As an Odyssey Creator your sharpest tool of expression is your perspective. Whether that be rooted in an identity or your proximity to a news story, your content thrives if it represents not only a unique outlook, but also a specific one. With video creation becoming easier and easier, you've probably noticed a glut of videos on social media with no discernible point. The surest and simplest way for your videos to stand out is to imbue them with your viewpoint and personality. Before you hit record be sure to answer these three easy questions that will ensure that you start off going in the right direction.

1. What is the focus of your video?

Is your video covering news or current events? An experience? A person and/or place? Determining what or who the subject is before beginning your video will ensure that it stays on point and on message throughout. Nothing is worse than watching a video only to be left wondering what the creator’s intent was. Be sure that you can answer that question definitively before you proceed.

2. What is the feeling that you’re trying to convey?

Having a firm idea of the tone you’re going for will go a long way in helping you to determine how to construct your video. Once you know your subject ask yourself if the mood you’re hoping to evoke is happy/upbeat, serious, emotional, uplifting/inspiring, funny, nostalgic, etc. After answering this question you’ll be better able to map out the strategies and elements that you’ll need to create your video effectively. For example, if your goal is to create a nostalgic mood you may seek to implement old photos or music that represent the time period you’re reaching back to. If you’re aiming for an emotional mood, you may give consideration to the pace of the video to ensure that the meaning of the piece has time to register with your audience.

3. Who is the intended audience for your video?

How you go about creating a video that you intend to share primarily with friends and family should differ from how you create for fans and followers or to reach new audiences. If you’re aiming for the latter, being as specific as possible with the focus and tone of your video will only work in your favor. When your friends read or watch your content, they already have an idea of who you are which they inevitably bring to the experience. New audiences who don’t know you personally will need a little bit more of a hook to be drawn into what you’re communicating. Specificity of message and mood will provide that lure and ensure that your message lands the way that you intend it to.

Once you've successfully answered these questions you'll be on the right path to creating a video that has maximum impact on your targeted audience.