How to Prepare the CEO for a Video Shoot
by Adam Krell
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of your company has undeniably invested time, energy, education and personal acumen to rise to the top of the corporate ranks. He or she may be a near-celebrity in the field your company operates, but this does not mean he or she already possesses the skills to represent the company’s mission, vision and message well in a video. Most CEOs — just like most people — will need to prepare to make a good impression via video.
The Six Steps to Video Success
For any person who presents a message in a video, television or live audience setting, there are six basic steps that ensure a great impression:
• Coaching
• Lighting
• Script
• Practice
• Setting
• The assistance of an expert team
Coaching
Coaching relates to how well your CEO understands what his or her role in the video production process is. For instance, perhaps one of your goals for your next corporate video is to position your company as a trusted resource to parents. So your CEO needs coaching to learn how to project a warm, friendly and trustworthy “persona” on video.
Lighting
The right type of lighting at the right intensity in the right position can lift away shadows, add youth and vivaciousness, support body language and create a mood that perfectly supports the message your CEO delivers.
Script
There will be no success without a script your CEO resonates with. While there is little chance that he or she will have time to help write the script, he or she should be given time to peruse and approve it. This creates a stronger emotional buy-in and greater confidence to sincerely deliver the script.
Practice
“Practice makes perfect” is not one of the oldest and most durable adages for no reason. If your CEO is going to shine in a video setting, especially if this is a new experience for him or her, then repetition will be a key to eventual success on the day of filming.
Setting
The setting for your video shoot can also contribute to how comfortable and confident your CEO feels when delivering his or her message.
The Expert Team
Often, it helps to ease tension and build confidence by allowing an intermediary to take on the role of “coach” and prepare your CEO for filming. It can be difficult to give your boss (or boss’ boss) feedback — but a team of professional video and production experts can easily take on this role with no awkward interoffice politics to contend with.
By following these tips, you can have every expectation your CEO will deliver his or her lines with authority and sincerity on the day of your company video shoot.
