aspects of, I think, on camera communication, and that's framing. Yeah. So unpack that a little bit for us. What exactly does he mean by framing? He outlines
[00:06:03] Unknown:
seven classic shot types. Okay. The filmmakers use to compose their scenes. He calls them, you know, kind of the building blocks Gotcha. Of visual storytelling.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
Interesting. Okay. So give us these seven shot types and how they come into play, you know, for someone like me giving a presentation online. Okay. So he starts with a total Okay. Which is also known as a wide shot. So think of those sweeping shots in movies that establish the scene. Right. Like, showing the entire conference room Exactly. Before zooming in on the speaker. Yeah. And then there's the medium shot. Okay. And that brings us closer to the subject. Right. So it's like that that sweet spot between establishing the setting Exactly. And focusing on the individual. And then we move into closer framing
[00:06:45] Unknown:
with or medium close-up. Okay. And that frames the subjects from about the chest up. So that's like your your classic news anchor Yes. Exactly. Where you can see their facial expressions, their hand gestures. Right. You feel like you're part of the conversation. Right. And then there's the cowboy shot. Wait. Cowboy shot? That's like a real filmmaking term. Yeah. It is. Wow. It originated from, you guessed it, westerns. Right. They needed a way to show those dramatic gunslinging showdowns
[00:07:13] Unknown:
without cutting off the holster at the hip. That's amazing. I love how these terms have, like, histories behind them. Oh. It's it's pretty cool.
[00:07:21] Unknown:
Alright. So we've got what comes after cowboy. So then we get into the close ups. Mhmm. And first, there's the close-up. Okay. That's a more intimate view. It's it's mainly head and shoulders. Okay.
[00:07:31] Unknown:
This shot really emphasizes facial expressions. Alright. So this is where it starts to get really personal.
[00:07:36] Unknown:
Right. And then for even greater emphasis, you know, they have the extreme close-up. Okay. And that might focus just on the eyes or the mouth. Gotcha. Just just really to draw your attention to specific details. Okay. So that one, I bet that one packs a punch It does. Emotionally. Emotionally for sure. Yeah. And lastly, there's the cut in. Okay. And that's gonna focus on a very specific object. Okay. So imagine a close-up of hands
[00:08:02] Unknown:
during a demonstration. Right. A a significant prop Okay. In a scene. So it's all about, like, really highlighting those those key elements. Exactly. Yeah. Okay. Wow. That was a lot to take in. It is a lot. Yeah. Yeah. But I can see how
[00:08:15] Unknown:
how understanding these different shot shot types can make you a much more effective communicator Definitely. Even if you're you're not a filmmaker. Yeah. And framing is only one piece of the puzzle. Right. We also have to talk about how the height of the camera Okay. Impacts the message. Alright. So camera height. Do I need to bring my measuring tape to every video call now? No. Not at all. It's it's more about understanding Yeah. How that angle that the camera is shooting you from affects the viewer's perception. Oh. Right. So think about it. Looking up at someone creates a different impression than looking down at them. That's true. Like, if you want to intimidate someone, you stand over them. Right. You make yourself seem larger. Exactly. So plus highlights three main camera heights. Okay. There's eye level. Okay. There's a high angle and a low angle. Gotcha. So I'm guessing eye level is usually the best choice for, you know Yes. Exactly. For presentations and things like that. Yeah. It's like having a conversation with a friend. Right. It feels natural. It feels equal. It creates that sense of
[00:09:16] Unknown:
of connection. You're not talking down to them Right. Or up to them. It's just natural. Exactly. So we've talked about framing. We've talked about camera angles. Is there anything else that that we need to be mindful of when it comes to our our on camera presence? So there's one more essential element that Kloss really emphasizes
[00:09:34] Unknown:
Okay. And that's eye contact. Oh, yes.
[00:09:37] Unknown:
The the age old dilemma of making eye contact with a lens. Right. You know, it's so important but feels so weird. It does. But think about it this way. You know?
[00:09:47] Unknown:
When you look away from the camera, it makes the viewer wonder what you're looking at. Right. You know? It creates a sense of disconnection. Yeah. And it breaks that that flow of communication. So no sneaking glances at my notes or checking my phone while I'm recording? Right. Got it. The key is to really focus on the lens as if you were looking into the eyes of your audience. Right. Cost suggests practicing with your smartphone camera. Oh, okay. You know, just record yourself speaking. And that direct eye contact creates that sense of presence Right. And intimacy, and it keeps the viewer glued to you and your message. Right. So let's let's talk about another element of on camera communication Yes. And that is body language.
[00:10:26] Unknown:
Okay. Body language. Yeah. What does Close have to say about that? Because I imagine it's a little bit different It is. When you're on camera versus in person.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
As we were talking about earlier, you know, every movement is magnified when that camera is rolling. Right. So CLOS really emphasizes controlled, purposeful movements. Okay. You know, your body language should complement and enhance your message, not distract from it. Okay. So no more pacing back and forth what I tend to do when I'm nervous. A little movement can be engaging, but the key is to make sure that your movements are really deliberate Okay. And not distracting. Gotcha. So you might, for example, use hand gestures to emphasize a point Right.
[00:11:07] Unknown:
But avoid those kind of repetitive or overly dramatic motions. That makes sense. It's like you have to be hyper aware Yes. Of your body in a way that we're not used to Right. In everyday conversations.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Right. And it is it is an adjustment. Yeah. But it does become more natural with practice. Yeah. And it's not just about avoiding those big movements. Posture is incredibly important too. Pleasure. He stresses the need
[00:11:31] Unknown:
to sit or stand tall k. With your shoulders relaxed and your back straight. You know, it's funny. I never realized how much I slouch until I started doing all these video calls. A lot of us do. Yeah. It's like, oh, wow. Yeah. I'm like a hunchback over here. But good posture,
[00:11:46] Unknown:
it not only conveys confidence Right. It also helps you project your voice more effectively. So it's a win win. It is. You look and sound better Exactly. With good posture. So let's talk about something that I know a lot of people get self conscious about. Okay. And that is facial expressions. Oh, great. You know, that camera picks up every little nuance. Yeah. Now I'm gonna be, like, super aware of every every wrinkle and every eyebrow twitch. Don't worry. It's not about having a perfectly stoic expression. Okay. In fact, Claes encourages us to be authentic Okay. And to let those emotions show. Okay. He says that the key is to be genuine, not forced.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
So if I'm, like, genuinely excited about my topic Right. It's okay to let that enthusiasm show on my face. Absolutely. Your expressions should match your words. Gotcha. You know, smile when you're happy, furrow your brow when you're expressing concern. Right. It's about connecting with your audience. That makes me feel so much better. Good. I was starting to worry I needed to, like, practice my serious news anchor face in the mirror. No. No need for that. K. Good. Just be yourself. Where? Let your personality shine through.
[00:12:53] Unknown:
Alright. So we've talked about facial expressions. Oh, yeah. What about vocal delivery? Right. The voice. And it's easy to get so caught up in those visuals that we forget about how important our voice is. Totally. You know, your voice is an incredibly powerful instrument. Yeah. It conveys not only information, but also emotion, energy, personality.
[00:13:12] Unknown:
Absolutely.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
A good microphone can definitely help with sound quality. Right. But the real magic is in how you use your voice. Okay. Kwasi talks about the importance of projecting your voice Right. Clearly and confidently. No mumbling or trailing off into silence. So basically, speak like you mean it. Exactly. Don't hide behind a whisper. Right. Gotcha. He also emphasizes clear enunciation
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Okay.
[00:13:37] Unknown:
And varying your pitch and pace to keep your audience engaged.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
It's like it's like when you're listening to someone read aloud Yeah. And their voice just, like, draws you in. Yeah. You know, they emphasize certain words. They pause just the right moments, and you find yourself, like, hang on to every word. That's a great analogy, and those pauses are actually a really powerful tool. Right. They give the audience time to process the information. Yeah. And it can add emphasis to your message. So it's not just what you say. It's how you say it. Exactly. It seems like there's so much more to this on camera communication.
[00:14:10] Unknown:
There is. It involves a lot of different elements all working together. Right. But the good news is Okay. That these are all skills that are transferable
[00:14:19] Unknown:
so they can enhance your communication Right. In any setting, whether you're on camera, giving a presentation to a live audience Yeah. Or even just having a conversation with a friend. That's a good point. So even if I'm not planning on becoming, you know, a news anchor anytime soon Right. These tips can help me just be a more effective communicator.
[00:14:39] Unknown:
Exactly. And speaking of tips, Kloss has a few more specifically for dealing with those precameral nerves. Okay. Would you like to hear those? Yes. I think we could all use a little help in that department. Alright. Well, let's dive into those. Alright. So let's get into those those pre camera, nerve busting tips. Okay. So one of his top tips is, and this might seem obvious, but it's to practice, practice, practice. The more familiar you are with your material and with being on camera, the less anxious you're gonna feel. That makes perfect sense. It's like anything else. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Exactly. And he also suggests recording yourself Okay. Even if it's just on your phone. Right. So you could see how you come across on camera Mhmm. And identify any areas you might want to adjust. You know? Yeah. Your delivery or body language. It's like having your own personal film critic, but a nice one. Exactly. And here's another tip that I thought was interesting. Okay. He recommends warming up your voice and your body Okay. Before you hit record. Warm up. Like, I'm about to go run a marathon.
Not quite. But Yeah. Similar idea. You know, do some simple vocal exercises to loosen up your vocal cords Yeah. And maybe some light stretches to release any tension you might be holding in your body. Okay. So I could see how that would help because
[00:15:54] Unknown:
when I get nervous, I definitely tense up. Right. And that, you know, definitely affects how I sound and how I move. Exactly. And then lastly, he really emphasizes the importance of focusing on your message Okay. Rather than on yourself. Yeah. So remind yourself why you're sharing this information and who you're trying to reach. Yeah. That's that's such a good point because it's so easy to get caught up in our own heads It is. And worry about how we look or how we sound. But, ultimately, it's about connecting with the audience and sharing something valuable. Exactly. And when you shift your focus from yourself
[00:16:25] Unknown:
to the message,
[00:16:27] Unknown:
you'll find that the nerves start to fade away. That's awesome. Well, this has been another fantastic deep dive It has. Into Martin Kloss's people place story. We've covered a lot of ground today from those technical aspects, you know, like framing and camera angles to some of the more subtle things like eye contact, body language, vocal delivery. Yep. It's been a great overview. Yeah. It's and we've gotten some really practical strategies We have. For dealing with those pre camera nerves, which I know we can all appreciate. So if you're ready to take your on camera communication skills to the next level, definitely check out the rest of our people, place, story episodes or pick up a copy of Martin Kloss's book. It's full of amazing insights that can help you communicate with more confidence and impact.
So until next time, keep exploring this fascinating world of communication, and remember, the power to connect and inspire lies within each of us. Have a great week, everyone.
[00:17:32] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on Martin Kloss dot com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Welcome back, everyone, to our People Place story deep dive. It's great to be back. We're gonna be opening up, another chapter in Martin Klaus's brilliant book all about impactful communication. Yeah. And, specifically, we're gonna be going behind the lens and exploring that unique world of communication on camera. I'm excited for this. Yeah. It's something that,
[00:01:16] Unknown:
a lot of people have to deal with. Totally. And it's a very specific set of skills.
[00:01:21] Unknown:
Yeah. I think most of us, when that camera turns on, there's this discomfort. Yeah. It's not natural. Yeah. It's like all of a sudden you're like, oh, wait. Right. Where did all my, like, smooth conversational skills go? Yes. You feel very self conscious. Totally. And so, you know, maybe you're someone who's getting ready for a big video presentation or a virtual job interview, or maybe you're just curious about how those on screen pros make it look so effortless. Right. So Kloss acknowledges that feeling right off the bat. He says that it's totally normal to feel uncomfortable speaking to a camera. Yeah. It's a different beast Yeah. Than than face to face. It really is. So then the question is why why is it so different? Does the camera is it just me, or does the camera just have this, like Yeah. Mystical awkwardness aura? I think it does Mhmm. A little bit. But I think Kloss, he points to two key reasons. Okay. The first is that the camera gives you absolutely zero feedback. It's like talking to a wall. Yeah. You know? You're not getting those nods and smiles No. Or even
[00:02:22] Unknown:
brows that tell you Right. If what you're saying is landing. No. It's just it's like it's like sending a text message and then getting that, like, read Exactly. To nothing nothing else. And the second reason, believe it or not, is that being on camera is a skill set. Oh, okay. It's it's just like sailing. You know? Yeah. You have to to learn the ropes, and you have to understand the tools. Gotcha. And you have to practice. So it's not just about showing up and and hoping for the best. Not if you wanna connect Right. Yeah. With the with the audience. But the good news is is that just like with sailing, the more you do it, the more comfortable you'll get and the more confident you'll get. So it's it's one of those things where practice really does make perfect
[00:03:01] Unknown:
or or as close as you can get. Exactly. Yeah. So alright. So let's say let's say I'm about to give this huge presentation on camera. Are there any are there any tips that Kloss gives us to, like, ease those prerecording
[00:03:13] Unknown:
jitters? Yeah. He does, actually. And and I've used these myself, and I think you'll find them helpful too. One is to really visualize your audience even if you're recording for later viewing. Okay.
[00:03:26] Unknown:
Just imagine that you're speaking directly to a person you know or your ideal audience member. Oh, that's cool. So you're kind of creating a connection even though it's it's not really there in the moment. Exactly. Because it's easy to just feel so lost staring into that lens. Right. If you can kind of picture a friendly face on the other side. Right. It could make a big difference. Yeah. Totally. And,
[00:03:47] Unknown:
you know, Kloss also recommends that if you are gonna be doing this a lot to to seek out resources. Okay. There are, you know, lots of books and workshops that are specifically dedicated to on camera communication.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
Great advice. So we've talked about the mental game a little bit. Yeah. But what about what about the technical side of things? You mentioned that being on camera is a skill set. What does Kloss have to say about understanding the sort of language of film? Right. And this is where it gets really interesting. Okay. He actually delves into some some film basics to to kinda help us understand
[00:04:21] Unknown:
how the camera sees and how that impacts our communication. Okay. And he starts with focal length. Okay. So is focal length just how far away the camera is? Well, it's more nuanced than that. Okay. Think of it, think of it like using the zoom on your phone's camera. Okay. A wide angle lens is gonna capture a broader view, like a whole room Yeah. Whereas the zoomed in lens is gonna narrow the focus Right. And highlight specific details. I see. So it's not just distance. It's really about It's about what's being emphasized within the frame. Exactly. Got it. And and that choice Yeah. You know, whether it's made by you or a camera operator Right. Is gonna impact how your messages proceed. And then another element that he talks about is movement. Movement. Like, should I be doing a little dance while I'm presenting? Or Not quite. Yep. But in film, there are two types of movement. Okay. There's the subject moving Okay. And the camera moving. Got it. For presentations, usually, the camera is static. Right. So that means any movement you make becomes magnified for the viewer. So even, like, shifting my weight or or adjusting my glasses It could be. It could be distracting. He emphasizes that subtle movements are key on camera. Right. Too much motion is gonna pull the viewer's eye away from your message. It's almost like having
[00:05:37] Unknown:
to relearn how to how to move because Right. I'm I'm a big pacer when I'm, like, brainstorming Sure. When I can't I can't be doing that Right. On camera. Exactly. Yeah. So and this kinda leads us to you know, this awareness of movement kinda leads into one of the most crucial aspects of, I think, on camera communication, and that's framing. Yeah. So unpack that a little bit for us. What exactly does he mean by framing? He outlines
[00:06:03] Unknown:
seven classic shot types. Okay. The filmmakers use to compose their scenes. He calls them, you know, kind of the building blocks Gotcha. Of visual storytelling.
[00:06:13] Unknown:
Interesting. Okay. So give us these seven shot types and how they come into play, you know, for someone like me giving a presentation online. Okay. So he starts with a total Okay. Which is also known as a wide shot. So think of those sweeping shots in movies that establish the scene. Right. Like, showing the entire conference room Exactly. Before zooming in on the speaker. Yeah. And then there's the medium shot. Okay. And that brings us closer to the subject. Right. So it's like that that sweet spot between establishing the setting Exactly. And focusing on the individual. And then we move into closer framing
[00:06:45] Unknown:
with or medium close-up. Okay. And that frames the subjects from about the chest up. So that's like your your classic news anchor Yes. Exactly. Where you can see their facial expressions, their hand gestures. Right. You feel like you're part of the conversation. Right. And then there's the cowboy shot. Wait. Cowboy shot? That's like a real filmmaking term. Yeah. It is. Wow. It originated from, you guessed it, westerns. Right. They needed a way to show those dramatic gunslinging showdowns
[00:07:13] Unknown:
without cutting off the holster at the hip. That's amazing. I love how these terms have, like, histories behind them. Oh. It's it's pretty cool.
[00:07:21] Unknown:
Alright. So we've got what comes after cowboy. So then we get into the close ups. Mhmm. And first, there's the close-up. Okay. That's a more intimate view. It's it's mainly head and shoulders. Okay.
[00:07:31] Unknown:
This shot really emphasizes facial expressions. Alright. So this is where it starts to get really personal.
[00:07:36] Unknown:
Right. And then for even greater emphasis, you know, they have the extreme close-up. Okay. And that might focus just on the eyes or the mouth. Gotcha. Just just really to draw your attention to specific details. Okay. So that one, I bet that one packs a punch It does. Emotionally. Emotionally for sure. Yeah. And lastly, there's the cut in. Okay. And that's gonna focus on a very specific object. Okay. So imagine a close-up of hands
[00:08:02] Unknown:
during a demonstration. Right. A a significant prop Okay. In a scene. So it's all about, like, really highlighting those those key elements. Exactly. Yeah. Okay. Wow. That was a lot to take in. It is a lot. Yeah. Yeah. But I can see how
[00:08:15] Unknown:
how understanding these different shot shot types can make you a much more effective communicator Definitely. Even if you're you're not a filmmaker. Yeah. And framing is only one piece of the puzzle. Right. We also have to talk about how the height of the camera Okay. Impacts the message. Alright. So camera height. Do I need to bring my measuring tape to every video call now? No. Not at all. It's it's more about understanding Yeah. How that angle that the camera is shooting you from affects the viewer's perception. Oh. Right. So think about it. Looking up at someone creates a different impression than looking down at them. That's true. Like, if you want to intimidate someone, you stand over them. Right. You make yourself seem larger. Exactly. So plus highlights three main camera heights. Okay. There's eye level. Okay. There's a high angle and a low angle. Gotcha. So I'm guessing eye level is usually the best choice for, you know Yes. Exactly. For presentations and things like that. Yeah. It's like having a conversation with a friend. Right. It feels natural. It feels equal. It creates that sense of
[00:09:16] Unknown:
of connection. You're not talking down to them Right. Or up to them. It's just natural. Exactly. So we've talked about framing. We've talked about camera angles. Is there anything else that that we need to be mindful of when it comes to our our on camera presence? So there's one more essential element that Kloss really emphasizes
[00:09:34] Unknown:
Okay. And that's eye contact. Oh, yes.
[00:09:37] Unknown:
The the age old dilemma of making eye contact with a lens. Right. You know, it's so important but feels so weird. It does. But think about it this way. You know?
[00:09:47] Unknown:
When you look away from the camera, it makes the viewer wonder what you're looking at. Right. You know? It creates a sense of disconnection. Yeah. And it breaks that that flow of communication. So no sneaking glances at my notes or checking my phone while I'm recording? Right. Got it. The key is to really focus on the lens as if you were looking into the eyes of your audience. Right. Cost suggests practicing with your smartphone camera. Oh, okay. You know, just record yourself speaking. And that direct eye contact creates that sense of presence Right. And intimacy, and it keeps the viewer glued to you and your message. Right. So let's let's talk about another element of on camera communication Yes. And that is body language.
[00:10:26] Unknown:
Okay. Body language. Yeah. What does Close have to say about that? Because I imagine it's a little bit different It is. When you're on camera versus in person.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
As we were talking about earlier, you know, every movement is magnified when that camera is rolling. Right. So CLOS really emphasizes controlled, purposeful movements. Okay. You know, your body language should complement and enhance your message, not distract from it. Okay. So no more pacing back and forth what I tend to do when I'm nervous. A little movement can be engaging, but the key is to make sure that your movements are really deliberate Okay. And not distracting. Gotcha. So you might, for example, use hand gestures to emphasize a point Right.
[00:11:07] Unknown:
But avoid those kind of repetitive or overly dramatic motions. That makes sense. It's like you have to be hyper aware Yes. Of your body in a way that we're not used to Right. In everyday conversations.
[00:11:18] Unknown:
Right. And it is it is an adjustment. Yeah. But it does become more natural with practice. Yeah. And it's not just about avoiding those big movements. Posture is incredibly important too. Pleasure. He stresses the need
[00:11:31] Unknown:
to sit or stand tall k. With your shoulders relaxed and your back straight. You know, it's funny. I never realized how much I slouch until I started doing all these video calls. A lot of us do. Yeah. It's like, oh, wow. Yeah. I'm like a hunchback over here. But good posture,
[00:11:46] Unknown:
it not only conveys confidence Right. It also helps you project your voice more effectively. So it's a win win. It is. You look and sound better Exactly. With good posture. So let's talk about something that I know a lot of people get self conscious about. Okay. And that is facial expressions. Oh, great. You know, that camera picks up every little nuance. Yeah. Now I'm gonna be, like, super aware of every every wrinkle and every eyebrow twitch. Don't worry. It's not about having a perfectly stoic expression. Okay. In fact, Claes encourages us to be authentic Okay. And to let those emotions show. Okay. He says that the key is to be genuine, not forced.
[00:12:25] Unknown:
So if I'm, like, genuinely excited about my topic Right. It's okay to let that enthusiasm show on my face. Absolutely. Your expressions should match your words. Gotcha. You know, smile when you're happy, furrow your brow when you're expressing concern. Right. It's about connecting with your audience. That makes me feel so much better. Good. I was starting to worry I needed to, like, practice my serious news anchor face in the mirror. No. No need for that. K. Good. Just be yourself. Where? Let your personality shine through.
[00:12:53] Unknown:
Alright. So we've talked about facial expressions. Oh, yeah. What about vocal delivery? Right. The voice. And it's easy to get so caught up in those visuals that we forget about how important our voice is. Totally. You know, your voice is an incredibly powerful instrument. Yeah. It conveys not only information, but also emotion, energy, personality.
[00:13:12] Unknown:
Absolutely.
[00:13:13] Unknown:
A good microphone can definitely help with sound quality. Right. But the real magic is in how you use your voice. Okay. Kwasi talks about the importance of projecting your voice Right. Clearly and confidently. No mumbling or trailing off into silence. So basically, speak like you mean it. Exactly. Don't hide behind a whisper. Right. Gotcha. He also emphasizes clear enunciation
[00:13:36] Unknown:
Okay.
[00:13:37] Unknown:
And varying your pitch and pace to keep your audience engaged.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
It's like it's like when you're listening to someone read aloud Yeah. And their voice just, like, draws you in. Yeah. You know, they emphasize certain words. They pause just the right moments, and you find yourself, like, hang on to every word. That's a great analogy, and those pauses are actually a really powerful tool. Right. They give the audience time to process the information. Yeah. And it can add emphasis to your message. So it's not just what you say. It's how you say it. Exactly. It seems like there's so much more to this on camera communication.
[00:14:10] Unknown:
There is. It involves a lot of different elements all working together. Right. But the good news is Okay. That these are all skills that are transferable
[00:14:19] Unknown:
so they can enhance your communication Right. In any setting, whether you're on camera, giving a presentation to a live audience Yeah. Or even just having a conversation with a friend. That's a good point. So even if I'm not planning on becoming, you know, a news anchor anytime soon Right. These tips can help me just be a more effective communicator.
[00:14:39] Unknown:
Exactly. And speaking of tips, Kloss has a few more specifically for dealing with those precameral nerves. Okay. Would you like to hear those? Yes. I think we could all use a little help in that department. Alright. Well, let's dive into those. Alright. So let's get into those those pre camera, nerve busting tips. Okay. So one of his top tips is, and this might seem obvious, but it's to practice, practice, practice. The more familiar you are with your material and with being on camera, the less anxious you're gonna feel. That makes perfect sense. It's like anything else. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Exactly. And he also suggests recording yourself Okay. Even if it's just on your phone. Right. So you could see how you come across on camera Mhmm. And identify any areas you might want to adjust. You know? Yeah. Your delivery or body language. It's like having your own personal film critic, but a nice one. Exactly. And here's another tip that I thought was interesting. Okay. He recommends warming up your voice and your body Okay. Before you hit record. Warm up. Like, I'm about to go run a marathon.
Not quite. But Yeah. Similar idea. You know, do some simple vocal exercises to loosen up your vocal cords Yeah. And maybe some light stretches to release any tension you might be holding in your body. Okay. So I could see how that would help because
[00:15:54] Unknown:
when I get nervous, I definitely tense up. Right. And that, you know, definitely affects how I sound and how I move. Exactly. And then lastly, he really emphasizes the importance of focusing on your message Okay. Rather than on yourself. Yeah. So remind yourself why you're sharing this information and who you're trying to reach. Yeah. That's that's such a good point because it's so easy to get caught up in our own heads It is. And worry about how we look or how we sound. But, ultimately, it's about connecting with the audience and sharing something valuable. Exactly. And when you shift your focus from yourself
[00:16:25] Unknown:
to the message,
[00:16:27] Unknown:
you'll find that the nerves start to fade away. That's awesome. Well, this has been another fantastic deep dive It has. Into Martin Kloss's people place story. We've covered a lot of ground today from those technical aspects, you know, like framing and camera angles to some of the more subtle things like eye contact, body language, vocal delivery. Yep. It's been a great overview. Yeah. It's and we've gotten some really practical strategies We have. For dealing with those pre camera nerves, which I know we can all appreciate. So if you're ready to take your on camera communication skills to the next level, definitely check out the rest of our people, place, story episodes or pick up a copy of Martin Kloss's book. It's full of amazing insights that can help you communicate with more confidence and impact.
So until next time, keep exploring this fascinating world of communication, and remember, the power to connect and inspire lies within each of us. Have a great week, everyone.
[00:17:32] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on Martin Kloss dot com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
