Video Journals

There’s no saying you really must use a pen and paper, or computer, to physically write your journal. You may prefer to use a video camera to record your daily entries.

This style has recently been used in many of the reality TV programmes. You simply set up the camera, sit in front and begin speaking. You might like to take into account the visual nature of this journal style by making sure you at least brush your hair or wear a little make-up.

There’s your background to consider, also. Perhaps sit in the same place each day, somewhere interesting, but be careful it doesn’t distract from the most important part of the recording; you. Or you could take your camera wherever you go and use your current location as background.

Having some idea of what you want to say might also make a more interesting entry. Perhaps sketch out some notes or at least have a clear picture of what you intend to address each entry.

A time limit seems appropriate, unless you feel the need to break this on occasion with some short entries and others longer. Writing to a time limit brings slight pressure to write in that set time. I can’t see why it couldn’t be employed to bring creativity to your recorded entries.

Although I haven’t used this style of journal writing myself I see how it could be used to great advantage. You have the benefit of sound as well. Perhaps playing music might work, especially if it’s going to help express how you’re feeling. Let me know if you currently use this style to record your journal entries.

Meanwhile you might want to check out some of the online video journals, or blogs. A great place to learn is at Web Logs. Start with What is a Video Blog?, What Do I Put in a Video Blog? and just one place to start your search for video blogs to view: Videoblogging Universe.