How to produce a demo video that sells

Be yourself – be authentic – leave a lasting impression!

You want to make sure you leave a lasting image on the minds of the “hiring” companies. They may not hire you immediately and it may be months down the road, but if you put together a professional and entertaining video clip that portrays you as an expert in your field, then they will remember you!

• Have a “comfortable and “warm” background setting
• Your demo video should always show you speaking within the first minute or so of the video; you want to catch the audience and the energy they are generating such as clapping, laughing, listening carefully and possibly jotting down notes
• Your first anecdote or presentation needs to be the most important thing you have; you only have 2-3 minutes to WOW the attention of the “hiring” company (meeting planners, associations, organizations, and groups)
• Show yourself open on the platform; don’t “hide” behind anything
• Energy is the toughest thing to capture on film; create energy with your body movements (use the stage fully) and pitch your voice firmly
• Try to tape the type of audience that you enjoy the most to work with
• When taping make clear what you are an expert on and use your best stories
• Show your excitement about the topic you are speaking on
• Use a little humor
• Tape at least 6 -10 minutes long
• Keep any one-on-one interviews short
• Avoid taping empty seats or things that may be distracting
• Use music underneath your presentation to add energy

Your video tape / CD / DVD cover

• Packaging: should be very attractive with a full-length picture of the speaker
• Top: the title / topic of your program should appear notably
• Middle: leave a blank space reaching to the bottom - this is where you will attach an eye-catching label with your contact information
• Bottom: the speaker's name should go across the bottom of the cover
• Back: list 3 or 4 of your best testimonials - keep them brief