
Think about your last important conversation. Was it the words alone that conveyed the message, or was there something more? Recent research tells us that up to 65% of what we communicate comes not from our words, but from our body language, facial expressions and gestures. While the exact impact varies across different situations and cultures, one thing is clear: how we say something often matters more than what we say.
This isn’t just interesting science – it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to build authority and trust through content. When it comes to connecting with your audience and building authority, video podcasting offers something that audio alone simply can’t match – the power of visual communication. As someone who’s spent over 25 years in video production, I’ve seen firsthand how these non-verbal cues can transform the way we connect with our audience.
Here’s why this matters for your business:
Building Trust Through Eye Contact
The camera lens isn’t just a piece of glass – it’s your direct line to your audience. When you maintain eye contact with the camera, you’re creating a powerful connection with every viewer. Studies have shown that direct eye contact in video content significantly enhances trust and engagement. While it might feel unnatural at first, this simple technique can dramatically improve how your message lands.
Pro Tip: If you struggle with camera eye contact, try placing googly eyes near your camera lens. It sounds silly, but having something more ‘human’ to focus on can make maintaining eye contact feel more natural.
The Impact of Facial Expressions
We’re hardwired to read micro-expressions, those tiny facial movements that convey sincerity, enthusiasm, or concern. When you’re only recording audio, you’re missing out on an entire layer of communication that could be building trust and authority with your audience.
Hand Gestures and Body Language Your hands are powerful communication tools. Natural hand movements can:
- Emphasise key points
- Add visual interest
- Help viewers better retain information
- Make you appear more authentic and engaging
Setting Up for Success
Camera positioning is crucial. Aim to have your camera at eye level, with your eyes positioned roughly two-thirds up the frame. If you’re using a laptop, elevate it with books to achieve the right height. This positioning helps you appear more professional and authoritative while allowing your body language to work effectively.
The Scalability Factor
Perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace video podcasting is its scalability. While face-to-face meetings are powerful, video allows you to create that same personal connection with hundreds or thousands of viewers simultaneously. It’s about leveraging technology to build relationships at scale without losing the human touch.
Remember: You don’t need a perfect studio setup to start. What matters most is showing up authentically and consistently. Your audience will connect more with genuine content that shows your personality than with technically perfect but emotionally flat presentations.
Your video podcast isn’t just content – it’s a trust-building tool that can drive your business forward. When done right, it combines the best of both worlds: the reach of digital content with the personal touch of face-to-face communication.
Want to learn more about starting your own video podcast? Join our upcoming workshop where we’ll dive deeper into these techniques and help you create a practical plan for launch.
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