What's really important in a self-tape?

During my own self-tapes and through taping others, I have learned so much over the past 7 years. I have discovered potential pitfalls that distract actors and keep them from delivering. I’ve also been able to identify obstacles that actors bring into the room and help them overcome them in order to book roles. And while every self-tape session is different there is one constant...It should be about your acting. Sure professional sound and lighting is important (you need to be seen and heard), but is better lighting going to book you the role or get you called in to audition..? No, you're ACTING is going to do that. As a gentle reminder, here's one of my favorite actors killing it with a webcam and wit.