7 Steps How To Give Stunning Introduction For Audition

On Camera introduction and video introduction techniques

Why Am I Not selected In Auditions?
How To Give Best Introduction For Auditions Or In Video Introduction?

Auditions

This applies to both-

• Physically on camera in front of auditions
• Prepared Video introduction submitted to casting directors or production dept.

Your introduction (slate, as it 's called) tells those viewing your audition if you can be selected and are “castable."

Video Introduction

Due to the pressure of time and the rents of hiring a place for auditions is expensive hence, much of that decision to watch your video or even physically in an audition is based on whether your physicality fits their requirements and whether the viewing public will convincingly identify you with the character.

In Audition

While in a live audition, how you introduce self (slate), your presence, and how you connect to the camera is really important. Though your physical appearance to the character is considered, your overall introduction is totally up to you and can be your strong asset for selection if done well.

• Speaking out just your name seems so simple, which is why many give it no real thought. This can be a mistake because the intro (slate) provides important information about who you are. It depicts confidence or lack of showing your personality, and so much more. 

From years of my own experience as an actor and teaching, I have seen most of the ways that actors make bad first impressions with their introduction.

7 reasons 

How actors create a bad impression

1. When actors desperately try to fake an impression, overdramatize, and appear that they are working too hard to be likable, it may create an impression of insincerity, insecurity, or poor training. 
2. If actors appear moody, sullen, uptight, or arrogant, it gives an impression that actor could have emotional issues. 
3. If they are slick or monotone, they appear unbelievable or unlikeable. 
4. If they don't hold eye contact with the camera, they seem afraid, shifty, or inexperienced. 
5. If actors speak too fast or too soft, it makes them appear nervous, shy or inhibited. 
6. If they speak too slow, it often is taken as patronizing like a saint or a priest. 
7. if they speak too loud, it suggests they have done more theater than film work or that they are trying to reach the camera with their voice.

The above may happen as an unconscious act, habit, or a consequence of their anxiety and tension, which make them look 'one of those hundreds' and inexperienced.

How To Give Best Introduction (Video as well)

1. I suggest that you introduce (slate) as if it were an introduction to someone, not as a presentation, announcement, or to impress. When auditioning, I suggest that you honestly introduce yourself to someone in the room (usually the person running the session) while looking into the camera lens. 
2. You should be positive and enjoy introducing yourself. 
3. Smile, if it feels right, but if you smile just to smile, it will look fake and insincere. Smile because you are confident and having fun, then it will be relaxed or engaging.
4. Be spontaneous! Each time you say your name it should be just a little different. If there isn’t some difference each time, then it may convey you have probably memorized  and it's just a “line reading.” 
5. Add a “Hi, I’m" or a “Hello, my name is” and then your name. This will make it friendly and less like you are reporting for military duty.
6. When nervous, laugh a little bit (to relax) before you start. It helps to release the nervousness and quickly shifts you into a positive energy. If you have been told by auditioners that you are "not really you" in your slate, then you should give it some attention. 
7. There is no second chance to make a first impression. This is especially true for commercial ad auditions.  

Note: Sometimes actors want to know if they should slate in character.  I suggest if you are unsure then ask the AD or audition session in-charge

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