If you’re familiar with blogging, you have probably heard of (and seen) vlogging, the video version of it. For many, it is too intimidating to try. Concerns of how you look, how you speak, what you sound like, your body language, and other self-conscious issues arise. When you’re on film, there’s a lot you can’t hide.
Blogging is like the safe version of sharing yourself – nobody needs to know exactly what you look like, how you dress, if you have an accent or speech impediment, or other such physical details. In fact, bloggers can get away with a very mysterious identity. But once you sit yourself in front of that camera and record, so much information is divulged. This even includes things that may be seen or heard in the background of your video, like the setup and items in your room or office, any pets or family members who may wander around, etc.
Even with editing, people give off “microexpressions” that cannot be hidden in filming. Certain subconscious gestures can unveil your hidden emotions, giving your audience a much better idea about you as a person. This uncontrollable body language even extends to speech patterns, whether it’s the slang you use, the volume at which you speak, or the speed of your speech. I’ve been watching Lie to Me online and it’s really interesting the little things that can give your real emotions away (even though it is a dramatization, the show makes some good points). Perhaps this is why many people are uncomfortable with showing themselves on tape.
Additionally, most people don’t usually see themselves from an outsider’s point of view, so it feels weird to watch themselves. You may start to notice things about yourself that you never really paid attention to and wonder if this is what others see in you too. Then there’s also the concern that this is a permanent record of you as a person and you can never pretend that someone else was expressing your opinions for you or you were misrepresented. Some people just prefer their privacy, rather than having their life documented and shared. It’s easier for them to remain faceless behind typed words.
However, there are those who run blogs with a followership that is interested in them as a person. What they look like, how they sound, etc. The very things that people tend to be self-conscious about! It’s a brave thing to do, putting yourself out like that, even if your readership is encouraging you the whole way. Doubts about how they will judge you based on how they imagined you and how they will now see you can surface. When it comes down to it though, if you are proud of who you are, there is no reason to hide that from people who care. I like the thought because if feels so much more real and honest. Unless you’re an extremely good actor, you’re showing people the realyou. And that is something courageous to do.
The other day, Katana put up a rather well-done vlog. I’ve also been following HappySlip and KevJumba, all of which has made me consider doing some video magic myself. However, I currently don’t have much to say and I’d like my vlogs to be interesting and captivating. Also, it would take some time to edit it the way I’d like and I certainly do not have the creative genius to add music. There was only one time I edited a video (which I was quite proud of), but that was with the help of my group members.
Ah well, maybe I will chronicle my journey to Singapore and that will inspire me… though I will be terribly busy once I start working, so it might have to wait. We’ll see, but it’s definitely something I want to try eventually!
