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Interest in your website is good, except when someone is really ticked off. Real story here. When disaster strikes, what else can you do except roll with the punches, take care of business, and try to laugh about it later? Here's what happened to me a month ago, just days before my family and I left for a beach vacation. Which, by the way, was just in time to coincide with the onslaught of Hurricane Debby, but that's a story for another day. We all know that sh*t happens and often at the least opportune time. I used to take it all so seriously and stay upset for a very long time, which didn't help much except to keep me upset for a very long time. I still take problems seriously, but after dealing with them as best I can, I turn to humor. Gallows humor, dark humor, whatever. Sometimes I like to get downright silly and sarcastic about it, 'cause what else are you gonna do? So in the spirit of throwing up your arms and saying, "All right, what else you got? Might as well bring it on, too" ... I give you ... If my life were an infomercial (Enter the over-the-top, overly-caffeinated host.) Hey, kids! Now you too can learn how to drive traffic to your website the WRONG way. Ready? Let’s get started!   Step 1. Encourage the hacking of your email address for spam legal threats by someone unknown, parts unknown (but we suspect a Nigerian prince or two). Step 2. Discover that threatening and absurd emails sent from your email address have now traveled all around the world. Isn’t it nice to meet new people? Step 3. Watch your website clicks escalate into the stratosphere! Woo hoo! They like me! They really like me! Step 4. Appreciate all the kind people who suggested that maybe, just maybe, your email address had been hacked. ❤️ Step 5. Apologize and explain to those who reached out to give you a piece of their minds regarding the lovely threatening emails. Thank you, kind monsieurs et madames. Your messages are coming through louder and clearer than any of my daughter’s eyerolls.   Step 6. Have your website developer/tech guru - now your best friend - get it all fixed. My hero! Now if the transferring process to a safer host just wouldn’t take so long…. Step 7. Find the humor in it, shrug, and go for a long walk on the beach. Or whatever else gives you that same “eh, screw it, this too shall pass” attitude, ‘cause what else are you gonna do? Ha ha ha! Step 8. Figure out a way to turn this into a good story for future presentations. Or blog post. Or another reason for your kid to roll their eyes and say, "GoDaddy? Really? That's so early 2000s. Boomer...." Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward. - Victor Borge What, me worry? Yes, actually I did worry. Quite a bit. It only takes one malicious usurpment of a valuable asset like my professional email account to undo years of building a reputation for quality work and excellent customer service. Fortunately, based on a number of emails I received almost immediately, quite a few people recognized a hacking job when they saw it and alerted me to the situation. It took two weeks without that professional email account, but eventually it was successfully moved from GoDaddy (where it had been for years) to Google. Evidently, GoDaddy is far from secure (duh!), but Google is solid. I certainly hope so! I'd contacted agents and current clients and transferred things temporarily to my personal email account, but there's always something that falls through the cracks. Fingers crossed it wasn't potential business. “In adversity you have to learn to live off your sense of humor .” —Peter Taylor from his book A Summons to Memphis Laura's Quick Tips Moral of the story: stay current with tech and ahead of problems. When major problems strike, be upfront about them and deal with them as quickly as possible. Keep your perspective - and sense of humor. At least no one had died. It was a challenging time. In addition to the hacked email, we did lose half our vacation to the hurricane. We also had to deal with our 10 year old SUV losing its air conditioning as soon as we got on the road (it was a hot and sticky trip there and back). And to top it all off, we also discovered that our irrigation system went on the fritz and flooded part of our basement while we were gone. Fun times. But like I said, no one died and everything's fixed now. Finally. Whew. Yup, a good sense of humor comes in handy from time to time. Hopefully, we won't need it again for quite a while. Got any funny (at least in retrospect) disaster stories of your own? Here's a story about the bus ride from hell I had a few years back ... Read more about it here > I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Your videos can be your marketing workhorse Want to build visibility, credibility, and opportunity online? Videos are your #1 tool. According to a recent survey by video marketing company Wyzowl, 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool and 93% of marketers say they've landed a new customer thanks to a video on social media. What makes a great video? Content that's useful to its intended audience, of course, but if you want viewers to stop their scroll and actually WATCH your video, well, then you also need to have a great delivery. That's what I talk about in this interview with Cece Shatz and Joanne Weiland of the LinktoEXPERT Good Reads /Author's Corner TV/Radio/Podcast show. We cover some of my top tips shared in "The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever," a marketing companion resource that I co-authored and published last year ... but we go beyond it, too. What did we talk about? How to effectively communicate in today's digital era The power of (at least some!) personal content in social media Basic personal branding for social media AI content creation do's and don'ts Essentials for shooting your own videos ... and coming across as your best self We also talked about my journey from corporate to creative. If you're similarly interested in knowing how to get started as a professional actor, even if it's just as a side interest, you'll find advice on training, getting an agent, and the many types of work available. Just click the video above ⬆️ Want more video tips? Learn how become more effective on camera! I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Video may be appealing for its visuals, but it's SOUND that can make or break its success. Doubt me? Watch a video with beautifully crafted visuals ... and then add an irritating sound track. Scratches, crackles, major echoes, intruding noises drowning out the speaker or narrator. Think back on ye old record player and overused warped albums or 45s you had as a kid or, if you're not old enough to remember that, think of nails slowing clawing down a blackboard. Still before your time? How about ANY unwanted noise when you're just trying to sleep? Pick your poison. Anyway you look at it (no pun intended, really), videos are annoying as all get-out if the sound is poor. Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to mitigate muffled, echoey, or problem spaces when you're making your own videos. Pros will have all sorts of solutions, but when you're on your own, I think you'll find these pretty straightforward, inexpensive, and easy to implement. Good, clean sound means that your audio is clear and easily understood, without annoying distractions like bad echoes, planes flying overhead, or your kid screaming at his brother in the next room. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Get a mic! Tabletop, camera-top, boom, or lapel ... it'll make a world of difference. Treat your space to reduce those echoes. Start with a rug on your bare floor. When you can't beat 'em ... go elsewhere. Or wait for the intrusion to pass. Are you having trouble getting good sound in your home or office? Or while you're on the road? Maybe I can suggest a few things to help. Click below for a free 15 minute consult! Good stuff? If you'd like more tips, tricks, and on camera techniques, check out On Camera Tips for Success for more videos. Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Rediscover your strength, passion, and purpose with a global community of like-minded women Can you use a little inspiration? Perhaps a dose of much needed encouragement? Hey, we all can use a boost from time to time. I am pleased to be one of the speakers for the upcoming SheLeads Vision Fest—a transformative event dedicated to celebrating and empowering women from all walks of life. Through workshops, discussions, and shared experiences, women will be sharing their personal stories with other women. We aim to help each other realize our potential, take on challenges, and overcome obstacles through the stories and experiences of those who've already "been there, done that." Here’s what you can look forward to: Empowering Talks:  Hear from leading experts in empowerment, wellness, healing, and spirituality. Hands-On Workshops:  Engage in practical sessions that offer tools and strategies for personal and professional growth. Community Support:  Connect with a network of women who share your journey and goals. I'll be sharing one of my favorite topics: Reinventing yourself successfully later in life ... successfully! The 18 minute talk broadcast via Facebook will describe the concept of sequencing, that - yes! - a woman CAN have it all, but not necessarily all at once (and maintain her health, happiness, and sanity). I'll chart my own career journey from Corporate to Creative and share ideas on how others can find new meaning and opportunities in different stages of life. If you feel stuck or uninspired in your current path ... if you could use a spark to reignite your passion and purpose ... look no further. Check out all the speakers and their topics, and register your attendance here:, SheLeads Vision Fest August 8-21, 2024 Facebook - listen whenever, wherever you want! "Reinventing Yourself Later in Life ... Successfully!" Monday, August 12 - 1:30 pm EST I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Dozens of free, downloadable gifts from the Grand Connection member network Summer is typically a slower time of year. Perfect for learning new things, integrating new productivity tools into your business, and having some fun while you do so. That's why Grand Connection, my favorite virtual networking organization, is hosting its Summer Grand Giveaway. It's a chance for its member business owners to share their best products and services with others worldwide. Anyone - member or guest - can download any or all of the 50+ gifts at no cost or obligation. My gift is a free 15 minute consult and a downloadable PDF of my top 10 tips for achieving On Camera Confidence. I've been a member of Grand Connection for less than two years and have made some valuable connections with business owners from all over the US and Canada. It's also how I've booked so many speaking engagements as a podcast and webinar guest. Grand Connection hosts podcaster, speaker, and author subgroups for learning and networking, and I've found them to be terrific resources. Go ahead, grab my gift and any or all of the 50+ others. You have until July 31. Just click the link below and see what's available from everyone. The video will give you an idea of some of the other members' gifts, too. I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Where do you get the best bang for your buck? And time? Once upon a time, prior to this little global pandemic nuisance called COVID-19, business people happily networked over cocktails, at luncheons and conferences, and even in elevators as they merrily navigated up and down myriad suites in countless office buildings. Then came an unprecedented (remember the constant use of that word?) shutdown of all that was natural to the business world. And just about everyone else. Road warriors remained at home, shut in with loved ones and as much toilet paper as they could hoard. Business communications shifted overnight to nearly 100% digital. It was a great moment for Zoom Video Communication s. Now that we're on the other side of the pandemic (finally!!), we have the benefit of both in person and virtual networking opportunities. Double the pleasure, double the fun. But double the investment and time? Nah ... we have to pick and choose, we can only do so much, which leads to the question of which to use. Is one better than the other? Like so many things, it depends. Pick the networking event and structure that's best suited to your industry, personal preferences, and/or comfort level. Pros and cons of in person networking Personally, I love both types of networking. In person events come easy to this former sales gal. There's something about meeting others face-to-face that an online event just can't capture. The energy in the room, the dynamic between individuals that you can sense when they're in front of you, the fact that you're dealing with a human being looking directly into your eyes to make a connection. I find that connections and even friendships develop much more quickly when we're in physical proximity to one another. First, we're inclined to be on our best behavior to treat the other person with attention and a modicum of respect when they're talking to us just inches away. Or at least you should, if your mother brought you up properly. We can't just disappear instantly from the room by hitting a button to "leave the meeting" or listen invisibly by turning off our camera. We're more memorable to each other because we tend to be "all there" vs. listening while distracted with other things going on in your physical space. On the down side, some people just aren't comfortable walking into a room where they don't know anyone and striking up a conversation with a random stranger. In person events may not be conveniently scheduled at a place and time that work for you. There's traffic to contend with, travel time to factor in, dressing professionally (and not just from the waist up), and perhaps a bit of money to spend just to attend. Oh, and to park your car. Pros and cons of virtual networking Virtual networking, on the other hand, allows you to participate in events anywhere in the world, anytime of the day or night. I thoroughly enjoy networking with new friends I've made in Australia, Europe, the US west coast ... just about anywhere! I've had the opportunity to learn from people I otherwise would never have met and to participate in more events than I would care to spend the time and money otherwise to attend. I've also had the great pleasure to participate as a speaker in some wonderful virtual conferences. Virtual attendance also allows me to sample more events, too, and to just disappear by leaving the meeting if they fail to meet expectations. Chat windows are invaluable for instantly sharing group information or for reaching out privately to other attendees. I also appreciate being able to drop in for as much time as my schedule allows, without risking the embarrassment of being caught sneaking out of a less than stellar physical event. As for the cons, well, like I said, virtual networking for me just doesn't pack as big a punch as meeting people online. It can be problematic for event planners, too, who can't as easily gauge the interest of their audience, especially if cameras are off. Furthermore, attendees can easily come and go - or not show up at all - and it can seem to speakers that they're talking into a void. In person networking lends a dynamic that you just can't duplicate online. Virtual networking, on the other hand, lets you participate in events anywhere in the world. Find the right mix for YOU It's a nice problem to have, being able to choose from so many networking organizations. I like a mix of both. In person, I have PROWIN , my local women's group, where I've taken a leadership position planning events like speaker luncheons. I truly enjoy sitting down to a great Italian family-style luncheon with a roomful of professional, business-minded women and learning from a terrific speaker. I also tremendously enjoy in-person voiceover conferences like VO Atlanta, where this year 1000 voice actors, coach, agents, casting directors, audio engineers, and many, many industry friends gathered to learn, network, and socialize. On the other hand, I'm actively involved with the Grand Connection , a virtual networking organization that brings together people (mostly) from all over the US and Canada. I've met so many interesting and talented people in all sorts of industries, given and received business referrals, and been invited to speak on at least a dozen or so podcasts and webinars since joining about 18 months ago. I've presented at Grand Connection conferences, too, and donated gifts of services to their giveaways for members and guests. In fact, if you're reading this in July 2024, click here to access over 50 free gifts from participating businesses. Here's a sneak peak at six businesses, of which I am one, that are donating gifts (I come on at 17:43): Whichever you choose, do what's best and most comfortable for you. One size certainly does not fit all and our preferences will shift with our moods, availability, and circumstances in life. The point is to network. How you do it is truly secondary to doing it in the first place. Laura's Quick Tips It's a banquet out there! Check out networking organizations that are within your industry, your locale, or aligned to your field. Don't overdo it; I find that two or three good organizations are enough, especially if you're going to devote sufficient time to get to know the people in them and take advantage of what the organization has to offer. You'll get the most value from the organizations you give of your time and talent. Every organization is eager to recruit contributors. Choose carefully, but know that you'll often gain more in benefits than what you provide with increased visibility, relationship-building, and demonstrations of your knowledge and skills. Don't forget to look into the groups hosted on Facebook and LinkedIn. I'm active in quite a few Facebook groups geared for actors, voice actors, and local women in marketing and communications. They provide excellent advice, support, and information that's timely and relevant to their niche membership. While they're technically not networking organizations, I've made many strong connections through them. LinkedIn groups generally are not so strong; many of them are too filled with people advertising their services to suit me. Search for groups in your industry and see which ones are actively run and managed by hands-on administrators. Keep your eye out for private groups, too. These may or may not have a memershipship involved, but I belong to one, Espresso+ run by LinkedIn guru John Espirian , that is a consistent source of excellent advice and information from top notch LinkedIn coaches around the world. Networking is terrific, but have you thought of leveraging media publications for some easy and free PR? Seriously! Read more about it here >   I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Media outlets are looking for interesting small business and entrepreneurs to promote in their communities If you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or freelancer like me, you're looking for inexpensive (read: free) or innovative ways to promote yourself. Why not with a digital publication? No, I'm not talking about a self-publishing scheme, but real media exposure. Beyond the local newspapers and magazines are legitimate media companies that actively look for interesting people and business stories to feature in their markets. How do I know this? I've been featured by several of these publications about my work as an actor and voice talent. And this month, VoyageATL gave me the opportunity to talk about my other role as a coach and consultant, helping non-actors gain On Camera Confidence for themselves. Free PR? Yes! And it's all above board. Everyone's looking for good content these days. Help out a media publication ... and yourself in the process. The Voyage Magazine media family VoyageATL is part of the Voyage Magazine media family. Its name reflects the region it covers, like VoyageLA for Los Angeles, VoyageChicago for Chicago, and VoyageATL for Atlanta. It covers a number of U.S. cities and looks to bring interesting stories to its readers about local startups, risk takers, and enterprising artists. VoyageATL has run a feature on me before (lucky me!), but they wanted to learn more about my On Camera Confidence coaching/consulting business, as well as touch on my work as an actor. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige. (Surprise, surprise, an actor liking publicity. Go figure!) You can click on the link above to see the article. How you can be found? What should you expect? So how does this work? How did they find me and how is the interview constructed? To tell you the truth, I'm not exactly sure how they found me! They do ask their interviewees to refer them to other small businesses that we think their readers would be interested in, and I have done so. Perhaps it was someone who liked my work who told the right person who was associated with their magazine. It doesn't matter much; it's just nice to be found. How can you be found? You can contact them directly or you can reach out to me and I can send an email on your behalf. No guarantees, though! If you're nervous about being interviewed ... don't be. They use a very informal approach. The Voyage family seeks to be informative, very casual, and approachable. They like to feature people using their own words, which also makes it easier on their own staff. Rather than having an interviewer posing pre-formulated questions, Voyage offers a list of questions online and gives you the choice of which ones to answer. You answer in your own words, upload photos for added interest, and then wait for them to review and (if necessary) edit the piece. A few weeks later, they'll send you an email with a link to review your interview before it's published. They'll take your corrections and changes, nicely lay it out, and then voila! You'll be sent a link a few weeks later to your story in their "Hidden Gem" magazine section. Free publicity! Nice. Want to be featured yourself? Check these out: Voyage Magazine Canvas Rebel Shoutout There are a few others, too, but these are the ones I've been featured in - and they have all done a nice job of it. FYI, these publications are all part of one large organization, Voyage Group of Magazines. They also have a side hustle to commemorate your name in print. I have no need for it, but some people like to preserve their articles in more permanent form. Will this type of PR bring you tons of new business and sudden fame? Probably not. But I find it fun to be in them. They've been great for SEO, social media content ... and impressing your mother. So, if in additoin to everything else, making your mother proud is your thing, now you have one more way to do it. (Yes, she'll be very proud of you.) Enjoy! Oh, and if you didn't click on the photo above, here's where you can find my article . Online media publications provide a modern example of "high tech, high touch" - using technology to promote the unique human element of who you are and the value you bring. Looking to improve? Work with me here: Want more? Get exclusive access to fresh ideas, tips, and content... You didn't think I'd let a chance go by without saying something about my On Camera Confidence services, did you?! You can find out all about them by clicking on that pretty little box above with the "Book Now" label. But if you're interesting in learning something about what it's like being a professional film, TV, and voice actor and maybe even how to get started yourself... well, then check out the rest of my blog. You'll want to click these next bright blue words with the two arrows. Yup, right here.... Get access >> I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! ACTING •  VOICE OVER • CONSULTING •  COACHING

We draw inspiration from real life. Truth IS stranger than fiction, especially where people are concerned. "How did you come up with THAT?!" Usually (though not always) it's said as a compliment. And oftentimes, there's an interesting backstory, too. A weird situation or someone who is, as our mothers would say, a real character. Actors are known to be keen observers of the human condition. Why not? There's some pretty entertaining stuff out there. The same thing can be said of sales people or anyone else who deals regularly with the public. Way back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth and I was an IT sales rep, I learned to "read the room" and attune myself to prospects and clients. It all helped to better understand where they were coming from (their pain points) and what they wanted or needed from me, so I could tailor a strong solution to their problem. The difference as an artist is that I can now have fun with those foibles and use what I see in my work. That wouldn't have gone over too well in my buttoned-up business world, but as an actor - hoo boy! Some of these people can become the basis for rather memorable characters for film and TV. Just ask any actor - they'll tell you that at some point, they've "borrowed" an unusual way of speaking or behaving, probably exaggerating it a bit, and put it to work. Don't let a difficult person get to you. File away their idiosyncracies and use them for full effect later. It's the best way to get even. The actor's inspiration: a self-described evil stepmother I recently filmed a very funny scene for a new production called Canton Abbey . It's a parody of Downton Abbey , produced by my friend and talented British actress and voice actor Sarah Mitchell . The name of her company, Southern Fried Brits, tells you all you need to know: proper English decorum meets the deep South and all our uniquely American traditions. Tailgate parties, for example. My character was originally written to be played by a rather stuffy corporate type, a man, but as we got to playing with her, she morphed into something much larger and wackier. Since the scene was to be played against the very proper British butler, and this WAS a comedy, the contrast of opposites was called in to play: I'm rather short (5'3") and petite, while our butler, actor Jeffrey Bigger , is much taller and sturdier, yet my character was the one in charge. My character thought she was quite proper, but was all too evidently demonstrative, looser and louder, and more unpredictable than our stiff and formal friend, the butler. American brashness and arrogance was on display vs. the quieter and more disciplined British stiff upper lip. I was inspired to change her voice, too, once I started thinking of similarities to my late stepmother-in-law. Ah, now she was a piece of work. This was the woman who at my wedding introduced herself to my parents and extended family and friends as "the evil stepmother." And then proceeded to get quite drunk at the reception. The character (wine and all) There was a LOT to mine there. Her quasi-mid-Atlantic accent borrowed heavily from Katherine Hepburn movies. Her nose in the air as she looked down at the rest of us with more than a touch of self-importance and critical judgment. And always a glass of wine ... or something. My character was more likeable than the inspiration. Still snooty, but well-meaning. She had a an earnest, pompous Frasier-like air of self-importance about her than any real vindictiveness. But the glass of wine stayed to kick off the scene with a little unscripted humor. After all, a little physical humor - underplayed - can be very effective. I can't wait to see the finished product! Snippets promise that it'll be a real hoot. Hey - it IS set in the Deep South, y'all. "The butler situation here in America is pathetic. People don't want to do hard work. They want (gasp) lunch breaks and consecutive vacation days." (shudder) Laura's Quick Tips People are funny. Really. Keep your eyes and ears open for inspiration. It truly IS all around you. Humor comes from real truth brought to light. Been bitten by the acting bug yourself? Find out how you can begin a professional acting career - even if it's only part-time - the smart way, learning about the industry and avoiding the scammers. Read more about it here > Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, hands-on mom, voice & TV/film actress, and improv performer. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Shooting a video outside? Or inside, but want to use natural light? Good Lighting, like great sound, is an absolute must when you're making a video. It doesn't matter how casual or produced your video will be - the subject has to be easily seen, with no overexposure due to overly bright lights or in dark shadows, either. Unless you're making a horror movie, I suppose. Or a story about some unsavory underworld figures. Assuming that it's a straightforward video, here are some basic guidelines to follow, whether you're shooting inside or outdoors. If you're traveling without a professional crew or equipment, you need to know how to use what's available. Good lighting is essential to making a video. The subject has to be easily seen. Nothing too bright or too dark. No lurking in shadows, either. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Shooting outdoors? A cloudy, overcast day is best! (Assuming it's not raining.) Don't have the sun glaring directly into your camera lens. Inside, a natural window can cast most of the light you need ... as long as you can mitigate shadows. Use standing or desk lamps to illuminate your subject. Be careful of overhead lights, though. They can cast unattractive shadows on the subject's face. You don't have to a Director of Photography or a professional videographer to know the basics. A simple understanding of lighting techniques and using what's around you is usually sufficient to creating a video that's well-lit and easy to watch. Want some more useful tips? Check out these On Camera Tips for Success . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Lights! Camera! Action! Well, actually, there's a little more to it than that. Here's how to create a basic but professional video studio. So many people hesitate to begin making videos because they just don't know what to do. How do I act? (What do I do with my hands? Where do I look? What the heck's going on?!) What do I say? (and say it well!) How do I tape myself and come off professionally and credibly? I've covered the first two points in earlier videos, so now it's time to talk about your basic video setup. It can be done rather easily, very afffordably, and created just about anywhere you need to be. Office, home, or on the road - the principles are the same. Here's your handy-dandy guide to all the basics: camera, lighting, sound, and background or environment. All you need is a small space and a little know-how, and you'll be good to go! When you learn the basic video techniques, you'll find that you can adapt them to any location ... and create more professional studios that stand out on social media. Subscribe on YouTube for new videos! Laura's Quick Tips Keep the end result in mind - the focus is on your message, so your "set" can be minimal. You may already have much of what you need, starting with your cell phone's camera. Videos for social media today do NOT have to be fancy! In fact, simple and casual cell phone videos with a short, straightforward message often do better than highly produced projects. Have any questions about your particular setup? As a professional screen and voice actor, I've created my own videos and audio files for all sorts of situations in all kinds of odd places. Need to film yourself (or others) while you're out of town traveling? I can tell you how to use the furniture and space within a hotel room, work around sunny or not-so-great days outside, and create interesting backdrops wherever you may be. Schedule your free consult below and we'll see how we can get you filming like a pro. Want to check out some of the other videos in this series? They're all in my On Camera Tips for Success . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

How to make an impact with memorable business videos I had the absolute pleasure to sit down with Atlanta-based Maxwell Bentley of Bentley Media to talk about business storytelling - and how to make it memorable. How you tell a story is as important as the story itself, shaping the audience's perception of a business and the people behind it. We had a lively 22 minute discussion about the storytelling process and how to use your unique voice to share your message. What did we talk about? How to tell your story with video The elements you need to make your story successful Human vs. AI storytelling The creative team and how actors and producers work together How producers (or at least this one!) find their talent We pulled the curtains back on video production so you can see why video is the #1 marketing tool on social media. With the vast majority of online audiences preferring video to any other media, it makes sense to learn how to pack the biggest punch with your future clients. Develop your On Camera Confidence so you can tell your business story on video! Work with me 1-on-1 to improve your performance - and make the camera your ally Here are a few options to get your own business story out there: Reach out to a professional video production company like Maxwell 's if you want a full-service approach. Reach out to me if you're looking to becoming more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos and other online appearances. Just getting started and need to know what to do first? Schedule a free 15 minute consult and I'll talk you through it. You'll begin building your social media presence in no time! Tell your business story on social media with video! It's the best way to get noticed. Learn how become more effective on camera! I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera yourself for videos, presentations, and online appearances. Got a project in mind? ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY

Do you know the secret to drawing people in with your videos? Working the camera ... that's what Elizabeth Walker and I talked about in her most recent podcast, "Dear Business Coach." Not surprisingly, there's a difference between appearing on camera as an entrepreneur vs. as a film/TV actor. But you'd be surprised how much the two do have in common! On camera skills work for a career in business, not just one in film and TV. "Hey buddy, up here...." How many women have thought that when they're talking to a guy who seems fixated on their chest? Way too many! Not only is staring at a woman's chest rude (and tells us all we need to know about the guy), it reinforces the fact that people truly communicate when we look into each other's eyes. News alert: they really are the windows to our soul, our awareness, what have you. All this is to say that the old adage, "look 'em in the eye," means something. In person and on camera. The eyes are what the camera captures most and how we assess whether we believe what the other person is saying. Elizabeth and I talked about how video and film magnify the viewer's relationship to the person on screen, whether or not it's for business or entertainment. What's it like working in the entertainment industry? Ever wonder what it would be like as a professional actor? Or how to get started without getting scammed in the process. Sadly, there are a lot of unethical people out there who make comfortable livings out of selling dreams - with nothing to manifest them - to trusting folks. Especially to well-meaning parents who want to help their children begin a career as a professional actor. Buyer beware! We talked about some of the red flags you need to look out for. How to handle expectations or demands for you (or your child) that will supposedly fulfill your dreams, but only cross the lines you have regarding nudity, strong language, or dangerous situations. Avoid the scammers and learn to navigate the entertainment industry safely! Laura's Quick Tips Video is #1 in popular, trending content. Want to connect with viewers? Look them in the eyes ... even if you're just seeing a camera lens. Curious about acting for film or TV? Have fun, learn the ropes, but know that it's also a business that requires some investment ... and a lot of common sense. Check out my funny short video series called MOMisms . They're proving very popular! Elizabeth and I covered a lot of ground! She was particularly interested in what it's like being a film/TV actress and how I went from Corporate to Creative. Curious how you can do the same? Funny you should ask. I have an article about it right here . Want help developing your on-camera confidence? I'm Laura Doman, a former tech industry sales executive, voice & TV/film actress, and video communications coach. I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories, from the friendly CEO touting new upgrades to your sassy best gal pal dispensing some necessary, real-world advice. And I can help you tell your story well, too! ... Let's Talk! COMMERCIALS •  EXPLAINER VIDEOS • CORPORATE NARRATION •  ELEARNING • K12 • MEDICAL NARRATION • CHARACTERS & ANIMATION • TELEPHONY