How To: A Checklist For Your Demo Video

How do you create a speaker demo video? That is a great question, and I am here to help you find the answer today.

 We have a set of friends based in Austin, Texas, where they have repurposed warehouses with basic materials – pipes, draped curtains for soundproofing, and a video camera. Essentially, they have set up their own video studio and crew in this space. You can do your whole keynote and record a speaker demo video in two weeks.

I love this example because it speaks to how the DIY approach is a great place to start. You can keep adding as you go for your business assets, but be honest and real about where you can get your start.

A demo video is imperative because it will showcase all the components of your branding: your expert bio, your speaker bio, your work history, etc. It is a lengthy process to accomplish, but I am here today to help you figure out how to take that first step.

 If you want to make a demo video for your own use, speaking to in-person or virtual audiences, then what we will cover today is all you will need to start. People want to know that you can speak into a camera and not be a weirdo, right?

 They want to know that you don’t have to have a live audience sitting right in front of you to feed off of all the energy you can harness. They want to know you can speak to a person, an audience or a lone camera with no one around and get your message across. That means that in these changed times we are currently living in, even if you can only make a video for a virtual audience, you are going to have your bases covered.

This is also a fun place to start because you can stop, start or delete as many times as you need. You can do this from your office, your home, or wherever you get great lighting. All you need is ten minutes of videos that showcase your story and your expertise.

In terms of assets, things have been a bit shaken up the last year in the speaker world, but I would still recommend collecting your assets and booking as far out as you can. (It’s not uncommon to book 6, 12, even 18 months out for speaker events!)

That means you need to start gathering those assets. Those include audience shots (people clapping, laughing, taking notes and engaging). You need shots of yourself before, during and after your presentation. If you have a book, try to stage a signing – shaking hands with the audience (safely!), interacting with them, preparing for your speech or signing, etc.

All of these assets can be staged in a socially distant way, or with your pod, so that you get the shots you need.

This may seem like simple B-roll footage, and it is! But it’s important to have if you want to elevate your video. Expert tip: if you live somewhere with a fancy hotel or convention center, It is likely they have a stage or auditorium. If someone can catch footage of you in those spaces, even just for a few minutes, those make great shots!

Anyway, those are some of my best tips to start creating your own speaker demo video. Even in these times, it’s not impossible to create these assets, get booked and plan for busier days ahead!

Find my YouTube channel at the link in my bio to find more tips on getting booked, creating your message and recording your video. Let me know any tips or tricks you have in the comments!