Meghan’s ‘professional amateur’ look is nothing but an act – there are 11 moments in ‘As Ever’ vid that blow her cover
THESE are the 11 “professionally performed amateurism” techniques used by Meghan Markle in her ‘As Ever’ launch video, a body language expert has claimed.
The “contrived outtakes” by the former Suits actress, who usually appears “eloquent” and “confident” in front of the camera, are indicative of a technique used by influencers to appear relatable and boost their likeability, says Judi James.
A video posted by the Duchess of Sussex to her 1.8 million Instagram followers gave viewers a sneak peak into the upcoming launch of her brand, ‘As Ever’.
The caption of her post read: “I’m thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into.
“I will keep sharing behind the scenes tidbits with you here as we ramp up to launch, and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on everything we’ve been creating.”
The Duchess’ candid video shows her sat outside in nature, wearing relaxed clothing and minimal makeup – worlds away from her usual glamorous and put-together appearance.
But body language expert Judi told Fabulous that key giveaways prove Meghan’s post is a further step for her into the “social media influencer world.”
One such clue is the fast-paced, jarring editing techniques used in the final clip, which features 14 cutaways and make it seem as though Meghan “can’t possibly sit still” long enough to do one take – a contrast to her usual “polished” delivery.
And Meghan’s “poor framing” implies she doesn’t know how to position the camera well, despite her extensive background in media.
This is further reinforced by the “bad camera angle” she uses, which make is seem “as though she’s gate-crashing her own scenes.”
And the Duke of Sussex’s inclusion is a tactic to show followers she’s “reliant on Harry,” initially depending on her husband to tell her when the camera is rolling, despite later switching the video function off herself.
This suggests “her state of ‘helplessness’ at the start was acquired,” Judi claims.
The expert questioned why Meghan chose to include herself asking her husband “is the camera on?” despite the final video “being spliced at least 14 times during its editing process.”
Meghan also shoots her partner a coy upward gaze at the start of the video, “letting us know she’s looking at Harry to show it is all a loving double-act.”
It could also be tell-tale that the Duchess of Sussex deliberately opens her video with a candid “outtake,” ensuring it’s the first impression given to viewers.
And it’s not just Meghan’s body language that indicates “deliberate amateurism,” says Judi, noting the disruptive background of Meghan’s video.
As the Duchess begins talking to the camera, she’s interrupted by her dog and casts a quick glance backwards to make sure the pet “won’t interrupt the scene.”
Despite knowing “all about professional movie sets,” Judi says it seems she “can suddenly hardly bear to make eye contact with the camera, looking away for long periods of time before glancing coyly up like an excited schoolgirl” and giving off airs of “shyness” and “diffidence.”
And Meghan’s child-like giggles continue as she appears “giddy with excitement” and lets out a “brief projectile laugh of glee,” relishing “that there has been ‘a lot of curiosity'” about her latest project.
Judi labels this “cute but not professional” and notes the Duchess’ “scrunched body pose” which she says suggests “a submissive approach.”
While Meghan’s relaxed choice of appearance, wearing a white shirt that looks “casually thrown on” and her hair “adorably unkempt” could be another purposeful choice to make her seem more relatable to followers.
Despite her confident demeanour during her wedding day, where she displayed “not one fiddling gesture to imply anxiety or a lack of self-confidence,” Meghan can be seen performing “auto-contact rituals including scratches, face-touches and fiddling with her foot,” which could be seen as an attempt to promote feelings of real friendship with the viewer.
And Meghan reveals her upcoming Netflix deal “with some coy fingering of her neckline, to again make this look like a very personal form of intimate secret-sharing.”
And the body language pro questions why Meghan can be seen turning the camera off herself at the end of the video, instead of editing this part out too.
These body language and filming techniques are popular among influencers, and for good reason.
Judi explains: “We buy products because we feel a friend has recommended them to us as individuals.
“It’s the current counterpoint to slick, glossy ads that go out prime time to capture and sell to the largest audience.”
Viewers react
But Meghan’s fans loved her fresh appearance and gushed over her latest video on X.
One user said: “As Ever! We are so happy for you Meghan. Best name ever.”
While another agreed: “OMG this is HUGE!”
Another cheered: “Megan looks beautiful, relaxed, joyful, young, I love it!”
While someone else commented: “She looks so beautiful – fresh, natural, and above all, HAPPY.”
How confident Meghan Markle hit the spotlight aged 12
MEGHAN Markle proved herself as a feminist long before hitting the spotlight - pushing for change at just 12.
Footage of the US actress as a school student has surfaced, with the young woman having written letters demanding for a cleaning ad to change their sexist ad’s phrasing from “women” to “people”.
Meghan had taken issue with Ivory’s ad for dishwasher soap, that claimed “women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans”.
Taking up a pen and paper, the determined student wrote to the company, asking for them to make a change – and they did.
Nickelodeon footage of Meghan explaining just why she had decided to speak out has since resurfaced, with the fresh-faced student already well-spoken and thoughtful.
Speaking to the camera, she explained: “I said – wait a minute, how could someone say that?”
She said that she realised a number of commercials would hurt people’s feelings, and was determined to make a change.
In the 1993 interview, she said: “I don’t think it is right for kids to grow up thinking that mom does everything.
“If you see something that you don’t like or offended by on television or any other place, write letters and send them to the right people and you can really make a difference, not just for yourself but for lots of other people.”