Today I was watching a Google+ hangout on Youtube in which the content was great but some of the visual elements were off putting. So, being no expert myself I hasten to add, here are a few thoughts to bear in mind if you are organising something like this:
Firstly, whilst you are doing the hangout/chat session it’s obviously live BUT if you intend to share if afterwards (and why not) remember that not everyone will see it in the same context. Being casual at 7pm in the evening is all very well but your audience could be watching at 10am in a business environment and may find it a little too informal. From a viewer perspective some distractions are very off putting. So here are my top tips:
- If you are a chap have a shave and brush your hair – if you are a woman apply a little make-up and do your hair!
- Get the camera angle right (some are way less flattering than others!)
- Get the lighting right
- Wear appropriate attire
- Tidy your office and hide any personal/confidential information from view
- Avoid people wandering around in the background
- Look at the camera more than you look away
Also, you do need a decent camera and microphone. Again I’m no expert on this but Stephen O’Donnell (who likes gadgetry) recommended the Microsoft LifeCam to me recently.
However, all being said I think it’s a great platform and I’m going to give it a go (either audio only or the same day as I’ve had my hair and make-up done!)
I so agree with this – I fell fowl of this recently and I still have nightmares about the terrible jumper I was wearing. I had no idea (because I am stupid) that the webinar I was on would pan to me occasionally and show m in my non-work attire – lesson learned. There’s clearly a market for Google Hangout style makeovers – someone needs to get that business up and running!
It could have been worse – at least you weren’t wearing a onesie 🙂
now that I think would attract a whole NEW audience! 😉
I’d like to add that laptop webcams are usually not good enough quality for a recorded video, and are positioned to catch you at the most unflattering angle. Work out what works best for you, with the kit you have, by practicing with friends.
PS. The same rules should apply for Skype video calls.
Thanks Stephen – yes have seen these bloopers on skype calls too. No one wants to see a rack of laundry drying in the background!
I thought beards were acceptable these days!!! 😉
well of course lovely smart beards are. You know what I mean!!
Ive shaved now anyway, it was itchy haha
Anyhow I always don a shirt and jacket for the hangouts. It felt a bit over dressed like that in my living room!
[…] been a bit critical of a previous hangout I’d watched I had to be careful in my prep so hopefully if you watch it you’ll notice I […]