Talk to Camera video tips from the best Reels strategist I know

Okay I have to share this before I head to Social Media Marketing World in Anaheim next week.

One of the keynotes I am most excited about is Shannon McKinstrie and if you don't already follow her, go do that right now. She is one of the people I actually trust when it comes to talk to camera video. Not the trending stuff. Not the "post this audio and go viral" advice. The stuff that actually works and has worked for a long time.

She shared her 30 second Reels formula recently and it applies to TikTok and YouTube too. Here it is:

0:01-0:03 — Start with an authority hook

Answer "why should I listen to you?" before they scroll. Fast. Try something like "Please tell me I'm not the only one who ___" or "You've been asking for this so today's the day."

0:03-0:26 — Give quick context

This is the meat. Keep it human and real. A story, a moment, something that sounds like you talking to a friend.

0:26-0:28 — Deliver a simple payoff

Don't overteach. Just reassure them. "So let this be your sign to ___ too."

0:28-0:30 — Close with a CTA

And this is where I want you to go back and read my last post. Because a good CTA is not asking for a favor. It is giving someone a reason to take action that actually benefits them. Shannon's formula sets this up perfectly. Your CTA should feel like the natural next step for them, not a pitch for you.

Find Shannon on Instagram at @shannonmckinstrie.

What part of talk to camera trips you up the most? Tell me below.

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