How To Talk To Camera (Without a Script)

A huge block that prevents people from talking to camera is thinking that they need to write out a script for every video.

Whilst scripting can be a great tool (some of my videos are scripted)...

...It can also be a HUGE crutch if you don't know how to make videos without it.

The art of going unscripted on camera is as profound as it can be impactful.

Talking to camera 'off the cuff' is an incredible way to build real connection with your audience, save yourself a tonne of time, and make the whole process way more fun.

However. Scripts ARE useful, because they prevent going off topic, down rabbit holes, and wasting viewers time.

So how can you talk without a script but still be on point (whilst also remaining grounded, comfortable and present)?

[Abcie]

1. Basic structure
A.Intro ( introduce topic with hook or title
B. 3- 5 bullet points of tips steps or hacks
C. Outri
2. Link points together by finding connections
A. Can say between points and that leads us to point x to increaee clarity or flow

3. Breath in and move to the next topic when getting lost in thoughts or confusion
4. Put focus onto feet so that not all of it goes to audience making you seem stressed or something

[stansabev]

After 500 videos I can tell you that is nothing better than to prepare, write a script, re write it, read it, again and again, and then deliver. My retention rate difference grew for 22-27% retention rate to 44-52% retention rate. More than that, no one else from my competitors are doing it, and in my opinion their content is not demanding visual authority, as I believe mine do.

Neil de gray Tyson ones said, nothing that comes from my mouth wasn’t written before that on paper. And he sounds pretty smart and well spoken if you ask me. From that moment I write, read, warm up my voice, drink water and deliver.

It’s about preparation. Don’t wing it if you care about the results.

[GeorgeSazo]

Many years ago, Steve Jobs said - "people who know what they're talking about don't need PowerPoint". Since then, his idea has been proved scientifically. So, the same is about videos. If you know what you are talking about, you don't really need the script. You just need a basic structure (sort of a roadmap) and then you just walk it. Apart from being more authentic, this approach prepares you better for live videos because with live videos scripted speech is even worse and often you don't have a possibility to prepare it. Take the famous speech by Martin Luther King. There's a moment when he stops reading the script and goes totally improvised... "I have a dream..." and that's the moment be brings incredible energy to his speech. Without that diversion would his speech be such legendary? I dare to assume - no.

[JoeAndTheFam]

Hey man, I never clicked off, you're helping me as I am beginning to make speaking videos thanks for the info and support just subbed, I appreciate your hard work to bring us this educational content

[bztravel]

As travel YouTubers, we do not like scripts but to be able to just speak to the camera your tips we belive can help us. Thanks!

[patrick-santamaria]

helped a lot! love your vibe. As someone who edited a lot of videos and tried to edit more and better and harder all the time - it has become so refreshing to try to not edit. It feels more natural to speak freely.. and I think (and also hope) that these more natural videos will become more popular on Social Media. Anyway, have a good one, mate.

[TheMontefiori]

Great advice I will definitely try to implement it in my next video. I struggle with speaking in front of a camera without a script especially since I am not a native English speaker so this channel is perfect for me!

[Nadia_cpu]

loved this video. Your points on grounding really helped me, thank you ✨

[bushraikram]

I love the grounding tip, great work.

[sumahomes-ii]

Thanks and wonderful info. Appreciate your guidance.

[felixvideoworkshop]

Very important video, thank you very much. What is the nice film grain filter?

[VeganSusy]

Nice one Thomas - I need to get back on it and practice more

[alexander.zugheri]

Thanks man! I’ve been waiting for a video like this for forever now

[synergyhealthandwellnesspl]

This was an excellent topic. Your student was right, it was very helpful to have some additional information on this. I also appreciate that you convey many of your ideas using an energetic model. I realize that not everyone would necessarily understand these analogies, but they are very valid and useful for others who are more aware of the "vibes" that are part of this process.

[WolfyYOLO]

What a quality! You should do a "how I record videos with good quality" camera, colour grading...

[zackdoesmarketing]

Great video mate. Came at a perfect time for me. Looking forward to trying some of these out.

[BobMcGowan-NotTheChairCircle]

Thank you for this. Do you have any recommendation as to how detailed/lengthy one's bullet points should be? I am never certain where "bullet points" end and "notes" begin.
Regards,
Bob McGowan.

[jorgegeneral]

I Made the Challenge no script and it
works. I found a 500 list prompts. Just pick random and start. I Made 60 videos, 30 spanish 30 english.

[yourbandisabusiness]

Some good insights. This is what I've been doing on my channel. Maybe I'm being naive but perhaps I can attract an audience that isn't interested in flashy edits but wants something more authentic. Thinking back to the content that impacted me the most on this platform 90% was unscripted. Just people sharing valuable information without all the bells and whistles. That's what I aspire to.

[StaerkungFuerMeineBrueder]

Hey there!

I just want to say thank you very much for this video. It was a great blessing to me. One thing I struggle with though is regarding the title of the video and the intro.

If the title of my video would be called "How to talk to a camera without a script", then where would I possibly be able to get the confidence from to say with a clear conscience into the camera as an intro "in this video you're going to learn how to talk to a camera without a script", when I haven't even recorded the whole video yet and am not yet sure, if I would even be able to deliver on that promise with the whole of the video?

I would appreciate your answer to my question.

May you have a very great and blessed rest of the week,
Simon