b'DAYTODAYPR TOOLKITAmi Neiberger, APR Video ProTips for looking puttogether on cameraD o you ever wish you could project a calm, professional demeanor when you are on camera? Whether you are speak-ing with a television reporter, to a podcaster who streams to YouTube, or to your own phone to share an update about your work, everyone wants to look their best on camera. Here are a few tips to help you project the image you want. Light your face. If you want people to pay atten-tion to you, the light needs to be on your face. Position your light source in front of yourself. Over- blazer. In general, shirts with collars are prefer-head lights can be harsh and cast shadows on yourable to T-shirts or turtlenecks. face. Natural light can be great, but certain times ofWear a great color. Solid colors often deliver day can create shadows as well. If you plan to filmbetter on camera; clothing with tiny patterns or in your workplace, consider purchasing a ring light. dots can appear to shimmer or even pulse. Blues, Pay attention to camera placement. Most peoplereds, and neutrals can look good on camera.can recognize a selfie distance, which is about 12Plan what you will say. If youre creating a inches in front of your face. Aim to have the cameravideo yourself, write out talking points on cue three to five feet away from you. It may be helpful tocards or use an app. If youre going to interview get an inexpensive stand if you are using a phone.with a reporter, know what the topic will be and Deliver good posture. Sit up or stand up straight.think through how to respond to possible ques-Do not slouch.tions. Talk through your responses out loud with Elongate your limbs. Create space between youra trusted friend or colleague. Record yourself arms or legs and the rest of your body. Drape anand listen to your voice, verbiage, and intonation, arm, point a knee outward, and so on. Curling yourand then work on improvements.arms and hands inward can make you look disinter- Practice. Its OK to do a test run in front of a ested or bored.mirror or with a friend and their camera phone. Dress the part. Your clothing should denoteFigure out which angles or stances feel more nat-the seriousness of the subject and not be distract- ural to you. Do you prefer to stand or sit? Do you ing. For an informal update, a polo shirt mighttend to lean forward or tighten your shoulders? be fine. An in-studio interview might call for aTry to stay loose. Remember, youve got this! \x03Ami Neiberger, APR is a strategic communicator and media relations expert who owns Maple Avenue PR, an independent public relations practice that assists nonprofits, member organizations, government agencies, and small businesses. You can reach her at ami@mapleavenuepr.com.NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 59'