Does Your Group Need A Camera To Record Meetings? Do your need permission? For, Against, Alternatives

I heard a proposal in Singapore that a Toastmasters Club should buy a camera. I have already experienced this process at HOD in London.

The idea is not new. Years ago the John May school of public speaking recorded speeches. People could see the playback and observe their own mannerisms, such as rattling metal coins or keys in their pockets.

An organization such as a charity will want a fundraiser to raise money. The film can be shown at the start of a fundraising dinner.

Arguments For Cameras
1 As a speaker you can see yourself.
2 You can compare yourself at the start and end of the year and see your progress.
3 You have a reel of speeches to show to a potential employer.
4 The club can take the speaker's first and last speeches of the year if they developed to show what a difference the club makes.
5 If the club is uniformly good, they have a lot of showcases.
6 You could select the two best speeches of each speaker.
7 People can learn not to be self-conscious and camera shy.
8 Get a sponsor or donor - local camera hire shop, supermarket, department store, auction house, second hand shop.
9 Look on ebay and in camera magazines.
10 Consider using recording facilities on Zoom, learncool or other places.
11 Use a summer BBQ or Xmas dinner at a restaurant, and/or a raffle, with profits going towards the cost of the camera.
12 What about permission? Many events organizers state that the event will be recorded and that you are deemed to have granted them permission.
13 On zoom and other platforms you have the option to turn off recording which conceals your from view.
14 Sometimes everybody is asked to turn on their camera for a group photo.
15 Warn the participants of the impending photo taking. Allow them time to comb their hair and find props such as toys or flags for a fun shot.
16 A camera on a tripod can take in focus shots in poor light.

Arguments Against Camera
1 Cameras are expensive.
2 They are expensive to maintain with storage, a key for the storage cupboard, insurance, accessories such as a tripod and flash and a carry bag and duplicated instructions and time for training sessions.
3 You can use a mobile phone.
4 A camera needs somebody trained to use it otherwise it gets forgotten or the operator is away.
5 You need permission to film somebody and again to show the film.
6 If you want in focus shots you can shoot outdoors in daylight in daytime.

At HOD Toastmasters club in the UK we were offered a camera by a technical person who wished to upgrade. We asked is any members would lend the club the money and be paid back later in the year. It took at least a year, maybe two, but the club got the camera and the donors got their money back.

Calls to action.
Form a committee of three to check the price of a camera and other groups' experiences.
Enquire about second hand cameras or buying a camera from a member who has an unused old camera.
Share the cost with a group meeting another day or the same day same venue another time.

The camera can be used to record parties, karoake, talent contests, testimonials for the club. Also podcasts.

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker