How to speak to the video camera

1. Emphatically tell the viewers why they must listen. (Speakvid)
2. Remove filler words like “um,” “err,” and “like.”
3. Own the moment with a powerful word to preach, by the power of the Spirit.(Speakvid)
4. Mention giving near the beginning, so its easier to give. Not all will watch whole sermon. (10tipsvid)
5. Mention the availability of services for other age group, and help people know how to get connected. (10tipsvid)
6. Communicate next steps. (giving, newcomer online visitor card, invitation to Zoom post-service foyer meeting) 1

1. When looking at camera lens, envision yourself talking to one person (Speakvid) . or “Picture a family watching together in their home and individuals streaming from their laptop. Visualize kids running around a messy living room and others chowing down on their breakfast. Keep their faces and busy living space in your mind during your introduction, message, and sendoff.” 1
2. Know you are talking to those who do not attend your service. (10tipsvid)
3. If you must address a crowd (eg. outdoor drive in service), spend at least a moment when the video first starts talking to the online audience first to build connection with them. (10tipsvid)
4. Be human. At times, lean in and be personal. You don’t need to be completely polished or scripted. Address other humans, not like a recital.(Speakvid)

1. Put camera lense at the same height as your eyes. Don’t stand too far away. But not so close that when you move your hands, you will end up putting your hands out of frame. (Speakvid)
2. Makes sure you look at the camera lens. It’s tempting to look at the picture of your face, but when you do, you are looking slightly away from the lense. Looking off-center and not getting your viewers gaze will breed distrust, because you look socially dysfunctional. (Speakvid)
3. Before landing certain topics, look 20-40 degrees away from the camera in a pensive mode, and then look back at lens to land your point. (Speakvid)
4. If a different location reinforces a point in your message, give it a try (eg. walking outside 1)

1. Observe the videos you’ve recorded to learn from and improve. Learn how to correct your face contortions, filler words, and annoying mannerisms. (Speakvid) Even better, have core team meet on Zoom call on Monday to review online service. Ask what worked/failed, added/removed. Welcome feedback, taking nothing personally. 1
2. Learn from others who speak well to the camera. (Speakvid)
3. For future sermons, arrange to put up graphics on the screen, like you would on normal sermon. (10tipsvid) If you can use a software (see Expert section here), that’s best. But if not, you could put your graphics on Powerpoint and show on a TV behind you. Avoid TV glare.
4. For future sermons, arrange to have someone send mass text 10 minutes before livestream starts. (10tipsvid)

(10tipsvid) is abbreviation for “10 Tips for Pastors Livestream”

(Speakvid) is abbreviation for “Speaking to Camera”