Well everyone, here it is, the first
video essay. The subject is "Suggestions for Conservatives in the Age of Obama". Here are a few things I already know:
1. It is too long. Next one will be much shorter
2. I need to loosen up a little.
3. I play with my tie too much. I blink too much
4. The sound is uneven...clear, but uneven.
For a first effort...not a bad go. I hope you enjoy it.
Now I see the fire. Good job.
ReplyDeleteYou look a little like George Costanza when you squint.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan. Nice of you to say. Serenity now....serenity now...
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note, you neglect to point out the need to get the media on your side.
ReplyDeleteOh my.
ReplyDelete1. If you are going to wear a tie get rid of that button collar. OR at least make the tie appear right.
2. If you position yourself by a fireplace and intend to evoke a fireside chat put a fire on.
3. It is void of any graphics exception being the initial compendium of thought. Input your website electronically to the video AND make your points both verbally and visually.
4. It is too long. I would suggest if you have a multi-point intent break each point into its own video. Or talk about your initial BLOG topics. Build a data trail that leads to a longer vid.
5. I've seen you present before and this is the first time I ever thought Stoic while listening.
I believe most of this comes from being uncomfortable in front of a camera. Think sound bites for each vid.
Try again!
I like it! A few thoughts:
ReplyDelete-Get a haircut
-Put the cue cards in a better spot so when you refer to them it's not so obvious
-Have a puppy run through the room once in a while
-It's not too long, but you seemed indifferent to your subject matter. Could use some passion (I'm sure you can find the Rev Wright videos for a cue)
Looking forward to the next one!
I thought it was good - interestingly, Kristol strikes a similar tone in his piece today over at the Weekly Standard (great minds...).
ReplyDeleteA few thoughts...
- I'm much better looking
- Hot conservative dancing girls in the background.
- More cow bell
- To the extent you can, it should be unscripted. Not unprepared, just unscripted.
Thsntht--a tie with a button collar is proper--if the jacket is a sport coat, which it was. Never, ever with a suit. There was a fire...just not a roaring one.
ReplyDeleteSally---no way on the haircut. It's only going to get longer! Getting rid of the cheat sheet is a big deal. I will make sure of it in the next one (see GG's remark below). Not at all indifferent...just trying to be calm and measured. Will be a bit more animated in the next.
GG--I will go for the "prepared but unscripted" way.
Thanks, CW. Remember how you nailed CWC in Houston? Little warning and total command of the material. It's in there. Can't wait for the next one.
ReplyDeleteA desk...that's it, you need to do this while sitting at a desk with lots or crap around you.
ReplyDeleteThanks all for tuning in and giving your input. Next one will not be preceded by fanfare and buildup...I'll just throw it up there. It will be more casual, more animated, less scripted, and hopefully more fun to do....the first was more work than I thought it would be, but I guess that's the nature of doing virtually anything the first time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sally, Bryan. Get a haircut!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I suspect constructive criticism is more helpful to you and there is always room for improvement, I suppose I'll depart somewhat from the other commenters (except I agree with GG on the cowbell). I thought your presentation needed to be calm to lend credibility to your message of calmness. I don't think it lacked energy, in fact, I recall thinking to myself, this took a lot of work, a lot of thought and a lot of commitment. As passionate as I am about many things, I lack the commitment to crawl out of my comfort zone to do something like this. I saw energy, especially when I thought what it would take for me to do something similar. Haircut schmarecut. You've had plenty in your lifetime. Wear your hair the way you want to wear it. I didn't notice your glances to the cue cards, but I was watching on a small screen and my glasses were smudged. I would agree if it was noticeable, either buy a teleprompter (joking) or speak off the cuff, which you can do quite effectively. All in all, I liked it. All that was talk about the style of your message. I really loved the substance. Please keep these up.
ReplyDelete