LearnToDuckTV - How About That?

sometimes it takes getting punched in the face

LearnToDuckTV – How About That?

by Micah

Ive been told that I am a much better (ok longer winded) speaker than I am a writer. To that end, I am starting a video series.

Didnt know what to call it, so listened to a bunch of folks, and got creative – calling it LearnToDuckTV. (Yeah, I bought the domain).

In my first attempt, I asked people to be harsh in their critique. I ask the same with every post. Tear me apart. Comment on the content. How I look, whatever you think that will make me better.

You see, my skin is like steel. You cant make me cry. I dare you to try.

LearnToDuckTV – Episode 2: Being Creative. Making Unique Decisions.

Published: January 20, 2009

Filed Under: friendly-intelligence, Micah

http://jtnt.net Nicholas Tolson

Nice work, Micah. The question then is always, “How do I think uniquely?” One trick I tell people to use is to take yourself out of your normal surroundings – especially if that spot is a conference room lit with fluorescent lights. Take a walk, lay down on the floor, sit in an empty bath tub, stare at the sky in a parking lot. Shift your surroundings to shift your thinking would be a succinct way to put it.

Rock on.
http://www.opensignals.com billcarroll

Great video. Please keep it up.

For me, the unique part just happens if I am sincere and really aware. Giving something your full attention and intention can produce thought and action that is unique. Essentially losing yourself in something, you find yourself.
http://BlogSprockit.com Scott Prock

A huge improvement in the video … now just have fun with it. Don't try and over analyze everything or you may find it's not so much fun any longer. Great advise as well, thanks for sharing.
http://www.lilbiker.com m4dhatter

Great idea to talk to your baby picture and tell him all the stuff that you wish you had been told.
http://mypartofcolorado.blogspot.com/ paul merrill

Re: better light – have the light pointing at your face – not behind you.

Fun vid-post, by the way.
http://learntoduck.com micah

Thats the hardest part for me. Im only funny in reaction to others,
yet in this setup, its just me. Conundrum.
http://learntoduck.com micah

Im not sure how “professional” I want to make it. I do like the
suggestions, but I want it to be really personal. Is there a middle
ground?
http://www.techstars.org David Cohen

Needs. More. Personality. You're hilarious, but that doesn't come through. It seems like you're trying to teach me a “lesson” (in this case creativity) which is great, but i think you need to mix in more of “you”. We're watching because we know you are smart and funny. You're both at the same time, so you gotta own it! Minor stuff – kitchen/door on the right is distracting. use the photo of you when you were little as a constant prop – call it “mini me (ha)” – yes – you need to pretend like you're talking to people. hundreds. after all, you are! but the biggest thing i'd say is amp up a litlte bit – let us see the personality.
http://SweetGeek.TV Griffin

no need to freak out over symantecs – just be yourself and tell us what you think you need to – super simple. :) //g
http://ryanpeterson.net Ryan Peterson

Very nice!

More input:
* Bring the camera back more, and raise it. Making this change will make the video seem less like a typicall “blogcast” or whateever, and will help it look more professional. Raising it even 6 inches may help.
– Also, one more thing about composition: remember you should also have negative space on screen – space that isn't occupied by you. You know when you watch the news and see an anchor? The top of the screen almost never ends at the top of their head. There is room there that balances it the on-screen composition. Just like photographs. In your picture in your about me section to the right, in the side bar, your head is in the middle and balanced by negative space. I'd try to get the same effect on video.
* Good on the light, but when you add light, you usually want to make sure the light is front of you – ie, on your face usually. Try getting a couple of lights at different angles in front of you. The light now is on you shoulder. Experiment at the angles and type of light, too.
Nancy Compton

Talk about making real time adjustments! The second post 'set' is easier to watch, so I found I was hearing your words / content with more focus. I'll leave the lighting comments to the pro, but found the doorway distracting. I kept wondering what might come through it.

As you become more familiar with the process, I have not doubt you'll kick it up a notch and toss out more or your wit and humor.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing where this goes.
http://jeremytanner.com Jeremy Tanner

Pull back from the camera slightly. If you're going to talk with your hands lift them up into the frame. It feels unnatural, but the video is only capturing a small window and it misses most of your gestures.

Jeremy
http://thevibe.socialvibe.com Sarah T

Love it Micah!
http://www.craftypeople.wordpress.com Ruth

You are too low in the chair
you are leaning back at a funny angle even before you rock back in the chair
Yes – you are squinting
distracting background behind you
echoey room

BUT well done. Keep up the good work. (I work for a photographer so I will be super-critical)
and you are much braver and cleverer than me – I can't even work our DABS radio and trying to get our scanner working with photoshop is still not done.
I am old fat and wrinkly and not brave enough to put myself “out there”.
http://www.craftypeople.wordpress.com Ruth

You are too low in the chair
you are leaning back at a funny angle even before you rock back in the chair
Yes – you are squinting
distracting background behind you
echoey room

BUT well done. Keep up the good work. (I work for a photographer so I will be super-critical)
and you are much braver and cleverer than me – I can't even work our DABS radio and trying to get our scanner working with photoshop is still not done.
I am old fat and wrinkly and not brave enough to put myself “out there”.

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