Line BreakAuthor: Steven Aitchison (406 Articles)
I am the owner of this blog. I am a Freelance Writer and write about personal development with my passions being belief formation, thoughts, perceptions and emotions. My number 1 priority is my family, and after that my aim is to help as many people as I can around the world to live their dream.
This is the first video of the year as I want to try out more videos and I am still learning. Sharon bought me some lighting equipment and green screen for my Christmas and my sons bought me a video camera which was fantastic.
If you would like more videos on CYT let me know by leaving a comment. I realise that the video I have made just now is not fantastic but they will get better, honest ! if you persevere with me.
I have spoken a little about beliefs as a topic for the first video and called it ‘The Magic Pill’
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Yes! I was wondering last week why you didn’t do videos so I think you’re right on track. It’s exciting to see you grow. I didn’t know you when you tried the first few times. Your an example of believing in yourself and following your dreams.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..How to Build a Winning Work Ethic
Thanks Tess. I didn’t do videos as I didn’t think I was all that good in front of camera; talking and getting the lighting, sound and all that right was quite a learning curve. However, I am much more into it and just finding my confidence with it.
Everybody needs experience, but you can’t get it if you don’t try it
Velvet´s last blog ..iPod-like coffee tables
Great video Steve! You highlighted great personal examples of how a person can change their beliefs and even referenced a phenomenal book the Biology of Belief. Thanks for doing this.
Brain Power´s last blog ..Brain Supplements For Optimal Brain Fitness
Hi Drew, I am glad someone else likes ‘The Biology of belief’ as well, it’s a phenomenal book. Thanks for stopping by.
Steve, your family have really treated you well for Christmas. If this is your first attempt with your new equipment, I’ll certainly be watching out for future posts.
What you speak about is something I also have a passion for. So that’s two reason to track your blog. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve got a great family Paul
I look forward to interacting with you on CYT.
This looks very nice. I must say Steven, I didn’t expect your accent. It gives your speaking a lot of personality.
Eduard @ Ideas With A Kick´s last blog ..Being mysterious is overrated
Thanks Eduard, a lot of people find it difficult to understand the Scottish accent but the accent is not too broad
I love it!
Great job!
I’ve been playing around with Video the past year too.
Have thought about getting a green screen… and even a homemade teleprompter.
What solution did you come up with for your lighting?
It looks really good.
I think that’s my biggest challenge right now.
It’s really hit or miss for me whether or not the lighting is going to be good enough and that makes for a rather frustrating video making…
- Susan
Susan Liddy´s last blog ..SURVEY RESULTS: If You Could Wave a Magic Wand, What Would You Wish For?
Hi Susan, thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it.
The lighting is an Interfit Tungsten 3200 lamp with a 500W bulb, nothing too fancy to start with but I will keep buying and adding as I get more into it. It means I can do my videos late at night or early in the morning and I don’t have to wait on natural light
Thanks Steven!
It looks great!
Have you seen this YouTube video for making a homemade teleprompter?
Looks pretty cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hNhIEDMm9o
The video was great Steven! I definitely think that you should continue with them this year. However, my only advice would be to make them a little bit shorter. It’s not crucial but it is easier to find 5 minutes to watch a video than 13
Anastasiya´s last blog ..10 Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Reach Life Balance
Hey Steve,
This turned out really good. The proper lighting and good equipment really made it much more professional. So many learning curves! Now you can give me lessons.
Excellent work. As you know, I’m way big on the power of beliefs also, so this really resonated.
Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s last blog ..How to Get Yourself Motivated by Starting Small
A good start.
public speaking and video production requires a whole set of skills. I think I read earlier that you attended classes on blogging – you will also need classes on video podcasting or some similar skill acquisition program. When I recorded myself it was painful to watch. It looks easy but is really hard to sound engaging, project your voice, have a dynamic range and fit in as many words into a short amount of time.
Next time when you develop a topic record yourself and time it and then commit yourself to record it again in half the time without too much editing so you are forced to speak faster – then compare the results.
I want to see more video podcasts but only if you practice some more, first.
I also agree with a comment above that 13 minutes is too long. Half that amount is even a bit too long for this particular presentation.
I hope this helps – I do not know if I would have the guts to do this myself. It is easier to sit back and judge than to do this ourselves.
Hi Tom, I appreciate your honesty. I have my first class of ‘Toastmasters’ in a few weeks time, which I have been meaning to attend for a while now but I’ve finally made some time. Toastmasters will change a lot of things and I believe the videos will get better so stick with me
Hi Steve, I have been following you for a couple weeks now and I find your ideas very interesting. Congratulations on the new equipment, and I envy you! I am a videographer and have worked with green screen, so if you would like any pointers please feel free to contact me. Good luck with the next video!
Hi Kyle, you shouldn’t have told me that, I will be hounding you for pointers
Thanks, I appreciate your offer.
Personally I think that it helps to see the face behind the blogs and the advice. Obviously you’re still speaking to everyone and anyone but it creates a more personal feel, especially when you’re addressing a subject of importance which is helping an individual. Being able to see facial expressions, body language, etc, as well as hearing the voice adds another dimension to being able to reach people. If it makes a difference to just one person’s life, or helps someone through a difficult day, then it’s worth it.
Hi Xansa, you’re absolutely right, if one person takes the message and does something with it, then it is worthwhile. thank you.
Steven, I have been studying Self Actualization and Personal Development for quite some time and I think you “Rock”. You have a great mind and are definitely on the right track. You are saying and writing the kinds of things we all need to hear. Don’t stop! It is very obvious to me that you have what it takes. Thanks for helping me on my journey through ‘this and that’ within my own life. David
David what a wonderful thing to say, thank you, I really appreciate that.
Hi Stephen
Good to hear your mellifluous Scottish brogue !
Liked the video – you might want to change the background though (its a bit “Jedi Council” for me)
Gareth
Hi Gareth, thanks for your comments I appreciate it. I like the Jedi Council bit
, will be experimenting with various backgrounds.
I loved this video Steven, you can really tell that you are passionate about what you are talking.
Our beliefs truly determine everything and it is so important to be able to see the limiting beliefs that hold us back and know how to change them to the ones that will serve us. I had and probably still have lots of limiting beliefs, but the good thing is that I am aware of them and work on changing them. Lots of people are still not unfortunately. I am excited about all the great things you are going to do with your blog this year and wish you lots of luck. You make a difference in people’s lives, keep it up!
P.S. not sure about the background, maybe something more neutral would work better, so it doesn’t distract people from you and what you are saying.
Lana – DreamFollowers Blog´s last blog ..I Don’t Believe In Religion But I Talked To God Today
Thanks Lana, I always appreciate your feedback. Beliefs are my passion and I think the more we know the more we can change our lives.
With regards to the video, yes I tend to agree with you about the background, might have a more neutral one next time.
Hello Steven,
“Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true.”
– Author Unknown
Your presentation and the video are wonderful. I do believe that we all need to BELIEVE that life with no FAITH would be sad and empty. I am speaking about all kinds of believes, this does not have to be Religion in that matter. A person has to have faith that the pursuing goal is accomplished.
Thank you,
Zuzanna
ZuzannaM´s last blog ..MY LOVELY FRIEND
Hi Zuzanna, I completely agree with you, we need faith in ourselves to create the life we want.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Hi Steven.
This is very cool. I like how you are down-to-earth and talk about some real material that is valuable to you.
I liked the video, and the background was entertaining for a bit too.
I don’t have much constructive feedback but I enjoyed seeing you in video form again.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..What You Do Is As Intricate As You Make It
Thanks Armen,
I appreciate your comments.
Great stuff Steve, were you sitting down while filming? If so try standing up instead, I find it gives me more energy. Something tells me this video was lacking some of your true personality?
I saw somewhere that you’re planning to go to toastmasters? I started going a while back but I found the learning process too slow for my liking, which is why I took up stand-up comedy. It’s like an accelerated form of learning for public speaking.
here’s one of my comedy clips, i’m not even a seasoned comic but the skills from doing it surpass anything I could’ve got from toastmasters – http://www.unlimitedchoice.org/blog/about-amit/comedian/
Amit
Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last blog ..Don’t Let The Attitude Of Gratitude Turn You Into A Pushover
Hi Amit, I watched your video, you are fantastic at this, honestly. It takes real balls to do what you do and I think that is what I am lacking when it comes to public speaking, however I think you have given me a great tip about going to stand up comedy classes instead.
I was sitting down and will try standing next time.
Thanks Amit for the great suggestion.
My pleasure Steve. I’m probably a tiny bit biased towards stand-up as there are certain things that you can get from toastmasters which you can’t from stand-up like speech construction, order, hypnotic speech etc but I just felt I got more of the skills I needed quicker by doing stand-up. Definitely worth a try!
Amit Sodha – The Power Of Choice´s last blog ..Don’t Let The Attitude Of Gratitude Turn You Into A Pushover
One more thought…I wouldn’t do the fancy background. You don’t need it. Now if you do different locations that would be good. Also wear blue…you look fantastic in it. I think you’ll be successful because your charisma or presence stands out. Hope you don’t mind my bold suggestions;)
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..How to Build a Winning Work Ethic
Hi Tess
thanks for your comments about wearing blue. As soon as I put the background in and saw it on the blog I realised I had made a mistake but it’s all part of the learning curve. I don’t mind your bold suggestions at all – keep living the bold life 
YES!! YES!! I love watching you on video. I even loved your early videos. Love the accent. You are a natural and just let yourself go and be who you ALREADY are. It would be cool to see your hands moving as you talk. It adds a type of energy and excitement to any speaker. You seem very relaxed and at ease.
I hope you do a LOT videos. I go away from them feeling like I know you better and you feel more real to me. Videos can do that for your readers. You are courageous and wonderfully determined. So amazing and inspiring.
Love this part of your about all the things we may have to change in order to change our beliefs. I agree 100%. Good for you. Also I relate soooooo strongly to your school experience. It wasn’t until I was in the Australian Rainforest that I KNEW with all my being that I was very intelligent.
You touched me deeply in this video. Very moving. Thank you my dear friend. Hugs, Robin
PS: I watched the whole thing and at the end you SMILED and YOU have a BEAUTIFUL and VERY disarming smile. Oh my word!! YES, do lots of smiling. LOL!!!
You will have the whole world at your feet. WOW!!!
Robin, I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, you always give me a warm, fuzzy feeling when you comment. without your blog and your comments I wouldn’t have grown as much as a blogger and for that I am deeply grateful.
It’s amazing the things we learn about ourselves as adults, about being intelligent etc. It leads me to believe that school is not the ideal environment to become the person we were born to be, life should be our teacher from an earlier age.
Your courage inspires me, I just read and commented on your post over at Advancedlifeskills.com, I am so looking forward to your book.
Hi Steven, I really enjoyed this video. Your passion and knowledge come through and I also thought you to be a very likeable guy.
Knowing myself, though, I don’t typically watch videos byrandom bloggers. I clicked because I already like your work and feel I know a bit about you.
I’ll definitely tune in to future videos by you. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Belinda, thank you for your kind words. Hopefully the videos will get better as time goes on.
Very good first video. You had good eye contact through out the whole video……….no stuttering……..Your message came across as heartfelt and genuine. It seemed abit bit long but as I listened through to the end I did feel more engaged……more interested in what you were saying.
I have been following your blog for awhile now and I agree with much of what you talk about. The video gives it a whole new aspect.
Thank you for all the effort you put into your blog
Hi Wayne, thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them. I will take on board what you and others have said, so thank you for teaching.
Love this as I too am moving into video. I love the background. Think you a spot on with length of video 2-3mins is ideal
Have just discovered you blog and look forward to coming back.
Love the Magic pill concept- I totally believe that
Suzie Cheel´s last blog ..Monday Inspiration
Hi Suzie, thanks for your comments I appreciate your feedback.
Hi Steven
Always enjoy your articles and use Amplify to spread the message. I just love the idea of video recordings in YouTube or similar format! I have found for viewers to really stay interested try and keep the length to between 1 1′2 and 4 minutes.
Thank you once again! And, stay blessed!
~Daniel K
Thanks for the advice Daniel, trouble is I am so passionate about the subject matter that it’s hard to keep it to the agreed length
Have to say it is not bad at all. In one of my companies we made music vids and corporate vids for major artists and major companies so I have a little experience of both sides of the camera. I hear what Tom is saying about public speaking, but one of the things people seem to connect with is your realness, don’t polish that out. Real and raw, (even obvious onscreen mistakes), works.
You can get very shiny and pro emphasizing the right syllables and really rehearsing a piece and that works for the slick Americans I have seen in your genre – I don’t know if it is you. But more trial and error will sort that out. Also, a camera is slightly different to speaking at a seminar, it is more intimate and can withstand a more pulled back approach such as yours. I personally like your laid back-ness and I’m a sucker for some regions of the Scottish burr! Just be you with a bit of performance kick for filming.
But if you really aren’t happy with your performance then do what (I think it was) Armen did – take notes from your favourite person who is great on screen, whether that is a newsreader or a self development person on video. Keep your core but throw in a few of their best eye grabbing quirks, (the ones that match your personality).
The green screen works too! Just choose a more appropriate image as you look like you are about to tell us all our future, (but I know this was a test jobby anyway). As someone who writes waaaaaaay too long posts myself occasionally, I agree that 13 minutes is too long for video too.
But visually in terms of lighting it works too. Bit soft in focus but that isn’t a negative.
Thanks Rosie, I always appreciate your input. I have received a lot of constructive comments so will be working on all of them to make the next video much better. Thank Rosie for your support as always.
The thing is that you have a very pleasant screen manner, one that will appeal to a wide audience.
And, you accent isn’t such that, as an American, I would have trouble catching all the words immediately.
So, the bottom line for me is that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by continuing to use video as your medium of communication.
Beth
Leone Parette´s last blog ..New Product: BRIO 33478 Transportation Station Two Track Train Depot 1996
Hi Beth
Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate them.
Oh Yay another video from my favorite blogger
Awesome video…beautiful energy and you really look like youre enjoying yourself. This might be your true calling Steven…:)
Your magic pill is awesome!
Much Love
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Footprints In The Sand
Hi Zeenat
thank you so much for your kind words I always appreciate your comments. I will definitely be doing more videos.
I enjoyed your latest post Zeenat, the story reminded me of my childhood when I first read the story.
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..The Magic Pill
Hi Steven, I have left two messages for you in the last two days and neither is showing up?
Joseph
Joseph Bernard´s last blog ..Placing Your Mind In The Back Seat
Hi Joseph, I have searched through the comments and cannot find any of your, only a few from a few years ago when you wrote a guest post for CYT, one of the first to write for CYT
Sorry about this. If you write them again, I will approve them straight away.
Steven,
I have to give video blogging a try. This will also help me become a better public speaker for college presentations and upcoming job opportunities in the future.
-Kai Lo
Kai Lo´s last blog ..Honeywell Warm Mist Humidifier
Hi Kai-Lo, there’s nothing to be lost from vlogging so I would give it a try. Let me know when you start.
Steven, I wanted to share with you how great your blog looks and how impressed I am with your site, your growth and the courage to do video.
My writing has stayed committed but my growing blog business has fall off while I work a full time job helping addicts. I reached 1000 posts earlier this month and was excited about that.
Sorry I haven’t kept in touch and didn’t make it into your 2010 list but there is always next time.
Keep spreading your light.
Joseph
Joseph Bernard´s last blog ..Placing Your Mind In The Back Seat
Thanks Joseph, I appreciate your comments. Congratulations on reaching 100 posts, way ahead of me mate
. I am glad we have reconnected here and you are always welcome at CYT and I would love another post from you as you helped me back in 2007.
Hi Steven,
great messages and love what you’ve managed with your green screen. Just a technical point, have you tried vimeo.com as a video host? I’ve found they provide better bandwidth for a given compression than most.
Thanks
Stuart
Hi Stuart, thanks for the advice, I did check them out but Viddler has a lot of advantages over Vimeo. Thanks for stopping by.
I like videos but don’t always have the time to watch ‘em. It’d be cool if you could do video and text sometimes that way if there’s time, we could watch videos… If not, we’d have text.
Thoughts for ya!
Eric´s last blog ..Lets Help Each Other
Although I personally prefer to read, I think presenting in video format adds another way to reach out to your readers. You inspire me with your tireless enthusiasm and motivation to constantly improve. Great work! Stumbled and retweeted!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Attitude of Gratitude versus Appreciation
Hi Stephen
How do you change the belief that you don’t deserve good things, or that you are unloveable or that things always go wrong for you? The example you gave of changing your beliefs about not being inteligent doesn’t have as much emotion attached to it as these self-limiting beliefs and is easy to take action about…you just took further exams. What advice would you give to change negative beliefs to do with low self esteem and bad relationships?