3 Tips for Hosting a Facebook Live Broadcast

So, your company has a great message to share, a mobile device, and a Facebook Page with a good number of fans and followers. You’re ready to rock out your first Facebook Live broadcast!

Or are you?

I’ve had the opportunity to host several Facebook Live broadcasts in my social media marketing career. I have discovered a few points that I wish I knew from the beginning. I want to share them with you. I want to give you the confidence for a slam dunk introductory Facebook Live broadcast. Or we can work to improve your future Facebook Live broadcasts.

1. Make sure your Facebook Live audio is 100% 

Facebook fans and followers are forgiving of the raw style of Facebook Live video broadcasts. The state-of-the-art technology included in your Smartphone is exquisite on its own. With a little practice with angles and perspectives, Smartphones can rival “professional” digital cameras. Yet without quality audio, your fans will become frustrated and end their engagement. All your hard work and great messaging will be for nothing.

This sounds expensive. “I have a very limited budget for these broadcasts!” Lapel mics are a great way to boost your audio and they won’t break the bank. A quick search will align you with options starting at about $20, depending on your location. I recommend this condenser mic if you are interviewing others and need a little more distance from your iPhone.

2. Perfect practice makes perfect Facebook Live Broadcasts 

Whether you are demonstrating a new product or service, it’s a good idea to take a couple of dry runs of the demonstration. If you are interviewing a coworker, or special guest, send your guest a couple of questions ahead of time. This allows your guests to be more comfortable and confident with their answers. This will cut any pauses or rambling, and keep the interview focused on the best message possible. Also, video a couple of test runs and check your lighting, sound, and ambient opportunities.

For a product or service demonstration, make sure that you have all the items you need set up and within arm’s reach. Make sure everyone not included in the broadcast is aware of what you are doing so they don’t disrupt your shot with loud noises and activities.

Yes, this has happened to me.

But won’t that make the broadcast stuffy and scripted?! Being prepared doesn’t mean that you are curbing the element of natural conversation. It’s understanding where you want the conversation and messaging to go. You can plan a successful, comfortable ending with actionable takeaways for your viewers. Consider this, late-night talk show hosts prepare their monologue before taping and plan each guest’s interview to ensure optimal entertainment. You are doing the same! For more about getting better on camera click.

3. Before your first Facebook Live broadcast, take a selfie

No, seriously. Take a selfie. It can be a still or a video. Practice your facial expressions, annunciation, and cut distracting visual cues including posture, eye contact, body positioning, or that pesky hair flyaway. If you don’t have a crew to help you, this is a great opportunity to dig out that selfie stick and experiment with angles and perspectives. Using a selfie stick can also help reduce shakes with practice (see tip #2). I have a monopod that I often use to help reduce video shake. It works great for events with large crowds where I can get wider shots of the crowds, bands, and activities. You can find a helpful article on using a selfie stick.

But what if something goes wrong during my broadcast?! As with live television, there are many variables that can impact and influence your Facebook Live broadcast. This is a great time to experiment with your following and your in-house talent. Some tactics work better than others. Interviews may work better than demonstrations. There is also the human element, too. Some folks just know how to bring charisma and thrive on the excitement of people on a live-streamed broadcast. Some folks need a little practice but learn to find their voice through practice. Some folks freeze up at the thought of being on video. With planning and practice, you are well on your way to minimizing any on-air surprises while having the confidence of relaying a great message about your brand to the fans who are interested in hearing from you.

Today, business owners have the power to reach their fans and followers to share their stories with the touch of a button. Facebook recognizes this opportunity and has made it very easy for fans and followers to tune in to these broadcasts.

Have you executed a Facebook Live broadcast? How did it go? What did you learn? Share your story with us! Your tip may show up on a future broadcast along with a shout-out, of course!

You may also enjoy this blog: Guide to Commenting on Paid Facebook Advertisements