Hey, everyone. Haven't posted here in a while after being busy with classes and doing a lot of research on my own. I uploaded a video the other day supplementing my column for Taki's Magazine, and I wanted to know what everyone thinks.
Hopefully I'll be doing more in the future with a bigger focus on libertarianism and AE. Just wanted to make sure nothing is terribly wrong with the "production value." Thanks!
A better reader, perhaps?
I'm definitely with Wheylous. You've got to have someone else narrate. I'm assuming it's you in the video, so realize I understand I'm saying this to your face (so to speak)...It's just not your thing. And there's nothing wrong with that, it's just the way things are.
The reading itself is just not up to par. The intonation doesn't flow well for the medium...it sounds forced and, well, read. It really takes away from the whole presentation. That's strike one. But even more than that, even if that weren't the case, like most youtubers/Ron Paul supporters you sound very young. That's strike two. As much as it may suck, it doesn't matter how much you know, how much experience you have, how much you've read, and even how much you've accomplished...if you sound young, people don't take you seriously. This is the number one mistake I see in youtubes. Otherwise-great videos are tainted to a point of unusability with bad narration. Not only does it turn people off intellectually, it makes the video seem amateurish, and gives it an overall cheap feel.
Don't get me wrong, I don't have the voice for it either. I sure as hell wish I did. I would actually be a lot more prolific when it comes to creating material. I would be creating audiobooks for the Mises library, making videos all the time...all sorts of things. But I just don't have that attribute.
You gotta know your strengths, and outsource the parts where you're lacking.
But, good content. And that's awesome you got it published on the site! Keep writing. And keep making videos. Just, if you need narration to go with visuals, try to find someone with a good voice to do it for you. Graham Wright has a good voice, and has actually helped others with projects here a few times. You might get in touch with him if you have a need for more narration.
Thank you Southern Liberty for your efforts in making this video in support of Ron Paul. Your very knowledgeable and if the presentation was more open to a larger audience, then I think your writing may shine through much better. I think you should continue to make your videos, as my belief is that youtube videos have the potential to make a strong impact on the public's opinions. Without Youtube I highly doubt Ron Paul would have nearly as many young followers, such as yourself. Young people are immediately attracted to his honesty, before they know anything about his policies, but because of this allure they make the effort to learn about Mr. Paul.
If I may just make a few suggestions. It was said before by the other two posters that your lacking a little bit in the voice department. Unfortunately I have to agree, but I think this could be fixed. If you live in Chicago I could recommend you some great vocal coaches, but if not I would recommend you find one online. If this is not a possiblity for you, I could offer you some of my limited knowledge. You need more diaphragm support, as your words are very forced and also your voice needs to be more spherical, as your tone sounds very scrunched. With your voice you can not focus your exhale too much from the nasal area or from the throat, but equally from both. You need to project outward, but also to your left, your right and even behind you. Not equally in all four sides, but you need to use your ears to find the sweet spot, like with the violin. Exhalation is a passive process, but you need a controlled relaxation of your diaphragm, so you release a stready stream of air. Now once you take control this process, you can make deviations, as to give your voice charisma. You need to be honest though. Speak from your heart and not to microphone, but to the audience. Believe what you are saying is important and that people really want to know your message. Care deeply about what your saying and let go of the boundaries that prevent you from expressing yourself. This can be difficult for the more introverted individual, but it is a vital hurdle to overcome in order to become a good public speaker. I would recommend you listen to the voices of Orson Welles and Gregory Peck, or which ever speaker you like and try to immitate them.
As far as your writing and visual presentation, it is packed with knowledge, but I'm afraid you may just be preaching to the choir at this point. You need to be conversational and I personally believe they should see you speak. (Unless you are unsightly. Just kidding) They must believe with 100% certainty that you care and you really must care. You can't like someone you can't see and no one likes anyone who lectures them. Make it so that if they saw you at a bar, they would approach you like an old friend. Also mix up the visual aids and the screens of you speaking and make sure your set is aesthetically pleasing.
You must sell consequences, but you can not directly say this. What motivates people is the desire to gain pleasure and avoid pain, but they have to enjoy listening to what you say though regardless. This is really an art form, but again this is a vital hurdle to overcome. I hope this helps somewhat and I hope you do not feel discouraged. Best of luck