TechnoScore: 1.5
1 = Lowest Possible Score; 5 = Highest Possible Score
Have you ever watched a news reporter on the street when a passerby waves at the camera or makes funny faces behind the reporter? You almost want the reporter to turn around because the passerby is more interesting. That's the problem with this video by immigration attorney Kurt Hermanni.
In the video, Hermanni talks about how illegal immigrants might be afraid to pursue their legal rights if injured in an accident. Ironically, Hermanni says he does not handle personal injury cases. "If you feel you are afraid to present yourself in an action in civil court, I am here for advice," he says. Hermanni fails to completely connect the dots so it seems like a non-sequitur, but there's an even bigger problem.
There's a large framed print behind Hermanni — and it's as crooked as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. During the entire video, I half expect to hear a laugh track. I keep waiting for the attorney to turn around to see what's so funny. I wonder why the frame is not level and even, and whether this attorney watched his video before uploading it. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this video is a spoof of a lawyer commercial. But it's not.
Watch the video for yourself to see why I deducted 3.5 points from its TechnoSore. I gave the video 1/2 a point for having the most extensive description I've ever seen on YouTube. I'm not so sure that's a good thing because it's mostly a lengthy resume that describes Hermanni's experience, skills, memberships, areas of expertise, as well as his contact information.
Tip #1: Always Watch Your Final Edited Video
Perhaps Hermanni walked by this crooked wall hanging a thousand times and never noticed. And that was fine … until it served as the backdrop for this video. Time for a reshoot.
Tip #2: Ask and Answer One Question Per Video
If you ask multiple questions, viewers may not care about all of the questions and decide not to spend any time watching your video. Viewers may also lose track of what you're talking about.
Giving one answer limits the video to only one topic. If your viewers Have a similar problem, you have identified that exact issue of interest to them. Now you've got their attention, and increased the likelihood that they will contact you.
Tip #3: Illuminate
Before starting your video shoot, you must set your white balance so your camera knows the correct colors. If you rely on automatic white balance you run the risk that your colors will be incorrect and dark, as in this video.
Also, don't forget to light up your background. Doing this will greatly improve the look of your video. You cannot rely solely on sunlight or overhead fluorescent lighting to provide light for your video. You need dedicated lights to illuminate your face as well as your background.
Till next time, see you on video!
The Back Bench
Certified Family Law Specialist and online video producer Kelly Chang Rickert says: "Not impressed. The production quality is poor — the picture is crooked, his head is cut off. The speaking quality is also poor — Kurt hesitates too much, and struggles for words (not good for a lawyer). Overall grade: D for effort."
TechnoLawyer publisher and online video producer Neil Squillante says: "Either the camera is crooked or Hermanni needs to sit up straight and the frame behind him straightened. He should also rehearse his script, and change the title of the video to better reflect its content (as one commenter complained)."
About YouLaw
YouTube offers law firms a free advertising platform with tens of millions of potential clients. But a poor video can hurt more than help. In this column, lawyer and online video expert Gerry Oginski reviews and rates the latest law firm videos. A panel of fellow experts (The Back Bench) add to Gerry's reviews with pithy remarks. We link to each new YouLaw column and all other noteworthy law firm marketing articles in our weekly BlawgWorld newsletter, which is free. Please subscribe now.
About Gerry Oginski
New York trial lawyer Gerry Oginski has created more than 150 informational online videos for his medical malpractice and personal injury practice. Realizing that most video producers don't have a deep understanding of the practice of law and what potential clients look for, Gerry launched The Lawyers' Video Studio, which provides free tutorials and video production services. If you need help producing a video, please contact Gerry now.
Contact Gerry:
T: (516) 487-8207
E: lawmed10@yahoo.com
