Have a speaking gig? Don’t forget the video testimonials

Picture this:

The audience jumps to their feet and erupts into a thunderous applause as you belt out your last words of an amazing speech, confidently shake hands with the host, and take a final walk across the stage. 

You crushed it. After weeks of practice and prep, this talk is THE TALK that will put your speaking business on the map — too bad you didn’t capture the immediate reactions of the people who were able to experience your magic before you left the building.

Sure you may have traded business cards, took a few Instagram-worthy photos with fellow speakers, and even sold a few books in the back of the room, but you forgot the one thing that gives you credibility and social currency: video testimonials.

One of the biggest mistakes that I see with new (and even some experienced) speakers is that they focus on networking, selling, and speaking, but forget to collect video testimonials in the moments following their presentations. According to Forbes, video testimonials rank #1 for most effective marketing content. Hearing how someone else experienced the style, delivery, and value that you provide on the stage can be a deal-breaker for an event planner to book you or a potential audience member to buy a ticket to see and hear you in person.

If you attend speaking engagements solo-dolo or do not have the budget to hire a videographer, you have to embrace the mindset and duty of being your own event marketing specialist. No matter how exciting or fast-paced an event may seem when you exit the stage, you must make it a priority to identify individuals from the audience who will positively speak on your behalf on camera.

So how do you do it? Here are some ways that speakers can effectively capture video testimonials during a live event to amplify their speaking business:

Strategically Use Your Smart Phone (Pretty Please)

All too often, I receive video footage from clients who record using their phone vertical instead of horizontal. While this is okay, it can always be better. If you plan to use your testimonials (or any video footage involving your speaking) position the camera in a horizontal position. When it needs to be edited, the video editor can make it “fill” the screen versus the awkward spaces on the left and right sides of the video.

If you have shaky hands, consider using a selfie stick or a cell-phone tripod to keep the camera steady as you record. Be sure to tell your testimonial subject to speak loudly and clearly. If possible, try to find a well-lit area of the venue that is also less noisy. Before you speak, it is a good idea to visit the venue early on to find potential areas that would look good for a testimonial and do a test run with your cell phone to see how it will look.

SIDE NOTE: If you are speaking for a corporation or well-known company, shoot for imagery that contains their branding and logos (However, don't allow the background to be too 'busy' as it can take away from the testimonial being provided).

Find 2-3 People Willing to Speak on Camera

When I go to events with my clients to record their talk, I scan the room for people who interact with them or seem like they would have a memorable camera presence based on their mannerisms and personality. If they ask questions during a Q&A session or immediately approach my client after a talk, I am usually on their heels. I also try to find the event organizer (if available) to provide a perspective as well. The ideal testimonial blend is a mixture of the event organizer/planner and two audience members to ensure that you get testimonials on different aspects of your talk. An event planner can attest to how your talk helped train, motivate, or inspire the audience and the audience members can discuss their personal transformation or "call-to-action" based on your content.

Cover Your Bases Before You Record

When you approach your testimonial subjects, thank them for listening to your talk and ask if they would be willing to give a brief 30 second to a one-minute testimonial on camera. If you have a video release form, be sure to have it handy to ensure that you have the rights to use the testimonial where you please (website, social media, etc). When they go on camera, be sure to ask them to say and spell their first and/or last name — you may need this information to add a text caption later. Optionally, you can also ask them to provide their title if it will be relevant for future video editing. 

Ask the Right Questions 

Next, consider asking one of these three questions:

1. What was the most important piece of information that you gained from this talk?

2. Who would benefit from hearing this talk in the future and why?

3. Describe the overall experience you had with the speaker. What stood out the most?

Having multiple questions ready can help diversify the answers from your testimonial volunteers to avoid them sounding the same or covering only one aspect of their experience with you. Even if you do not use the questions above, take a moment to carefully craft though-provoking questions that will make each testimonial standout in your favor.

Video testimonials truly make an impact when branding your speaking business. Make a commitment to capture testimonial videos yourself or invest in a professional who can help you, especially during major live events. Don’t be that guy or gal who makes the best presentation since sliced bread but have no social proof (i.e videos) to back it up.

Do you capture video testimonials during live events? How have they helped your speaking business? Tweet me at @whitneylbarkley or comment below!

Whitney L. Barkley, M.S. is the Chief Creative Officer of Speakerazzi, a visual branding and real-time social media marketing firm in Columbus, OH. Sign up for the official website launch at Speakerazzi.com.?