Whether you’re a pastor, a leader or just someone with a word to encourage others, here are some quick pointers on what to take note of when filming yourself.

No equipment and no crew? No worries. All you need is a smartphone and you’re all set to roll! 

Special thanks to Jeffrey Aw, Youth Pastor at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church for these 7 tips and showing us how it’s done. (Psst! Check out his video right at the end.)

1. LET THERE BE LIGHT

Film yourself in a well-lit room so that your face can be seen clearly.

Shining some light on your face will also increase the quality of the video. If you don’t have a light stand, a table lamp also works! 

2. CONDUCT A BACKGROUND CHECK

Try and choose a plain wall as your background. Keep it neat – you don’t want your viewer to get distracted by your messy background.

3. BE STEADY 

If you don’t have a phone stand, make yourself a “tripod” using what’s available. Grab some books and prop your phone against it, place your phone on a shelf, rearrange furniture…

The point is, make sure your phone is positioned well so that your whole recording will be steady! 

4. QUIET TIME

Film yourself in a quiet space. Speak to your phone. Articulate clearly.

PRO-TIP: Get an earpiece with a microphone! 

5. LOOK INTO THE CAMERA

It’s tempting to look at the screen instead of the camera but resist that! Increase your engagement by speaking straight into the camera to address your viewers directly.

6. SAFE DISTANCING

Get close to your phone, so that you’re not too far away. This is especially important if you don’t have a separate mic, so that your voice can be picked up by your phone.

7. DO NOT UM… SPEAK UM… LIKE THIS AH

Avoid non-words, such as “um” or “ah”. Try to be prepared and precise.

Remember: If you speak clearly, your message will be conveyed correctly!