When to Use a Live Video Review of Your Friend's Presentation - ilivid.com

We typically don’t advocate a live review of your friend’s presentation. Why?

a. You simply must have some background information on Who, What, Where the audience is.

b. You need time to jot down your initial impressions and then combine them with other observations you make as you play back the recorded pitch.

So, in an ideal world, it is much better to have the ability to review, rewind and then report.

But, what if you can’t do that? What if your friend rings up and tells you she’s going live in half an hour and needs a spot-check of her pitch. Is there a time a live review can be useful?

Yes. In some circumstances a live review can work; and actually sometimes a live review can be preferable to a video-recorded presentation. Here are some guidelines:

1. If your friend is unexpectedly called to give a pitch. In this case the first thing to do is ask just a couple of who/what/where questions. Then you can still get into the mindset of her audience.

2. If you are reviewing a pitch you’ve already seen. Maybe your friend has sent you her presentation, already recorded version, and has now implemented your suggestions and is ready to show you a new version of her pitch. Just review your notes, and then watch her live. In this case, watching her live is a fine supplemental follow-up to the original.

3. During an actual presentation. This is not usually possible, but if you can swing it then what a great way to see just exactly how your friend pitches. Of course, the downside is that you may have to sit through the entire presentation, when you can usually get the gist of a pitch in a 3-10 minute recorded version, but if you have the time it can be valuable to view the live version.

4. Immediately before a pitch, for a quick sound and makeup and clothes check. She might not have time to go out and buy a new bag, but she can certainly fix her hair or touch-up her makeup if you see something really wrong.

Remember, when reviewing your friend’s live video pitch, always grab a pencil if and scrawl out notes on your first impressions. And, if at all possible, ask those who/what/where questions so you can get out of your point of view and see your friend’s pitch from her audience’s point of view.