What do you do if your communication skills are holding you back in a video production career?

1 Assess Skills

Begin by taking a hard look at your communication skills. Identify specific areas where you struggle; is it verbal articulation, non-verbal cues, or written communication? Understanding your weaknesses is the first step to improvement. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors who can provide an honest assessment. Reflect on instances where miscommunication may have caused issues in your projects and use these insights as a starting point for growth.

2 Set Goals

Once you've identified your communication challenges, set realistic goals for improvement. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For instance, if you struggle with public speaking, a goal might be to present a project update at the next team meeting. By setting clear objectives, you can track your progress and stay motivated as you work to enhance your communication skills.

3 Learn Daily

Commit to learning and practicing daily. This might involve reading books on communication, taking a course, or even joining a local group like Toastmasters to practice public speaking. Watching videos of skilled communicators and mimicking their techniques can be helpful too. The key is consistent practice; like any skill, communication improves with regular use and feedback.

5 Collaborate More

Increase your collaboration with others. Video production is inherently a team effort, and working closely with others can help you refine your communication skills. Take on roles that require more interaction, such as assistant directing or producing. As you collaborate, observe how others communicate effectively and incorporate their strategies into your own skill set.

6 Reflect Often

Finally, make reflection a regular part of your routine. After each project or significant interaction, take time to consider what went well and what could have been better in terms of communication. Self-reflection helps you internalize lessons learned and apply them to future situations, continuously improving your ability to communicate effectively in your video production career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?