A Word from Our Announcer: On-Camera Speaking Tips

Whether you appear on-camera or direct those that do, the quickest way to communicate the secrets of on-screen success is by addressing them directly to you. Once you've internalized these professional tricks, it'll be easier to pass them on to the talent you're directing. So let's pretend you're Ms. or Mr. Announcer and start sharing the inside dope.

For the most natural delivery, don't address the camera, even though you're looking right at it. Instead, replace that hunk of hardware with an imaginary audience and talk directly to it. That will help you communicate an attitude appropriate to your target audience.

For example, if you're a teacher presenting a lab experiment intended for high school juniors, create and hold a mental image of a typical class. But if you're preparing a presentation that asks the school board for special funding, pretend you're standing up at an actual board meeting. As you know, the attitudes you project toward real-life classes and governing boards are quite different. By seeing a target audience instead of a camera, you'll automatically build the appropriate posture into the presentation.

To go a step further, try visualizing a single, particular individual: one actual student or board member. By creating the illusion that you are addressing a person, you can add a conversational feeling that's tough to achieve when you're talking to a lens.

We've covered actor problems like stage fright and general lack of confidence in Shaping Actor Performances (September 2002 issue), so here's just the gist of it. First, remind yourself that you are not taping the show in public. You can use rehearsals, multiple takes and all the editor's cunning tricks to perfect your performance and cut out any goofs. Keep repeating to yourself, "No one will see the bad stuff, no one will see the bad stuff..."

When working with other on-camera talent, make sure there's ample rehearsal time. If they tend to stiffen up or blow lines, roll the camera on every rehearsal. You never know when they might get it right.

Always accentuate the positive by finding something to praise in each take, even if it's only slightly less awful than the previous one: "You were more relaxed this time. Now let's see if we can work on..."

Finally, remember that success breeds success. As soon as you get some good results from a performer, play them back on a reference monitor, pointing out the good things as they happen. This positive feedback is a great confidence bu…