The Speaker’s Blueprint | Part 1 of 8.
What if your life experience is more valuable than you think?
As a stage and film director for more than 25 years, I work with women founders, entrepreneurs and corporate executives to transform their lived experiences into intellectual property, compelling stories and powerful speaking messages.
Because having a story isn't enough.
The real work is discovering the idea, truth and perspective hidden inside that story—and then learning how to communicate it with presence, authenticity and impact, whether you're on stage, on camera or in front of an audience.
This is the thinking behind my new series, The Speaker’s Blueprint, by Women Seen & Theodora Voutsa.
I draw on acting techniques, storytelling and performance to help women become Authentically Visible, not by becoming someone else, but by learning to fully embody what they already know.
Your life is the raw material.
Your experience is the evidence.
Your perspective is the intellectual property.
Your voice is the vehicle.
Your visibility is the distribution.
And your story can become an asset.
Part 1 is about the first and perhaps most important question:
You have a story. But do you have a message?
Read the first article below. And if you're a woman with something important to say, I’d love to hear: What do you know now because of what you've lived?
#TheSpeakersBlueprint #WomenSeen #TheodoraVoutsa #SpeakerCoach #PublicSpeaking #ExecutiveCommunication #Storytelling #PersonalBranding #ThoughtLeadership #WomenInLeadership #AuthenticVisibility
You Have a Story. But Do You Have a Message?
By Women Seen & Theodora Voutsa
You have a story.
You have probably lived through things that changed you, challenged you, surprised you, humbled you or forced you to become someone you didn't expect to become.
Maybe you built a company from nothing.
Maybe you led a team through a crisis.
Maybe you changed careers.
Maybe you failed spectacularly.
Maybe you succeeded and discovered that success came with a set of problems nobody had warned you about.
Maybe you spent twenty years becoming an expert in something that nobody else understands quite the way you do.
And at some point, someone has probably told you:
“You should speak about this.”
But here's the problem.
Having a story isn't the same as having a message.
And having a message isn't the same as knowing how to communicate it.
That distinction is where great speakers begin.
Your story is not the product.
Your story is the raw material.
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote:
“A man's character is his fate.”
It is a deceptively simple idea.
What we repeatedly experience, choose, confront and become eventually shapes the way we move through the world.
And that, to me, is where the speaker's work begins.
Not with the question:
“What happened to me?”
But:
“Who did I become because of what happened to me?”
Because the experiences of our lives don't automatically become wisdom.
We have to make meaning from them.
Your experience is evidence.
The mistake I see women make, particularly successful women, is assuming that because something significant happened to them, they automatically have a compelling talk.
They don't.
Not yet.
Because audiences aren't necessarily interested in everything that happened to you.
They're interested in what your experience can help them see differently.
That is the transformation.
You take the experience and ask:
What does this mean?
What did I learn that I couldn't have learned any other way?
What do I now understand that I didn't understand before?
What do I believe that I didn't believe before?
What did this experience teach me about leadership, ambition, failure, power, identity, business, creativity, relationships or being human?
And most importantly:
What can someone else take from it?
That is where experience starts becoming expertise.
The artist doesn't simply reproduce reality. She reveals it.
This is one of the reasons I approach speaking through the lens of an artist.
Marcel Proust wrote that the artist's work is to look beneath “matter, experience, words” and perceive something different.
This is the essence I have learnt to live with since I was a child, raised in an artistic family.
Because isn't that what we are really doing when we turn a life into a body of work?
We are looking beneath the event.
Beneath the achievement.
Beneath the failure.
Beneath the résumé.
Beneath the story we have been telling ourselves about ourselves.
And we ask:
What is actually here?
What is the idea?
What is the truth?
What is the perspective that only this particular woman could have arrived at because she lived this particular life?
That perspective is where the value lives.
Think about Romeo and Juliet.
We all know the story.
We know the words.
We know what happens at the end.
And yet, centuries after Shakespeare wrote it, audiences continue to buy tickets to see it performed again and again.
Why?
Because we don't go to see the story.
We go to see someone's interpretation of the story.
Every actress who plays Juliet brings something no one else can bring.
She is unique.
She is one of a kind.
She may speak the same lines, in the same order, night after night. But those words pass through her convictions, herimagination, her experiences, her emotional life, her point of view.
And suddenly, we've heard those words before, but we hear them differently.
That is the power of interpretation.
And it is the power every woman brings to the stage.
You don't need to invent a story that nobody has ever heard before.
You need to find your way of seeing it.
Because nobody else has lived your life.
Nobody else has arrived at your convictions in exactly the same way.
Nobody else can interpret your experience through exactly the same lens.
That is why your story matters.
Not because it happened; but because you are the one who lived it and you are the one who can tell us what it means.
Your perspective is the intellectual property.
The founder who nearly lost her company doesn't just have a story about nearly losing her company.
She may have developed a radically different understanding of risk.
The executive who spent years being underestimated doesn't just have a story about being underestimated.
She may have something important to say about authority.
The woman who left a successful career to build something of her own doesn't just have a career-change story.
She may have developed a perspective on ambition that challenges the conventional definition of success.
That perspective is the intellectual property.
And once you identify it, something changes.
You are no longer simply telling people what happened.
You are giving them a way of seeing.
“The real voyage of discovery…”
Proust wrote:
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
I think great speakers do exactly this.
They don't necessarily take us somewhere we've never been.
They teach us to look at something we thought we understood and see it differently.
That is why the most memorable speakers aren't always the people with the most extraordinary lives.
They are the people with the most interesting perspectives on ordinary human experience.
They give us new eyes.
Your voice is the vehicle.
And this is where my work with acting techniques comes in.
Because knowing what you want to say is only half the work.
You also have to be able to embody it.
Acting, at its heart, is not about pretending.
It is about living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.
The stage is an imaginary circumstance.
The camera is an imaginary circumstance.
But your truth cannot be imaginary.
When I coach women, I am not interested in teaching them to perform expertise.
I want them to inhabit their ideas.
To find the thought beneath the words.
To understand what they want their audience to experience.
To use their voice, body, rhythm and presence without losing themselves in the process.
This is what I call Authentically Visible.
Not louder.
Not more polished.
Not more “professional.”
More fully yourself, while being fully seen.
Your visibility is the distribution.
Once you have a point of view, you need somewhere for it to go.
A keynote.
A panel.
A podcast.
A camera.
A boardroom.
A LinkedIn post.
A book.
A conversation.
Visibility is not vanity.
It is how an idea travels.
And if your ideas are valuable, keeping them inside your head or hidden inside your career history, isn’t serving anyone.
Your story can become something other people can learn from.
Something they can remember.
Something they can repeat.
Something they can invite you to speak about.
Something they can pay you for.
Your life is the raw material.
Your experience is the evidence.
Your perspective is the intellectual property.
Your voice is the vehicle.
Your visibility is the distribution.
And your story can become an asset.
That is the foundation of The Speaker's Blueprint.
Because I don't believe the goal is simply to help women “tell their stories.”
I want to help women extract the ideas hidden inside their stories and give those ideas a voice.
The question isn't:
“What happened to you?”
It is:
“What do you know now because it happened to you?”
And then:
“What could the world know if you shared it?”
That's where we begin.
This is The Speaker's Blueprint.
By Women Seen & Theodora Voutsa
Speaker Spotlight Package by 88
Discover the Speaker Spotlight Package by 88 Productions — a cinematic video and photography service for speakers, coaches, and thought leaders in Singapore. Includes on-camera coaching, documentary-style interviews, headshots, and action reels.
A Cinematic Video and Photography Service
for Speakers, Coaches and
Thought Leaders
Step Into the Spotlight — Authentically, Powerfully, Unforgettably
The Visibility You Need
to Be the One They Choose
Serious Speakers Need Serious Visuals
If you want to be booked for high-paying speaking engagements — five and six figures — your first impression needs to match that level.
Before anyone ever meets you, your video and photos are your business card. They speak on your behalf. They represent your voice, your energy, your promise. So ask yourself — what are they saying?
Too many speakers are still using outdated, low-quality videos: shaky camera work, poor sound, cheesy music, generic titles, and visuals that don’t reflect the quality they actually deliver on stage. That might’ve worked 10 years ago. It doesn’t anymore.
If you want to play in the big leagues, your visual presence needs to reflect who you truly are: bold, modern, authentic, and cinematic. Your story deserves to be told in a way that moves people — especially the ones deciding who to hire next.
At 88 Productions, we only work with serious players. We come from show business — the world of film, theatre, and storytelling — and we know how to craft a narrative that makes an audience feel something. Our founder, Theodora Voutsa, brings over 25 years of experience in filmmaking and theatre direction. She knows exactly what moves an audience — and brings the secret sauce of Hollywood storytelling straight to you.
You’re not just another speaker. You are the hero of your story. And we’re here to shape your visuals so they reflect your truth — with emotional depth, cinematic impact, and the kind of energy that stays with people long after the video ends.
Because what separates you from the competition isn’t just your content — it’s how deeply your message lands.
You are unique. One of a kind. So don’t copy what others are doing.
Let’s amplify your unique voice — together.
❌ Are you the best-kept secret in your field?
You’re an incredible speaker, coach, or thought leader —
but if you’re not being seen, you’re being overlooked.
Let’s talk about what’s not working right now:
• 🔸 You’re not standing out in a saturated market
• 🔸 Prospects don’t “get” your energy, vibe, or unique value fast enough
• 🔸 You know you’re good — but you’re not building trust quickly
• 🔸 You’re losing dream clients to someone who just shows up better online
What if the one thing between you and that next level of success… is visibility?
Not just “posting more.”
We’re talking cinematic, magnetic, high-converting video and photography that shows the world:
Who you are.
What you stand for.
And why you’re unforgettable.
✅ Imagine if…
… your dream client lands on your page and instantly thinks: “Yes. This is who I want to work with.”
… your energy, message, and presence come through so clearly that they stop searching — and say yes to you.
That’s what we create with the Speaker Spotlight Package by 88.
🎬 What Is It?
It’s a cinematic video and photography experience, designed to position you powerfully — not just as a speaker, but as a brand.
It’s for experts, coaches, and thought leaders who are ready to:
• Be seen with confidence and clarity
• Build connection before they ever get in the room
• Share their story in a way that’s professional, authentic, and unforgettable
📦 What’s Included?
✅ Documentary-Style Interview
Your voice. Your story. Told in a way that makes people stop and listen.
We guide you through the whole thing — from questions to delivery — and layer it with b-roll of you in action. Think: coaching, writing, speaking, laughing, leading.
You can use it on your website, LinkedIn, social media, promotional emails.
You can use it as a preview of what your clients will receive when they book you; they will understand your vibe, your energy, your values before they even step in the same room with you.
Example video of what we can create for you.
✅ Action Montage Video
A 30–60 sec music-driven highlight reel of your stage presence, audience reaction, gestures, vibe, key message.
Perfect for websites, speaker reels, or booking pages.
✅ Professional Headshots
Polished, bold, editorial-style photos in multiple formats (square, landscape, vertical).
Use them everywhere: speaker bios, podcasts, media kits, LinkedIn.
✅ On-Camera Coaching
You don’t have to “know how to perform.” I’ve got you.
I bring my background as an actress and director to help you relax, connect, and come alive on camera.
We do mini performance coaching before we ever hit record.
We will use The Los Angeles Method, a dynamic combination of Acting Techniques and Personal Development, so you can create instant chemistry with your audience - whether live on stage or on camera.
Deliverables:
A documentary style interview video | duration: 4min | included: titles, subtitles, color grading, sound mixing, licensed music, branding. Interview footage where you can talk about who you are, what you do, who you serve and most importantly why you do it. With this video potential clients can feel you energy and know more about the authentic you, and book you.
A reel | duration: up to 60 seconds | included: titles, subtitles, color grading, sound mixing, licensed music, branding. This is a video for social media, your sales page, your LinkedIn. It conveys raw emotion to your audience creating a deep connection between you.
15 edited HD images. You can use these images for social media posts, as profile images on LinkedIn, on posters, presentations, as thumbnails for your videos, on your website.
The Los Angeles Method (a combination of Acting techniques and Personal Development) training and coaching for public speaking, On Camera presence, instant chemistry and connection.
📸 What’s the Process?
1. Discovery Call — We talk about your goals, your voice, and how you want to show up.
2. Prep Session — We’ll co-create your talking points. You don’t need a script — just a story and a mission. During this time Theodora will prep you using The Los Angeles Method. She will help you with exercises and rehearsals to create instant chemistry with your audience and have On Camera Presence.
3. Shoot Day — Half-day or full-day (depending on what we create). We come to your space or choose a location together. We will bring the studio to you; camera equipment, lights, sound. We will rehearse and then shoot under Theodora’s direction, based on the brief we would have created together in the pre production phase. Add Ons: Hair and Make Up, Set Designer.
4. Editing & Delivery — Polished videos and curated photos, ready for web, social, and your speaker kit. Two drafts are included in the process. You get to approve the final result.
We handle the production — you show up and shine.
⏱ How long does it take?
• Pre-shoot planning: 1 week. We have two pre production calls to determine the script, objectives and visuals and work on the On Camera Presence. We will talk about wardrobe, locations, props, make up and hair.
• Shoot day: 4–6 hours
• Delivery: 10–15 working days. You get two rounds of Drafts. As soon as we receive your notes, you will receive the corrected Draft 3 to 4 working days later.
🧠 “But I’m shy / busy / not sure I’m ready…”
That’s exactly why this package exists.
You’re not expected to perform — we guide, direct, support, and hype you the whole way through.
We use our 25 year filmmaking and show business experience. And during filming we use The Los Angeles Method to help coach you with On Camera Presence.
And if you’re short on time? We streamline everything.
No pressure, just presence.
💬 Who we’ve worked with
We’ve supported coaches, speakers, entrepreneurs, and personal brands across Singapore and internationally.
Our work helps them book more gigs, grow their audience, build trust faster, and raise their prices.
💰 Investment
Every story is unique — and so is every project we create.
Because we tailor each video to your specific goals, location, and vision, investment varies from client to client.
What never changes is our commitment to making powerful storytelling accessible. We offer flexible payment plans because we believe everyone deserves visibility for the amazing work they do.
Whether you need one video or a full suite of content, we’ll craft a custom quote that fits your needs — and your stage of growth.
Let’s create something unforgettable, together.
📆 Next Step?
Let’s make you visible. Let’s make you unforgettable.
👇
At 88 Productions, we believe every speaker has a story that deserves to be told — not just heard.
With decades of experience in show business, acting, and directing, we know what it takes to own the stage and the screen. Whether you’re preparing for a keynote, launching your personal brand, or positioning yourself as a thought leader — this package is designed to capture your voice, your essence, and your impact.
We go beyond the surface. This isn’t just a photoshoot or a promo reel — it’s a crafted visual narrative rooted in authentic storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and performance coaching to help you shine.
Example of a documentary style video we can create for you.
Example of a documentary style video we can create for you.
🎥 Let’s Tell Your Story
This is more than a service — it’s a collaboration. A chance to distill your message into something unforgettable, to create visual assets you’ll be proud to share, and to step into your spotlight with clarity and power.
You speak. We direct. Together, we create magic.
Check out our Communication Workshop for the Singapore Business Federation and SGWEN:
Theodora’s recent speech at the Primetime Singapore event in collaboration with Keynote Women Speakers and Expat Living.
Photo courtesy of Karolina Gwinner
videography workshop | amplify your visibility with mobile videos
A 3-hour workshop designed to help you amplify your visibility by creating compelling videos using nothing but your mobile phone!
VIDEOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Amplify Your Brand with Mobile Videos: A Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs
Unleash Your Creativity and Increase Your Visibility
Hello, incredible businesswomen! Are you a business owner, brand leader, or entrepreneur looking to stand out in a crowded market? If so, I have just the opportunity for you: a 3-hour workshop designed to help you amplify your visibility by creating compelling videos using nothing but your mobile phone! 📱
As women in business, we know the importance of connecting with our audience. Yet, in a digital age where video content is king, many of us hesitate to dive into video creation. It's understandable—the process can seem daunting. That's why this workshop is tailored specifically for you, addressing all the questions you might have and turning you into a video-making superstar! 🌟
Why Video?
Video content has become one of the most effective tools for building a personal brand and driving business growth. It allows you to tell your story, showcase your products or services and connect with your audience in a way that text and images simply can't match. But it's not just about any video; it's about creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more. 🔥
What You'll Learn
In this workshop, you'll learn:
Storytelling Techniques: Discover how to craft compelling narratives that captivate your audience and keep them engaged.
On-Camera Presence: Gain confidence in front of the camera and learn how to present yourself authentically.
Creating High-Quality Videos with Your Phone: Get the most out of your mobile device, from lighting to angles to equipment.
Film Your Videos Like a Pro: Learn the tips and tricks professionals use to create stunning visuals.
Editing to Stand Out: Explore basic editing techniques with the free CapCut app, ensuring your videos look polished and professional.
Transitions and Angles: Make your videos dynamic and visually interesting.
Creating Looping Videos: Keep viewers watching with clever loops and repeated content.
Music, Beats, and Sound Effects: Add personality and energy to your videos with the right audio elements.
Mistakes to Avoid: Learn from common pitfalls and ensure your videos make a positive impact.
Why Join This Videography Workshop?
This isn't just a technical workshop. It's a community of like-minded women who are committed to supporting each other. By joining, you'll not only learn new skills but also make connections that can help you grow your business. Plus, with a limited number of spots, you'll get personalized attention and feedback on your videos. 🙌
DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday June 4, 2024
Time: 10am to 1pm
Address: Cairnhill Circle
Fee: $250
Description: During half the workshop we will cover the theory and the rest of the time we will film and edit on the spot so you can truly understand the process and be able to replicate it on your own.
How to Register
Ready to take your brand visibility to the next level? Click here:
to reserve your spot. Don't wait too long—spaces are limited, and you don't want to miss out on this opportunity to boost your business with video content. I can't wait to see you there and work with you to create amazing videos that truly represent who you are and what your brand stands for. ✨
Thank you for being part of this journey, and I look forward to helping you shine on camera! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to support you. See you at the workshop! 💪
authentic voice. mastering communication for success workshop | may 2024 | by 88 Productions
Unlock the potential within you with our exclusive workshop designed to ignite your creative leadership and enhance your on-camera presence!Join our "Authentic Voice" workshop for entrepreneurs, business owners, and freelancers. learn to communicate effectively in any setting through a blend of acting and personal development techniques. discover your unique communication style, reprogram limiting beliefs, and master storytelling to convey your message with confidence and authenticity. put theory into practice as we film your "About Me, My Founder's Story" video together. reserve your spot now to unlock your communication potential and achieve success!
🎬 Unlock Your Communication Potential Workshop! 🌟
Are you an entrepreneur, business owner, or freelancer eager to enhance your communication skills for success?
Join us for a dynamic 3 hour workshop where you'll master the art of effective communication in any setting – one-on-one, presentations, or on camera, using Acting and Personal Development Techniques.
Because visible Leaders cultivate trust, accessibility and integrity. A visible Leader is engaged and better able to understand needs, concerns, identify opportunities, make informed decisions, drive sales and more. Building trust and confidence by being present, visible, you get a more engaged and motivated audience and clients.
Are you ready to break free from the confines of self-doubt and limiting beliefs?
Join us as we merge the power of acting and personal development techniques to reprogram those confining convictions that are keeping you “hidden” and unleash your true potential, so you can show up!
🔑 Key Highlights:
Creative Leadership Empowerment: Harness acting techniques to break through mental barriers and creatively overcome obstacles in your personal and professional life. Acting is not about pretending, acting is about authenticity, about your true voic, about living truthfully.
Elevated Self-Presentation: Learn how to craft a captivating "About Me, my Founder’s Story" video from a place of authenticity and confidence.
On-Camera Mastery: Discover the secrets used by actors and gifted public speakers to exude charisma and professionalism on camera.
Practical Application: Gain hands-on experience filming your own video with expert guidance and feedback.
In this immersive session, we'll delve into the intersection of acting theory and personal development techniques to empower you to communicate authentically and persuasively.
Learn how to:
🔹 Reprogram limiting beliefs and embrace empowering convictions.
🔹 Discover the 12-step process actors use to create compelling roles and apply it to sculpt the role you aspire to embody in real life.
🔹 Release blocked emotions through targeted exercises, recognizing emotions as the driving force behind goal achievement.
🔹 Identify your film archetype to understand your unique communication style.
🔹 Master storytelling structure to captivate your audience.
Putting theory into action, you'll craft and refine your personal script titled
"About Me, My Founder's Story," leveraging newfound communication techniques.
Then, armed with these skills, we'll collaborate to film your script in the studio, ensuring you convey your message with confidence and authenticity.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your communication game and unleash your full potential! Reserve your spot now! 🚀
Unlock the potential within you with our exclusive workshop designed to ignite your creative leadership and enhance your on-camera presence!
We use The Los Angeles Method; a dynamic combination of Acting and Personal Development Techniques.
Founders’ Stories have the power to evoke emotion in people. Your audience feels empathy and greater ability to connect with you and relate to you.
In this workshop we will write and produce a 60 second video, your Founder’s Story, together; using Acting Techniques.
🌟 Why Choose Our Workshop?
Led by our founder, Theodora Voutsa, an industry professional with a more than 20 year experience and with a strong passion for empowering individuals.
Interactive sessions tailored to cater to diverse learning styles and skill levels.
Practical exercises designed to cultivate confidence and enhance your on-camera performance.
Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals on a journey of personal and professional growth.
Receive a 60 second professional filmed and edited “about Me” video in your inbox.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your presence both on and off camera! Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey towards greater self-expression, confidence, and leadership!
🎥 Lights, Camera, Action! Your journey to creative leadership and on-camera mastery starts here. Let's unlock your full potential together! ✨
DETAILS:
Date: May 15, 2024
Venue: 47 Kallang Pudding road, S349318 | Studio | Singapore
Time: 10am to 1pm
Max 12 participants
Agenda:
ACT I: Warm Ups, the Artist Manifesto, Acting 101, the 12 steps to create a Role, Listening, Storytelling Structure, theory on Creative Leadership and Acting Exercises for Authenticity, Unleashing Emotions, Reprogramming Confining Convictions..
ACT II: Communication Technology, Crafting your message, About Visibility, Why visible Leaders succeed, Getting Camera Ready, Creating Instant Chemistry and Connection using Acting Techniques.
ACT III: Use the above theory to write the copy for your “About Me, my Founder’s Story” video, film the video in class with a professional studio.
ABOUT THEODORA
Award Winning Filmmaker | Photographer | Theatre Creator
Creative Director and Founder at 88 Productions
Founder of The Los Angeles Method
Theodora Voutsa has been an actress, producer, director, and coach for more than 20 years now. She starred in sitcoms on national Greek television, collaborated with the National Theatre of Northern Greece and starred in plays by Moliere, Shakespeare, Bellei, Feydeau, Williams, O’ Neil, Coward, Greek classics, and many others. She created her own production company and produced plays, commercials, web series, radio shows and short films. Her entrepreneurship has been acknowledged by the Queen and King of The Netherlands.
Using her method, The Los Angeles Method- a combination of acting and personal development techniques- she teaches people to be more confident, to command attention, communicate effectively and to connect with themselves and the outside world. The Los Angeles Method has been presented and honoured by the Aristotelian State University in Greece among other institutions.
Theodora has given workshops all over the world because she believes in the power of the community and giving. Her mission in life is to help people find their voice and act on their lives. She is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership through the work she produces, and the volunteer work she does.
She is also the founder of an award-winning video and theatre production house, 88 Productions, with a small powerful and flexible team and big ideas. The team at 88 Productions pour passion into projects big and small, providing their expert clients with solutions to help them thrive. 88 Productions specialises in storytelling, using visuals to tell their clients' stories and transforming brands from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Their clients include: NTU, Enterprise Singapore, Nike, Unilever, Heineken, Happn, SG WEN & Singapore Business Federation, Schär Gluten Free, Moxy, Chrisaphe Fine Jewellery, The Reoutfitter, Fit Sisters and more.
The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership Podcast | ep03
The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership Podcast | ep03
In this episode of The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership episode we talk about
the benefits of Creative Leadership.
the 5 questions you need to answer before you stand in the spotlight, before you go on stage, before your presentation, before that meeting.
how you can use Acting Tools to your benefit.
If you have any questions, reach out to us and we will reply.
You can join The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership Programme by clicking HERE.
If you want to work on your personal answers of the questions we talk about in this episode, you can book a private appointment with Theodora for a coaching session. Book HERE.
http://www.theodoravoutsa.com/contact-tv88
Thank you for listening!
Join our community on social media:
INSTAGRAM: The Los Angeles Method
LINKEDIN: Theodora Maria Voutsa
5 tips for On Camera Presence
We will use The Los Angeles Method technique, a dynamic combination of Acting and Personal Development techniques, to learn about how to “perform” on camera.
You will learn
how to use your voice and body,
how to technically position yourselves in front of the camera (light, sound, frame)
how to deliver your message
how to create instant chemistry
5 tips for On Camera Presence by The Los Angeles Method
It seems that video calls and zoom meetings and video creation have become part of our everyday vocabulary. It used to be that only actors, performers and news anchors had to stand in front of a camera. But now? Now things have changed.
Now most of us spend a significant amount of time every day in front of a camera. Whether it is the camera at the Zoom meeting at work, the DSLR camera of a content creator using video to grow their business and communicate their business’ message, an influencer talking about the latest awesome make up, or even the phone camera during a video call with friends and family; we all experience exposure in front of the camera every day.
Maybe some of you might find yourselves in front of the camera more often than you would like. Whether you are filming a vlog, recording a tutorial, shooting a commercial, it is essential to have good camera presence.
Camera presence is the way you come across on camera, including your body language, facial expressions and overall energy. Your on camera presence is also crucial for presentations, interviews or any video recording that needs to make an impact.
You want to come across as confident and knowledgable, and most importantly you want viewers to be invested and interested in what you have to say.
I would like to share with you some tips from the work we do at The Los Angeles Method On Camera Presence Programme, to help you improve on your every day On Camera Presence.
When you talk to everyone, you talk to no one.
Imagine that the camera is a person and you are talking to them. When you look into the lens, do not think of the tens or hundreds of people looking at you. That can create stress and anxiety and the camera is a very sensitive tool that picks up on everything. You want to be relaxed and focused. So try a tool we use in Acting, called “Substitution”. Think of the person you would feel more comfortably talking about the subject you are presenting and imagine they are the camera. Your energy will shift immediately.
2. Plan, but also be in the flow
It is important to know ahead what you want to say. Once you know what you want to say, you can let go and be spontaneous and organic. Think of it as if someone was speaking to you. Would you want them the entire time they were talking to you to be looking at a piece of paper or a presentation board? You would want them to connect with you. We connect when we look into each other’s eyes. Imagine the camera is the eyes.
3. Look at the other person.
As mentioned above, we connect by looking at each other’s eyes. The “eyes” in this case is the lens, not the monitor. Put your attention on your audience, not on your own reflection. Maintain virtual eye contact with your viewer. Create a connection and make the conversation feel natural.
4. Improve Sound and Articulate well.
Voice is an important element of On Camera Presence so it is crucial to have good diction and pronunciation. If you speak too fast or mumble people will have a hard time receiving your message. Speak clearly and deliberately.
5. Light, Sound, Action!
Make sure you are well lit. No one will understand you on camera presence if they can not see you. Ideally you will want three sources of light; a key light: for you - usually in the front, a fill light - usually on the side to make the subject ( you) feel three dimensional and a back light - lighting the background, to separate you from the wall or background. If that set up is not possible, have one source light in front of you, like a window for example. Play with the height of the light source and the shadows it creates on your face.
Make sure your mic is on and not blocked by your hand (if you are holding a phone) or jammed. Sound is very important for a smooth experience.
Frame your self so your audience can clearly see you.
And you are good to go!
Have fun creating!
If you want more information on how you can be more effective, confident and command attention in your videos, check out our On Camera Presence Programme at The Los Angeles Method.
Benefits of Creative Leadership
The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership Programme
We all learn all the time. Everyday we receive new information. The world is constantly changing and the new information help us create a new blueprint of the world.
Who is more comfortable with change? Creatives.
I remember being in a discussion a few years ago, among senior level corporate people… they were talking about the fact that in a few years IQ will not be important; instead EQ will be more valued in the business world. Why? The times where someone would join one company and spend all their business life there are gone. People will change 4 to 5, at least, jobs in their career. Who deals better with that kind of change? People with high EQ; Creatives.
The world is changing so fast, people, companies, organisations will have to adjust fast. Who adjusts fast? Creatives.
This is why understanding Creative Leadership is so important nowadays.
How can you grow Creative Leadership skills?
Obviously with The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership Programme… !
check out our PODCAST
You could also explore new subjects and skills that will expand your horizons and provide new insights that will spark creativity.
THE BENEFITS
Expanded Perspective
The more you learn, the more you expose yourself to new ways of thinking and acting.
Boosted Imagination
Acting, for example, taps into your imagination and stimulates it. You create new neural pathways and you learn new ways of expressing yourself. With Creative Leadership you learn to approach problems from different angles and therefore get more ideas on how to tackle them.
Stronger Confidence
The personal fulfilment you get from learning, boosts your confidence. When you feel empowered and confident you are more likely to take risks, explore new possibilities and embrace new ideas.
Build Trust
The same way the sense of confidence makes you empowered, the same goes for your team. The more you know, the more the others feel trust in your capabilities.
Creative Connections
As Steve Jobs said: “Creativity is just connecting things”. Innovation begins when totally irrelevant ideas connect and make sense.
Now that you understand the importance of Creative Leadership, read more, learn more, try more.
Start learning something new today.
Like Acting and Personal Development Techniques by The Los Angeles Method.
Contact us to learn more about the Creative Leadership Programme.
The Los Angeles Method Podcast | ep01 s01
The Los Angeles Method Creative Leadership Podcast | ep01
Do you want to learn Acting and Personal Development Techniques for Creative Leadership?
Great! Listen to the podcast by The Los Angeles Method.
TLAM is a dynamic combination of Acting and Personal Development Techniques.
The definition of acting is “Living Truthfully under Imaginary Circumstances”. Acting is not pretending.
Personal Development is about being 100% responsible and conscious of the reality you are creating for your self.
We combine the two to create a method that gives you the tools to create the personal and business life you want and deserve; the same way an actor builds a Role.
Our mission is to change the world by empowering one individual at a time. Enough coaching, more acting!
ABOUT THEODORA
Welcome! My name is Theodora.
I am a very creative person and I wear different “hats” that express me.
I am filmmaker, a theatre creator, a teacher. All my identities are based on creative expression, connection and freedom.
I am the founder of 88 Productions, an award winning production house; led by women, focused on storytelling. We produce short films, documentaries, videos, we create theatre productions and we run an acting studio. In the acting studio we teach The Los Angeles Method; a dynamic combination of Acting and Personal Development Techniques.
It all started for me when I was really very young. I always knew I loved stories. I loved telling them, listening to them, helping others expressing them.
My father was one of the most legendary actors in Greece, which means I grew up in film sets, studios, theatre dressing rooms. He is the reason I love this business so much; the SHOW business.
I have learned early on that if you want to succeed, you need to show up and be willing to tell your story.
This is what I have been doing with my work through filmmaking, videography, theatre creation, photography, our Acting Studio; supporting people in showing up, sharing their authenticity, their voice and making an impact.
I believe the world can become a better place if we empower and lift each other. I do that through the stories I tell in my films and videos, at my photoshoots, in my theatre plays and in my classes. We empower one person at a time. Enough coaching, more acting! Time for Creative Leadership!
Love and Light to all.
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/6a1JtpbBjF3oynVLkrDN6B?si=381d575e0d9648bb
Join our Creative Leadership Programme here:
http://www.theodoravoutsa.com/thelosangelesmethod
Support the ARTS: https://patreon.com/TheLosAngelesMethod?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
*Subscribe to our YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheodoraVoutsa
thank you
www.theodoravoutsa.com
https://88productionssingapore.com
What if your life experience is more valuable than you think?
As a stage and film director for more than 25 years, I work with women founders, entrepreneurs and corporate executives to transform their lived experiences into intellectual property, compelling stories and powerful speaking messages.
Because having a story isn't enough.
The real work is discovering the idea, truth and perspective hidden inside that story—and then learning how to communicate it with presence, authenticity and impact, whether you're on stage, on camera or in front of an audience.
This is the thinking behind my new series, The Speaker’s Blueprint, by Women Seen & Theodora Voutsa.
I draw on acting techniques, storytelling and performance to help women become Authentically Visible, not by becoming someone else, but by learning to fully embody what they already know.
Your life is the raw material.
Your experience is the evidence.
Your perspective is the intellectual property.
Your voice is the vehicle.
Your visibility is the distribution.
And your story can become an asset.
Part 1 is about the first and perhaps most important question:
You have a story. But do you have a message?
Read the first article below. And if you're a woman with something important to say, I’d love to hear: What do you know now because of what you've lived?
#TheSpeakersBlueprint #WomenSeen #TheodoraVoutsa #SpeakerCoach #PublicSpeaking #ExecutiveCommunication #Storytelling #PersonalBranding #ThoughtLeadership #WomenInLeadership #AuthenticVisibility