[Progress] #AndyTalks

[Andy Black]

You are doing great, you got a decent voice and great screen presence. You're working on the little things, so the more you do the better you'll become. Keep it simple no need for gagets, unless they will make things simpler and or faster for you.

Thanks for the kind words @Buickestate.

I agree 100% (and likely everyone in the forum does too) that getting off the line first is sooo much better than turning all the lights green before setting off.

I'd like to do a video a day. I can't see how at the moment as I'd wake the family if I did this in the kitchen when they're asleep, and the lighting isn't as good in my office (which doubles as the playroom when the kids are home and awake). I'll work it out.

A video a day would get me to 100 pretty fast, which is likely 90 more than most people do.

That's partly why Periscope appeals. I see people doing them in their (parked) cars, kitchens, anywhere in fact. Very ad-hoc, and pretty cool.

You're better at this than you think

Firstly, thanks so much for the encouragement. I really appreciate it.

We often have no idea what we're good at, because it's just what we do and we assume it's what everyone does. Maybe "presenting" is one of those things for me? It did get highlighted in that profile I posted earlier... which reminded me I've been doing presentations and training since I was about 21 anyway.

Your marvelous! Ha ha! I've been trying to get into this too, but the thing is my mind goes blank and then I'm like uhto! So, trying to figure out how to do it so I don't go blank and forget what I want to say. lol

Thank you @Mattie !!

Yeah, it's a really really odd feeling when you look at the camera and your mind suddenly goes blank. I marvel at it actually.

One of the days I sat and did about 3 terrible takes (forgot to turn on the camera, then had the camera facing the other way, then the storage ran out... grrrr....).

It was so hard to get the brain going, but I had a call while I was doing it and talked completely naturally, and then my step-son wandered into the kitchen and asked wtf I was doing, and then I quite normally explained to him. As soon as I turned back to the camera, my mind went blank again. Haha... it was *wierd* observing it in myself.

If you're reading this and haven't tried, you should give it a go. Tell me it's not an odd feeling.


I've only done 3 videos so far, so I'm not sure what advice I can give you Mattie!

Things that have helped:

1) Standing.

2) Making it my goal to pass on what I'd learned so people could follow in my footsteps (rather than "create a video").

3) Imagining talking to people in the forum (although I guess I should imagine I'm talking to one person rather than a group of people? ... I've no idea).

4) There was an exercise I read and tried (ahem... only once):

Step 1) Stare at the camera for a minute or two - to get used to looking at it. You don't even need the camera turned on.

Step 2) Stare at the camera and talk about something you know really well for a minute or two. Imagine you're talking to a friend (maybe even putting up an image of them behind the camera). You don't even need the camera turned on.
​

5) A ritual beforehand (I've completely forgotten about this but will do the next time):

Stand in a power pose of hands on hips (wonder woman stylee), and do two big inhales and exhales.

Then say out loud something like "I'm going to create a kick-a$$ video to help people <insert goal>".

Go!
​

6) When you screw up, don't turn off the camera and start again... just keep talking. You'll get into a flow and forget the camera's even there.

​

Starting is the hardest part. (Where have we heard that before?).

​

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on!

 

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[Sheps]

I was expecting an Irish accent, I feel lied to.

 

[Buickestate]

I was expecting an Irish accent, I feel lied to.

Andy you'll have to toss in random Agnes Brownisms to please your audience.........

 

[Mattie]

He he! Yes, Wonder women sounds good! Thanks for the advice. Yes, I started a podcast, but end up reading it, and don't know if it sounds to great doing that way, but gets me practicing, so I suppose once I get comfortable speaking freely on podcast, I'll move to the videos. I figured it was less intimidating to start out with. I'll keep your tips in mind.

 

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[mws87]

#AndyTalks Ep 1 - Just Do It!

A few weeks ago I created a quick video to say thanks to @SinisterLex in his video thread here.

I just used my iPhone 5S with the inbuilt mic.

I then bought a lapel mic that didn't fit into the iPhone jack (grrrr). I've since found out there's an adapter that can be used, but ordered a MOVO PM10 lapel mic anyway.

The next test I wanted to do was to improve the audio.

This first video was created using the "selfie" camera, and I found it really hard to look at the lense, hence not bothering and just looking at myself ... oh the vanity...

#AndyTalks Ep 2 - Improving Audio

The MOVO PM10 lapel mic arrived today.

Here's a video comparing it to the iPhone 5S inbuilt mic, and the standard iPhone hands-free kit.

I've uploaded this video to YouTube for the moment.

I had the normal camera facing me, so wasn't distracted by an image of myself moving about. It was much easier to focus on the camera lense this way too.

I bought the iMovie app for my iPhone to edit this video. All I did was delete the first and last few seconds where I turned the video recorder on and off, and add a "fade in from black" at the start and "fade out to black" at the end. It was then easy enough to upload from the iPhone straight to YouTube and Vimeo.

The first video was done at night-time, and I had the blinds as a neutral backdrop. This second video was done during the day and is at the other end of the kitchen table. I noticed that during the day, some light shows through the blinds. Also, I might as well make the use of the natural light as well as the kitchen light.

I've positioned myself into the corner. I watched a video of a professional film producer giving advice about creating "talking head" videos. He said not to worry about black/white/green screens, but to use a non-distracting background, and try and sit in the corner of the room - so that all the perspective lines lead to you. I wouldn't have thought of that!

Oh, and I was convinced to buy the MOVO PM10 after watching/listening to this video on YouTube.

Saw the thread title and knew I was going to subscribe to it. Excited for this! Glad I caught it early before it turned into 15+ pages too.

Andy, you could narrate audio books with that voice, man! Great stuff.

 

[Contrarian]

Andy, if you're half as valuable and charismatic on camera as you are via text, your Talks will be a massive hit. And the signs look great to me! The difference between your first and second videos is like night and day - and I liked the first one.

I foresee good things to come.

 

[Andy Black]

Congrats Andy on the action taking, Looking forward to your journey.

Knock 'em out...

Thanks @Dami-B

Yes, I see it as a journey, and a journey is nothing more than a series of steps taken.

I hope this thread inspires other people to take steps, the same way @SinisterLex inspired me to get off my butt and do something I've been wanting to for years.

It starts with giving yourself permission to suck.

 

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[Andy Black]

Saw the thread title and knew I was going to subscribe to it. Excited for this! Glad I caught it early before it turned into 15+ pages too.

Andy, you could narrate audio books with that voice, man! Great stuff.

Thanks @mws87

I really appreciate the vote of confidence.

I'm excited too!

 

[Andy Black]

Andy, if you're half as valuable and charismatic on camera as you are via text, your Talks will be a massive hit. And the signs look great to me! The difference between your first and second videos is like night and day - and I liked the first one.

I foresee good things to come.

Thanks @Contrarian

I'm curious as to whether I come across the same in video as I do in text. I guess it will take a little while to find my video "voice".

 

[Andy Black]

Very interesting article here:

• www.garyvaynerchuk.com/the-rise-of-video-marketing-on-social-and-how-it-affects-your-business

To date I've avoided using Facebook like the plague.

I'd better get my head round it as they have soooo much data.

 

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[StompingAcorns]

I agree with @Buickestate ... you're better than you think you are! Don't stop - you have a lot going for you.

 

[Contrarian]

It's always a bit intimidating to put yourself out there in a way you haven't before. The doubts mostly being in your own head.

I've got a bit of the same thing with the email courses I'm writing at the moment. Is anyone really going to want to read this crap?! But then I remember it's the same stuff I've been communicating over the phone for years now and which people have found helpful.

 

[FastNAwesome]

Your videos are awesome and you're a great presenter.

I've had my fair share of public performances. So many questions come through everyone's head. What am I gonna do with my arms? Do I look good? Do I sound good?

Once you jump in...soon you forget it all and just do your thing.

And it happened to you to in the latest video, like at some point you forget you're not experienced at this and focus on talking what you had to say...and that's when it turns from good to awesome and just flows.

In my opinion...the audience is ready for you...whenever you are

Eagerly awaiting episode 4.

 

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[Andy Black]

#AndyTalks 004 - Problem Solving

Observations from this video:

1) It's a bit longer than I thought/hoped.

2) I did pencil drawings first so I could just go over them with the pen. You can't see the pencil drawings, which is good.

3) I didn't manage any videos last week because I made the mistake of starting client work first thing in the morning, and then my day ran away from me. Today I had to do client work, but I was determined to shoot a video straight after lunch. I can do the rest of the client work tonight when the house is asleep (I can't shoot a video in the kitchen when everyone's asleep upstairs).

4) You almost can't tell I'm in the kitchen!
​

Things to note for next video:

1) Ooops. This one crept over 10 minutes. I'll see if I can be quicker next time.

2) I still need to sort that exposure thing. It goes light then dark every now and then.

3) I'm not quite standing right because the leg of the flip-chart is in the way. I was concious of knocking it over. I'll sort that for next time.​

What do you think?



EDIT: I posted a different version of this video made a couple of years ago here.

 

[Buickestate]

Well Andy I've made my living for the past 15 years solving and fixing people's DIY disasters. Your microphone adventure reminds me of Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose..... Wish I could be there to help you sort that out..

Your videos are getting better, you might try hanging your flip chard on the wall, and tearing away the used pages.

Over all I give you an A+

 

[Andy Black]

Well Andy I've made my living for the past 15 years solving and fixing people's DIY disasters. Your microphone adventure reminds me of Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose..... Wish I could be there to help you sort that out..

Your videos are getting better, you might try hanging your flip chard on the wall, and tearing away the used pages.

Over all I give you an A+

Ooo. Hang it on the wall. Now why didn't I think of that?

One day I'll be in my office (which doubles as a playroom) and everything will be neatly and permanently setup so there's even less friction getting a video created. Then I'll really hit my stride!


Thanks for the A+ @Buickestate

... and the offer to help with the mic. It's not going to beat me. I WILL get it mounted so I can do my screencasts. I don't care how many bleeding stepping stones I encounter. Bring 'em on!


EDIT: It's just dawned on me that I could record the screen via Camtasia, and the sound via my lapel mic attached to the iPhone, then import the audio into Camtasia and synch it with the video. Doh. Oh well, I'll still sort that arm thing out. Can't not use that expensive Blue Yeti can I...

 

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[StompingAcorns]

I'm not sure what level of professionalism you're targeting or who your eventual audience will be. I think the audio could be better (ha!), there is a bit of a bounce effect, not quite an echo; and it fades out a little when you draw on the chart (turn your head). I think the bounce may be mostly from being in the kitchen with a lot of hard surfaces reflecting the sound. I found the light reflection on the door near you head a little distracting, mostly because it's so near your head. Overall, though, very good. The flip chart drawings are good - crisp and simple. I liked the way you ended it with a teaser for the next video.

By the way, they make flip chart sized plastic film that will stick to the wall (like static cling), and you can write on it. They also make flip chart paper that works like a post it note. Might be easier than mounting a flip chart, not sure. Will depend in part on how many pages you need to use in a given video and which option is easier for you to handle.

 

[Andy Black]

I'm not sure what level of professionalism you're targeting or who your eventual audience will be. I think the audio could be better (ha!), there is a bit of a bounce effect, not quite an echo; and it fades out a little when you draw on the chart (turn your head). I think the bounce may be mostly from being in the kitchen with a lot of hard surfaces reflecting the sound. I found the light reflection on the door near you head a little distracting, mostly because it's so near your head. Overall, though, very good. The flip chart drawings are good - crisp and simple. I liked the way you ended it with a teaser for the next video.

By the way, they make flip chart sized plastic film that will stick to the wall (like static cling), and you can write on it. They also make flip chart paper that works like a post it note. Might be easier than mounting a flip chart, not sure. Will depend in part on how many pages you need to use in a given video and which option is easier for you to handle.

Great feedback, thanks @StompingAcorns.

I spent the morning trying out different locations in the kitchen to get the sound better, then gave up and moved to the playroom/office. I think it sounds much better now, and I'm right in front of a window so it's mostly natural light. I too think it was all the hard surfaces in the kitchen.

I like how the flip-chart drawings came out too. That was the main purpose of the 4th video (as well as help anyone who struggles with problems).

I'm not sure too about what level of professionalism I'm targeting, or who my eventual audience will be.

I'm partly making this up as I go along, and will find out who it helps the most later on. "Following my nose" so to speak.

And I'm partly trying to "can" talks I have with business owners constantly, where I explain what can be done with AdWords paid search, and why that could help them. These conversations aren't technical "How-To" ones. I don't mention impressions, CTRs or how to create adgroups and campaigns. It's how I sell AdWords to business owners, and then they sometimes hire me to do the work.

I remember those plastic films that stick to the wall. We wall-papered a whole office with all the doodles I did once. So I've lots of flip-chart style presentations to do.


...


So it's nearly 1pm. I've spent the whole morning doing Episode 5 (mostly trying to get the location right in the house!). This video is no longer about me getting to the "start line" with creating videos. This one is a video response to a thread in the forum about doing CVs. I'm going to drop the video in there, and in here as part of this progress thread.

It should be uploaded to YouTube shortly...

 

[Andy Black]

#AndyTalks 005 - Getting Interviews (The Job of Your CV)

It should be uploaded to YouTube shortly...

Talk about the kiss of death. The upload barfed and I can't redo it for some reason. So here's an "opportunity to learn".

In the meantime, I've uploaded this to Vimeo.


EDIT: I downloaded from my iPhone to my PC, then imported into Camtasia, then cut the ends off the video, added the fade-to-black, produced it as a 1080p (HD?) video, then uploaded to YouTube.

Doing this, I've learned I can edit the .mov files created by the iPhone in Camtasia 8 (I'm sure I couldn't with a previous version). This is great. I can now keep recording, redo bits I fluffed, then edit out the cr@p bits, and have lots of smaller videos.

Overall, the sound quality is good I think for this video. I notice it gets a bit loud when I looked to me left, where the lapel mic was attached. I'll maybe attach it lower down my top rather than so near my mouth.

The sound is sooo much worse for Ep 4 that I'm wondering if the mic was actually plugged in properly!

I notice I say "so" a lot!

I also get a bit stuck for words occasionally as I'm just making stuff up as I go along. This is where I could go back and retry, and the cut out the bit where I'm working out what I'm trying to say.

I've dropped the video in this CV thread here.

I'm really tempted to have another go with this video, but it's best to keep moving foward.

Onwards and upwards.


Good bye hard surfaces:

 

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[Andy Black]

[UPDATE]

Had a response from an IT recruiter saying I was spot on with the above video.

In the interests of "helping more people" and "helping people more" (NOT "creating better videos"), I've started a new thread here:

• 10+ Years IT Contracting at €300-900/day (Learnings)

(My first click-bait title!!)


Quick aside. I spotted a few people liking the above video yesterday after I'd dropped it into a different thread about CV tips. I PM'd each thanking them for the like and asking if the video helped. One person replied saying, from his experience in IT recruitment, I was spot on.


Something for you to ponder:

Are you engaging with the people engaging with you?

Or are you focused on "numbers", and trying to "build an audience"?
​

This post springs to mind:

• Just Help People

 

[Tanja]

Great thread Andy, love to see your progress and trial&error.
Good audio that last video, comfortable in the ears.

"Darken the page." (Just start writing.)

Going to remember this one!

 

[Andy Black]

Great thread Andy, love to see your progress and trial&error.
Good audio that last video, comfortable in the ears.

Thanks @Tanja.

I had some feedback from someone saying that Ep 5 had good energy, and that Ep 4 flowed better (I read that as less fumbling for words).

Also that the T-Shirt was better than the hoodie (?). I thought the T-Shirt was a bit too casual, but I don't want to wear a shirt (as that's not what I normally wear anyway). I'll get the clothing sorted later. I'm thinking I get some zip up sweater or something that I put on over whatever T-Shirt I happen to be wearing, that covers it, looks a bit smarter, and that's then consistent. It'll also be my "video sweater" and get me in the right mode. (I'll even wash it every now and then.)

 

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[Buickestate]

You appeared more comfortable in front of the camera, you did not seem 100% confident though. That will improve with each consecutive video you make. Having been on both sides of the topic, you are right on. I'm looking forward to your take on how to behave during an interview.

 

[Andy Black]

You appeared more comfortable in front of the camera, you did not seem 100% confident though. That will improve with each consecutive video you make. Having been on both sides of the topic, you are right on. I'm looking forward to your take on how to behave during an interview.

Thanks for the feedback @Buickestate.

Interestingly, someone else said I looked nervous. I didn't feel it at the time. If I'd rehearsed more then I'm sure it would have flowed better, except I'd prefer to spend a couple of minutes thinking about what I want to say, then just point and go. Maybe it won't work out that way, but I'll try to get to that point if I can.

I find my best work comes from being reactive or just winging it, except that's likely not going to create a very polished video, especially compared to written content that can be easily edited. (Hence my thinking of doing live Q&As on Periscope or something.)

I deliberately didn't talk about mics, videos, getting to the start-line, etc in this video. It was a standalone video, and maybe I also no longer gave myself "permission to suck"? Odd how the mind works...

Someone has already rep'd me for that video where it's posted into another thread. If it's helped someone, then that's enough for me to keep charging forward.

Yeah, interview stuff should be interesting. Lots of people will have lots of takes on that.

I should probably do much shorter videos and focus on just ONE Thing in each video. They'll then be easier to create, and consume. And I'll learn quicker too.

 

[FastNAwesome]

I had some feedback from someone saying that Ep 5 had good energy, and that Ep 4 flowed better (I read that as less fumbling for words).

Agreed. As for clarity of speech, a singer once showed me a vocal exercise which can be done in half a minute, which instantly results in a clear pronunciation, and the tongue behaving. It's fantastic but I can't spell it in English (and not sure if it would work for an English speaker) - but when you have a minute, we can hop on a quick call and I can show you

Performing, presenting is different than speaking with people casually in that it requires a better control of voice and breathing. It has much in common with proper singing. I'd highly suggest you take 1-2 singing classes - you'll learn some awesome things that will let you talk more powerfully with less effort, and actually it's a health matter too, of properly using your voice. You'll be able to talk longer and louder, without exhausting your voice.

It also has something in common with acting. But not in a way that you should pretend to be something else.

Think about actors in a theater, they speak with more emphasis and strength than normal speech is. Of course, I'm not proposing you yell in your videos or emphasize things to a level of parody.

I'm just saying you might try speaking a tiny bit more deliberate, with a pinch of stronger emphasis where that is needed - and just see if it makes things better.


As for the flow...do you notice how in the first 10 seconds it's a bit too fast and maybe aggressive, and then you just transition to your typical Andy flow that we love to hear. My guess is that this issue of finding your voice will be corrected by itself as you keep producing new videos.

You've got the flow. Now just do enough videos to get tired of trying to fix it

Also that the T-Shirt was better than the hoodie (?).

One of the things I didn't see and didn't care, but now I see and hoodie doesn't seem like an ideal choice

Not sure how important is it, I was focused on the content of the video.

 

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[FastNAwesome]

PS.

I'm very happy about this video #5.

It's a video we all can share with someone who will be grateful for it, and
ask them to share further. Many valuable insights and tips.

Looking forward to the next one.

 

[Andy Black]

Agreed. As for clarity of speech, a singer once showed me a vocal exercise which can be done in half a minute, which instantly results in a clear pronunciation, and the tongue behaving. It's fantastic but I can't spell it in English (and not sure if it would work for an English speaker) - but when you have a minute, we can hop on a quick call and I can show you

Performing, presenting is different than speaking with people casually in that it requires a better control of voice and breathing. It has much in common with proper singing. I'd highly suggest you take 1-2 singing classes - you'll learn some awesome things that will let you talk more powerfully with less effort, and actually it's a health matter too, of properly using your voice. You'll be able to talk longer and louder, without exhausting your voice.

It also has something in common with acting. But not in a way that you should pretend to be something else.

Think about actors in a theater, they speak with more emphasis and strength than normal speech is. Of course, I'm not proposing you yell in your videos or emphasize things to a level of parody.

I'm just saying you might try speaking a tiny bit more deliberate, with a pinch of stronger emphasis where that is needed - and just see if it makes things better.


As for the flow...do you notice how in the first 10 seconds it's a bit too fast and maybe aggressive, and then you just transition to your typical Andy flow that we love to hear. My guess is that this issue of finding your voice will be corrected by itself as you keep producing new videos.

You've got the flow. Now just do enough videos to get tired of trying to fix it





One of the things I didn't see and didn't care, but now I see and hoodie doesn't seem like an ideal choice

Not sure how important is it, I was focused on the content of the video.

Great, great feedback @FastNAwesome. Thank you!

 

[Andy Black]

PS.

I'm very happy about this video #5.

It's a video we all can share with someone who will be grateful for it, and
ask them to share further. Many valuable insights and tips.

Looking forward to the next one.

Awesome. A part of me didn't want to publish that video because I thought it was the worst of the bunch in terms of delivery. However, my North Star is to help people, even at the expense of people seeing me fumble for words or appear nervous.

Now *there's* a worthy goal - create stuff so damned useful people naturally tell others about it, without being asked or forced to do so.

Oh, and to inspire people to not wait till all the lights are green, but to jump off the cliff and make the plane on the way down.

 

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[Knugs]

Hi Andy! Just a thought; I had a public speaking workshop on thursday and found it really helpful. They taught me some good techniques (body language, how to speak, little things such as eye contact, perception, keeping it interesting, also some drills for speech etc). I see you are doing some of these things naturally already but maybe you would find it useful too? I'm not a great public speaker so it def helped me a lot. They could even give you feeback on your videos?

 

[Andy Black]

Hi Andy! Just a thought; I had a public speaking workshop on thursday and found it really helpful. They taught me some good techniques (body language, how to speak, little things such as eye contact, perception, keeping it interesting, also some drills for speech etc). I see you are doing some of these things naturally already but maybe you would find it useful too? I'm not a great public speaker so it def helped me a lot. They could even give you feeback on your videos?

Sold! Good idea. I will find a local toastmasters or something. Thanks @Knugs.