Page 35 - voices.may2018

BEHIND THE CAMERA

Lookin’ Good

on Television

Phyllis Harmon, DTM

Have you heard that television cameras

add 10 pounds to an otherwise svelte physique?
According to Dan Vojtech, photographer, in an widening your eyes slightly, and truly engaging
article published in Business Insider, the ‘fat’ with the host will add to your segment’s success.
effect depends on the camera lenses used. You

can view his interesting research here. The ‘Cousin Itt’ Look
I assure you, as the producer/editor of the Do you remember Cousin Itt from the TV show
Beaverton TV Toastmasters program, you The Addams Family? The audience never saw his face
don’t have to crash diet before appearing on because of his hair. Unfortunately, no matter how

our show! However, there are a couple of tips engaging you are on stage, if your hair refuses to
you should consider: stay out of your face, you too could be Cousin Itt!
The camera operator spends 10 minutes artfully
The camera sucks 40% of the energy setting up the shots so that you appear beautifully
out of the recorded video framed, only to have the shot and the segment

If you drag yourself to the studio at the end ruined because of uncontrolled hair. If you wear
of an exhausing day for your segment, and your hair long, consider tucking it behind your ear,
aren’t lively and full of energy on stage, you wearing a headband or clip, or tying it back while

will appear flat and boring in the final cut. you are in front of the cameras. For those of you
Keep in mind that you are the star of who love the mussed, just-got-out-of-bed look,
the show! You are on stage. A high-energy, the camera is not your friend. Don’t be upstaged
engaging performance (but not over the top) by your tresses.

will make your segment interesting and worth TV Toastmasters creates professional-level
watching. Please sit up straight or lean slightly content for the viewing public. Our audience is
forward! Leaning back in your chair causes 500,000 cable subscribers in the Portland metro
your body to slump. This cuts off your airflow area. Our goal is to showcase you and give you

which reduces your ability to speak clearly. a stage where you can be the best you possible.
The camera picks up a slump as disengaged. Together we can do that. We invite you to join us
It’s your job as the star to be entertaining under the lights. Contact me at tvtoregon@gmail.
and interesting. Vocal variety. smiling, com to learn more about our program.

VOICES! | MAY, 2018 35