Talking head video tips for business owners

A good talking head video needs four things: a steady camera at eye level, soft light on your face, clear audio from a microphone close to you, and a short script of key points rather than word for word lines. Get those right and a phone video of you explaining your work can build more trust than an expensive ad.

Here is the setup and approach we recommend to clients before they send us footage.

Frame the shot

• Camera at eye level. Looking down at a phone makes the shot unflattering. Stack books or use a tripod.

• Vertical for social. Shoot 9:16 for Reels, TikTok and Shorts.

• Head and shoulders in frame. Leave a little space above your head and keep your eyes in the upper third.

• Simple background. A tidy shelf, plant or your workspace. Avoid clutter and bright windows behind you.

Light your face

Face a window if you can. Soft daylight from the front looks natural and costs nothing. If you film at night, a small ring light or LED panel placed slightly to one side works well.

Avoid overhead lights on their own, which cast shadows under the eyes, and never sit with a window behind you, which turns you into a silhouette.

Get clean audio

Viewers forgive average video far more easily than bad sound. Simple fixes:

• Use a clip on microphone that plugs into or pairs with your phone

• Film in a small, soft room, since curtains, carpets and sofas reduce echo

• Turn off fans and air conditioning while recording

• Record a short test and listen back with headphones

Plan what to say

Reading a script word for word often sounds stiff. Instead:

1. Write the hook word for word, since the first line matters most

2. List three or four bullet points for the middle

3. Write the closing line or call to action

Keep the phone's notes app or a printed sheet just below the camera so your eyes stay close to the lens.

Speak to one person

Imagine you are talking to a single customer across the table. Use "you," keep sentences short, and speak a little slower and with more energy than feels natural. On camera, normal energy can look flat.

Film in short takes

You do not need to get it right in one go. Record each point separately, pause between them, and repeat any line you stumble on. Editors can cut the best take of each section together with jump cuts, which look natural in short form video.

Add b roll if you can

B roll is extra footage that plays over your voice: your hands at work, your products, your shop. Film a few minutes of it after the talking parts. It gives the editor ways to cover cuts and makes the video more interesting to watch.

Common mistakes

• Starting with "Hi guys, so today I want to talk about"

• Looking at yourself on screen instead of the lens

• Filming in a noisy space

• Covering too many points in one video

Send it to an editor

Once you have the raw takes, an editor tightens the pacing, adds captions, cuts in b roll and builds a strong opening. Our video editing team turns talking head footage into polished social videos. For hook ideas, see our guide to short form video hooks.