Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.net recently posted a video titled “Tell the World Something Important.”
First, take 5 minutes to watch below (RSS and e-mail subbies can view on YouTube or my blog), and then I’ll talk about why I believe this 5 minute video is so powerful.
1. He tells a story… with a relevant point
Storytelling is an art and can be very powerful if done effectively. Darren kept his personal story short enough to keep your interest, but long enough to make his point, which tied into the story.
2. It is relatable
I’ve learned from his tweets and this video that family is very important to Darren. Family is something we all can relate to and whenever you can show that you are more like your audience in some way, the better you can connect with them.
3. Up close and personal
Darren’s a photography buff so he could probably tell you more about the importance of this than I can. But didn’t you find the close-up shot more engaging?
It’s also less distracting because there’s not as much to look at it in the background (unless you were trying to count the books on his bookshelves. 😀 )
4. Casual Yet Classy
No stuffy suits, scripts or phoniness. I felt as if Darren was talking directly to me. If you can master this technique it will improve your videos dramatically. As I said in a recent video, people just want you to relax and be yourself.
If you find this difficult to do, practice by talking into the mirror. Pretend the mirror is the camera. Talk as if you are talking to a friend. It may feel weird at first, but trust me, it helps.
5. A Taste of Fun and Humor
I bet you couldn’t resist a smile when Darren gave us the play-by-play of his son “commando-crawling” into his room. Lighten up the tone from time to time. Your viewers will appreciate it.
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This video is a perfect example of how to use video to brand yourself, create teachable moments through storytelling and connect with your readers.
Well done, Darren. 😉
No one gets sucsess full unless they put hard work in it. Daren is a fine example. But not to forget Lisa here!
Thanks for bringing this Darren’s video to our attention. He’s obviously a master of his craft. I’ve read a few of his posts in the past, but now I’ll have to watch his videos as well. With such great story telling, it is easy to rise above the clutter that’s out there.
Love it! I love video content and think it’s such a powerful medium for getting messages across and building relationships for your business. I made my first vid the other day! Haha I’m workin’ on it. 😉
I watch a ridiculous amount of YouTube (the full-time YouTubers) and I am so incredibly inspired by their work, and this one by Darren was no different.
You really touched on all the necessary points for great vid content. I’m for all of these. Thanks for the tips Lisa!
Wow, this post is so timely for me. I have never make a video, and I have been thinking about creating personal videos for my site in 2011. I really thought Darren’s video was great, and a great lesson for someone like me. I also felt like he was talking to me. He came accross real and sincere. So important, just like Lisa. It was her videos that brought me to her web site and to SBI. Soon I will be starting my third year online.
I always feel like I have had a training session when I come to 2createawebsite.
I going to the mirror right now to start rehearsing.
great point on relativity and connecting through personal experiences and common interests. this works in all forms, personally, on video, via text or audio
Great video, this is my aim, to be as interesting and enthusiastic as Darren.
Hey Lisa,
I think he is talking to me. This video just reminds me of my unfinished task. i need to do something about it.
Lisa, can I do a video blog guest post?
This vid is grreat. The way he talks about his kid crawling and whispering is both simple and wonderful. I was GM for few years but I don’t think I could do it so lightly in front of camera.
… at least for now. 😉
I like the point not to focus on making a money but focus on your viewers and the money will come later.
For me I need to think of what my viewers need help with and what they have problems with.
Thank you for sharing this.
Hey, Lisa,
I kinda feel the same way about your videos like you feel about this one. I always feel like you are talking to me.
You made some great points related to the video. Personal is what everyone likes and I think you are pretty good at that. Also, family is something everyone likes to hear about and relating blog posts to personal experiences can be really strong.
The best part was “four knees”, I had to rewind to hear it again, wasn’t sure if my mind was playing games on me.
Thanks for sharing that comment/video from Darren about sharing something important. I have two grown young adults one in college but I always remember those funny moments with them and how they always kept things in perspective for my husband and I. For this reason I sometimes put up the title Humor and the other side of life.
Arlene
Finding something important to say is not as difficult as it may seem. As Dr. Samuel Johnson said, “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.” My task as a blogger is to remind people of the important things in a fresh style so that they have a better chance of remembering it longer this time.
When I speak in the video camera, I think as I’m talking to my younger self who knew little about the internet.
This helps me to really relate to the audience and deliver my story.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
I love it! I was cracking up when he said, “he got down on his four knees” – hilarious!
But this just reiterates the fact that regardless of what kind of information people are looking for – they just can’t resist a good story – especially one from personal experience.
Hey Lisa,
What I have learned is that passion is contagious and it is evident through his video that he has a passion for blogging and his family is a huge motivation for success.
Viewers are addicted and attracted to passionate people and will follow the lead. To be an effective leader or teacher, you need to be passionate.