Video guidelines

Sharing your story through short video

We embrace the power of personal stories in understanding and navigating breast cancer. Your voice, your experience, and your perspective can help others feel less alone and more supported in their own journeys.

Here’s a quick guide to help you shine in your LBBC video submission:

Preparing your video

Before recording, take a few minutes to think about the story, message, or tip you want to share. You do not need a polished script. Speaking naturally is encouraged. It may help to jot down a few notes or practice once or twice before recording.

Consider focusing on one clear idea, such as:

• A moment that changed how you understood your breast cancer experience
• Something you wish you had known earlier
• A practical tip that helped you cope, prepare, communicate, or make decisions
• A message of encouragement for someone facing a similar experience

Length

Aim for up to 60 seconds for short video submissions.

If your video runs a little longer, that’s OK. Our team may edit the video for length, clarity, or use across different LBBC channels.

Format

Please record your video in portrait mode, holding your phone vertically.

This format works best for social media and mobile viewing.

Location

Choose a quiet, well-lit location where you feel comfortable.

A space that reflects you and your personality can make the video feel warm and authentic. For example, you might record in your favorite room, your kitchen, your garden, your office, or another place where you feel at ease.

Lighting

Natural light is best whenever possible. Try to:

• Face a window or light source
• Avoid sitting with bright light behind you
• Turn on the lights in the room
• Place your phone at eye level
• Stabilize your phone by leaning it against something steady or using a tripod

Sound

Try to record in a quiet place with minimal background noise.

Speak clearly and naturally, and look toward the camera when you can. It also helps to pause briefly before you begin speaking and between thoughts. These small pauses make editing easier.

What to say

Your video should sound like you. You are welcome to speak from the heart, use notes, or prepare a few lines in advance.

You might begin with a simple opening such as:

• “One thing I wish I had known when I was diagnosed is…”
• “Something that helped me during treatment was…”
• “If you’re going through this right now, I want you to know…”
• “A moment that changed things for me was…”
• “One practical tip I’d share with someone newly diagnosed is…”

You may want to include:

• A brief introduction to your experience
• One specific story, moment, or lesson
• A practical tip or insight
• A message of support or encouragement

A note about medical details

Please speak from your own experience rather than offering medical advice. It’s OK to share what helped you or what you discussed with your healthcare team, but we encourage language such as:

• “What helped me was…”
• “My doctor and I discussed…”
• “For my situation…”
• “I learned to ask my care team about…”

When referring to treatment, it is often helpful to describe the type of treatment in plain language rather than focusing on brand names.

After you record

Once your video is ready, please follow the submission instructions on the Share Your Story page.

If your video is selected, LBBC may contact you with follow-up questions or suggested edits before sharing it publicly.