How to Make a Talking Head Video Interesting Even if the Subject Isn’t
When a business owner decides they want to create a talking head video that addresses something like an unnecessary or uneventful analysis, a boring job, how to perform a boring task, or perhaps – the weather, the first thought that a marketer is likely to have is “BORING.” Figuring out how to make a talking head video interesting, even when the subject of the video is subpar is a concept that many marketers must understand and master.
Some say that talking head videos have a potential to be quite boring themselves, so if you’re creating a talking head video that is about a boring subject are you doomed from the start? Perhaps, but not necessarily! There are steps you can take in figuring out how to make a talking head video interesting, even if you’re not exactly amused by the topic. In fact, some of the most boring industries in the world produce talking head videos regularly and they engage their audience, keep them watching, and have fun doing it.
If you think that talking head videos are just those news worthy videos that are shown on television for their unique ability to provide passive engagement that is otherwise boring, you’re wrong! Today’s talking head videos have the potential to be engaging, influential, and highly effective – even when their subject is boring. Here’s what you need to do.
Create a Dynamic Video Experience
Studies have proven that even when someone is watching a talking head video that may come across as less than exciting, their eyes engage in certain areas of the screen. Creating a dynamic video experience, that draws viewer attention to specific areas of the screen will help you to keep audience attention longer. There are several steps that can be taken visually, during the production of the talking head video, to make sure it is interesting.
In post-production, make sure that you’re adding in text-based overlays, animated features, and graphics that will add value to the data being discussed during the video. Drawing the audience’s attention to the bottom third of the screen with key data about the speaker, subject, or other important details that you can share is a great way to increase engagement even if your video is less interesting overall.
Use Two Camera Setups
Figuring out how to make a talking video interesting if you only have one camera is almost certain to leave you at a loss. You’re going to need extra equipment in order to film the most engaging talking head videos. Start with two cameras, and if you can get your hands on a third – do it!
You’ll set one camera on a tripod so that it captures the subject from the shoulders up, and the other camera can be dynamic so that you can alter the depth of field, tilt and pan, or otherwise capture moving images of your subject. This is going to provide plenty of footage for your editing team to work with.
Vary Your Depth of Field to Keep Audience Engaged
We often see talking head videos that are shot with a single camera that is placed on a tripod and left. There is no change in the depth of field from beginning to end and the result is less than interesting! By altering the distance between your subject and the camera while capturing the footage of a talking head video, you’re going to attract your audience’s attention back on the subject and they’re going to know when your subject is speaking about something of major importance because you can film a very close up image at these times.
The use of alternative camera movements, including tilting or panning the camera to create segues from one topic or major subject to the next is a great way to further influence audience engagement on the screen. Let the camera draw in your audience, and capture their interest as your talking head video moves form one subject to the next.
Never Underestimate the Power of B-Roll
Want to know how to make a talking head video interesting no matter how potentially boring your subject matter is? B-roll! Even some of the most boring topics can be made interesting if they are shared from a visual perspective. B-roll allows you to accentuate any and all interesting components of a video so that your audience can visually follow along with what your subject is stating.
B-roll doesn’t have to be difficult, either. It can be as simple as filming a whiteboard that outlines a particular equation or otherwise visualizes data or it can be as complex as capturing outside footage that goes along with the subject. The more you can provide for your post-production editing team, the better!
As you can see, even if you’re dealing with a subject that isn’t much fun, you can certainly learn how to make a talking head video interesting. Want more on producing a talking head video? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!