I made some tomato sauce with some of the veg in the Lidl box. I thought I'd film it since Luna was still at daycare. Oh my goodness, seeing and hearing myself is way out my comfort zone!!
I did invest in a tripod ages ago but I'm just using my android phone to film and Clipchamp for editing which is the free software on my laptop. Already I've learned about unflattering camera angles 😱 and sound quality when you're cooking. I know a microphone would fix the sound issues but it's not in this month's budget so I'll just have to speak louder! I can add photos and text so I'm definitely making my brain work hard!
As I've now been officially retired for a year 🎉 and I've moved house as planned, I need to start building my 'retired life.' Teaching myself to make videos is just one thing. What else could I do to push myself out my comfort zone? Any suggestions?
My biggest suggestion is to master one thing at a time, and then when you are comfortable with that keep doing it in tandem with a new challenge.
ReplyDeleteOh I used to hate hearing myself on YouTube videos or any taped thing, but since doing lots of training course voiceovers in my day job just recently, I have become used to hearing my very northern accent. I don't know what the people doing the course think though, Alan's lovely Borders lilt, then alternating with me all northern English ... at least it will keep them awake!!
Good advice! My accent has softened over the years, I'm still surprised when I hear myself. I'm originally from Ayrshire (Robert Burns country!) which is quite a strong Scottish accent similar to a Glaswegian one. I've moved around a bit over the years and had to 'tone' it down a bit so I didn't end up repeating myself all the time. My sister has lived near Guildford for 30 years so her accent has vanished. But I have been told when my family get together we can't be understood as our accents return!! Lol! :-) xxx
DeleteI have lived outside Scotland now for 40 years (originally from Dundee), 10 years working in Germany and 30 years mostly in Canada - people here still recognize my accent as Scottish (sometimes they think I'm Irish!), but it's not strong, and definitely when I go home it gets stronger! I also don't like to hear my own voice on a recording - does anyone?
DeleteYes, Alan's Scottish accent is very mild these days, but it only takes a phone call from his sister who still lives in Innerleithen, near their birthplace of Peebles, to make him sound very Scottish again.
DeleteI think the Scottish lilt stays with you and comes out when you're back with family. And yep, I've been asked if I was Irish when in America! :-) xxx
DeleteOh I loathe seeing myself on videos, so you're far braver than me. The first time I heard myself speaking on a video (a family one at a wedding) I couldn't believe how common I sounded - almost like an EastEnder! (although I come from West London). As for suggestions....I would just say try new things that maybe you've liked the look of but never thought you could do - we never know until we try! I didn't know I could draw until I was in my mid 50s and gave it a go! xx
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be able to draw. That's an easy one I could practise but I'm not holding out hope I'd be any good!! :-) xxx
DeleteLots of us aren't keen on hearing our own voice are we? I think you're being very forward thinking with the YouTube videos, looking forward to seeing what else you decide to venture into.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
During lockdown when we had to teach online I'd record my sessions and play them back. So it's not a total shock but then my target audience were already used to my voice and they were just as broad as I was! Lol!! :-) xxx
DeleteYou have a clear calm voice when speaking about your cooking-that’s a real plus to making them watchable. I hosted lots of Zoom classes during lockdowns and I never got used to hearing myself teaching online. The great thing about retirement is you have the time to spend on doing things you like-I helped to found our local u3a and for many years I facilitated the craft group and readers’ group. You’ll find your style, Ali, and of course your former career means you can talk to anyone about anything! Catriona
ReplyDeleteThanks! I just didn't realise how 'clangy' the pan etc would sound. And yep I can talk rubbish about anything to anyone!!! LOL! :-) xxx
DeleteI like the way you get on with what you are doing straight away, I rarely watch more than a few seconds of any youtube as some people go on and on for ages and I'm shouting - just get on with telling me what you are supposed to be telling me!
ReplyDeleteYour next retirement task is to teach everyone out here who is as ignorant as me, how to do a you tube video!!
Lol! I know what you mean about the wafflers!! I just watch YouTube videos telling me how to make videos and put them on YouTube! :-) xxx
DeleteDuring covid19- times I had to take a course on how to make videos - I train our new empoyees and some old folks too. Oh it was HORRIBLE to watch AND listen at the same time myself! We had to edit those mock videos we made... You know after twentyseventh time you hear ourself saying the same joke it's just awful.
ReplyDeleteThere were only two engineers on that course, me and my co-worker. We had to explain our filming arragements and tadaa! Both engineers used duct tape, cardboard, ladders and extra lights to get the right lightning and angles... Others had used their children or spouses ;-)
p.s. I love your accent!
During lockdown the videos were just the Zoom type so angling the laptop etc was done with piles of books and me sitting on cushions to get the right light! Lol!! I'm so glad everyone is understanding me with my Scottish accent! :-) xxx
DeleteI would say to give anything and everything a go that takes your fancy, whether that's Salsa dancing or learning to speak Cantonese. You don't have to stick with anything if you don't like it and it could lead you down unexpected avenues you haven't ever considered. I recently started to learn how to restore pottery by watching Youtube videos. It is not something that I ever fancied doing. I just had a few things that needed repairing and decided to give it a go. To my surprise I found that I really enjoy it and that I am good at modelling missing pieces and mixing colours to match in with what is already there. Every day's a school day!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true about not needing to stick to anything! Wise words! You can learn how to do anything on YouTube now. Well done on finding something you're good at :-) xxx
DeleteI think that once you have mastered the YouTube thing (something I have thought about doing, but am too chicken), do whatever takes your fancy.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Just do it! You never know you might like it. You don't have to be on camera, you could just film and talk :-) xxx
DeleteHave a look at classes that are being offered this winter. It is a few years since we have done them as we now go away for the winter.
ReplyDeleteGood idea! Might find something interesting there :-) xxx
Delete