How To: Create a Live-Stream Show

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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Back when I was a TV producer, experts needed to pitch their idea, meet with me, come into the studio, and find their audience that way. Now, all you need to connect with people is your phone or laptop!

Just kidding — there’s a little more to it than that.

Doing live video on social media is one of the best ways to grow your audience and establish yourself as an expert — but only if you do it right.

I see too many people going live with no preparation, and too many people who don’t go live at all. Whether you’re avoiding live video or you want to refine your skills, I have some insights to share with you.

Why? Well, I’ve been producing my own live-stream show Inside Scoop using more than two-decades worth of television production skills.?

That’s a lot of brainstorming ideas, creating a calendar, putting the word out on social media, pulling off the streaming logistics, and, of course, actually speaking to a live audience.?

I’ve fine-tuned all of those steps to pull off my show twice a month.?

So many people have asked how I do it because lots of people want to start their own video shows.

A while ago I did a Q&A on my live-stream show Inside Scoop and answered questions live from the audience.

Here are five things you need to know about starting your live-streaming video show:

1. Try pre-taped first.

You don’t have to jump right into live videos! In fact, I actually suggest that newbies start with pre-taped videos just to get you more comfortable speaking on camera. This gives you a chance to refine how you want to start your videos off. The introduction is one of the most important parts of the video since it’s how you capture your audience’s attention. So how can you create a powerful intro? Read on!

2. Picture a friend.?

I always picture one person that I’m speaking to when I do live videos. Imagining that I’m speaking to a friend helps me get my tone right and creates a friendly, personal connection with my audience. Thinking about all the people who are watching you can make you feel nervous, so just imagine yourself chatting with a colleague or friend. I tell all my media-training clients to picture me on the other end of the camera and it can help with nerves.?

3. Be intentional about the space you’re creating.

When I go live, I like to think of it as inviting people into my home — because in a way, I am! Think about what’s in your background and what kind of environment you create. If it doesn’t reflect the message you’re trying to convey, you need to rethink some things.

What are you wearing and what is behind you? (Check out this episode I did with personal stylist Cass Sethi for more on that.) How is your speaking pace, volume, and confidence level? (Definitely take a look at this episode with Alexia Vernon, she’s a speaking pro.)?

4. Always be curious.

When it comes to creating videos, you need to be curious about the things your audience is curious about. What questions are they asking? What challenges are they facing and how does your knowledge address those issues?

Don’t take it from me — Albert Einstein was one of the biggest proponents of curiosity. He once said, “The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

I’m curious about everything. I think that’s why I became a journalist. So how can you put that into action for you??

Always ask people to drop questions and thoughts in the comments of your videos or blog posts. You can also do a Q&A livestream like the one I did. It was a way for me to tap into my audience’s questions, and now I can use that information to create future videos that really address what people are curious about.?

5. Small audience? No problem.

One thing that my clients always bring up is the number of viewers. If too few people watch, they’re worried it’s not worth the effort. The truth is that you just won’t start out with a huge audience, and you probably wouldn’t be ready for that yet anyway.?

The great thing about live-streaming videos is that you can reuse the content over and over — so don’t get hung up on how many people actually watch live! Just like I’m doing here, you should always draw on your live videos for written content or podcasts.

When it comes to creating meaningful live-streaming content, planning and preparation are key. I discuss this and more in my online course, Go Live! Masterclass.

You can watch the full Q&A session I did right here. The time to start is now; think of all the opportunities and connections you’re missing out on if you’re not doing live-stream video.

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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