Core exercises are tough for me. I don’t like them, but I know they help me a lot. Same goes for viewing videos of my presentations whether it’s a safety keynote or training session, it’s painful but necessary if I want to improve my skills. I’ve definitely improved over the years as a professional safety speaker from giving a critical eye to my platform skills while watching “I look too fat and talk too fast” videos.  

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend taking video of yourself in front of an audience. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. The camera on your phone is fine. Just have someone in the audience or a colleague take a few minutes of video. I use a portable tripod sometimes. (Of course, I get video from clients who video tape my talks during a convention.)

When you watch the video be kind to yourself, fair, tough and honest. Even if you did a spectacular job there will still be things you don’t like about the presentation. I have yet to watch myself and say “that was perfect.” Usually, I stop the video midway and pour myself a glass of wine!

During my one or two-day “Spice It Up!” seminar if there aren’t too many people attending I’ll video tape each person for about 3 minutes. Then a week or so after the session I’ll send them a copy with my critique and suggestions. I’ll also include a list of questions they can ask themselves while they view the video which will help them see ways they can improve (and notice their strengths so they can build on them).

Here’s an example of the questions I include with my critique:

  1. Do I change the speed (pace) and pitch enough.
  2. Are my movements natural or do they seem stiff or fake?
  3. Would I like this person if this was the only way I know him or her?
  4. Do I change my facial expressions to match the content or is my face “stiff” a lot?
  5. How often do I include descriptive gestures (they’re the ones that show an object, scene or action instead of simple punctuating what you are saying)?
  6. Is there any gesture, word or movement that seems distracting? (i.e., “okay” or “um” or any other expressions that you say often enough to make it stand out and perhaps be annoying.)

One other point: yes video makes you look bigger than you are. However, the voice you hear is more accurate than what you hear inside your head.

If you’d like to hire me to help you improve your safety presentations skills, contact me at richard@makesafetyfun.com.

Remember, “Great Leaders Make Safety Fun!”