“Hi guys. I’m just poppin’ on here …”
“Happy (insert day here)!”
“OMG. Look at me. I’m a MESS!”

Yeah. How NOT to start your next video. And those three are just the beginning. Wanna see ’em in action? Check out this reel.

None of us have the attention span these days to sit through a 30-second commercial – let alone a super slow Instagram story that takes a minute to get to the point.

In all my years on set doing television news, the first sentence of every story was incredibly important. Like Blues Traveler says, it’s the hook that brings you back. You have to get people interested in the first three seconds or they’re outta there.

So – we know the wrong ways to start a video. What about the right ways? Here are some ideas:

Ask your audience a quick question

Something like: Do you have trouble finding comfortable joggers? Looking for a great cup of coffee? Wanna know more about Enneagram?

If the answer is yes, you’ve hooked your viewer. Even if it’s no, they know exactly what you’re talking about immediately.

Go back to basics

Think subject – verb – predicate. Speak in simple, easily digestible sentences so your viewer doesn’t get confused and start swiping. once you’ve got them, keep them with easy-to-understand conversation.

Know what you’re going to say

Three quick bullet points should do it. Any longer and people will start to get bored. Even if you’re doing a longer version Facebook or Instagram live, three main points is about all we can handle. Three points on a reel is about all you want to cover, too. But don’t memorize or read verbatim. ‘Memba? We’re trying NOT to be boring.

Remember your CTA

Which means you better have a CTA (call to action). Want them to swipe up? Click your bio link? Answer in the comments? Remember to ask or tell your audience – and don’t think you need to wait until the end to do this. Do it a couple of times. I use the same theory when I reach for Oreos. One is great, but two? That’s the good stuff (or should I say STUF?).

Bottom line: chop the superfluous words (maybe like superfluous?), get to the point and quit playing with your hair on screen.

I’ll bet you look awesome … now prove to your audience how awesome you are.

Want more camera confidence? Check out the rest of my blog, and grab my free Secrets from the Set: the makeup, hair and wardrobe tips I learned from a lifetime on TV.