How to get better speaking on video as the face of your business
Recently a client told me, “You sound so good on video.” a compliment which I proudly accept because despite all the videos I’ve posted, all the lives I’ve hosted, all the coaching, and workshops I’ve done…I have a very dark public speaking past.
A seventh grade memory is still burned into my brain. Teaching my entire English class how to wrap a gift, 30 pairs of judgy eyes, finishing in record time so I could be back in my chair as soon as possible.
In my senior year of college I stood in front of a women’s studies class, the papers in my hand visibly shaking, not taking my eyes off the page until I was back in my seat.
I interviewed for a job in my 20s during which they asked if I would be comfortable presenting projects to C-level management. I calmly said “Yep! Not a problem” while my brain said wtfareyoutalkingabout??
Then I started my business, originally using my blog to get web design clients, happily typing away to my lovely readers every morning while I drank my tea.
Until vlogging became a thing.
So I made a handful of videos that looked like this…
27-year-old me, captain of the struggle bus
I also hosted a live Q+A where only TWO people showed up and during my first periscope someone told me to slow down because I was speaking so fast.
But it worked and my business started to grow, FAST.
I began hosting monthly workshops, going live every week, posting videos of me talking on Instagram. So when a business pal emailed an offer for a paid speaking gig at a conference in New Orleans I checked my schedule and said HELL YES before I could even process it.
I knew it was a fantastic opportunity, a couple other business buddies were going, and I absolutely wanted a free trip to New Orleans. I could handle speaking in front of 100 people…
A few months later I made it to NOLA, checked into the hotel, and spent the night before crying because I was so nervous. The next morning I still felt anxious right up until the moment I stepped on stage.
But Sarah The No-Bullshit Marketing Expert turned on and I got through the presentation without shaky notecards, without speeding through, and while making eye contact with the audience.
I felt so good after that experience I ended up speaking at TWO more conferences and got paid to fly to Houston and Philly!
Now after 14 years in business I can make a video, go live, hop on a Zoom call, and even stand in front of hundreds of people and SPEAK OFF THE CUFF ABOUT ANYTHING without feeling nervous.
Instead I feel powerful and confident.
I ENJOY IT. It’s wild.
If I can get comfortable public speaking, ANYONE CAN.
Here’s where to start
Make a bunch of practice videos: Talk about your favorite client, your service, your latest project. Make a daily habit to yap at your camera about anything. YOU DON’T HAVE TO POST IT. You can even send random videos to your bestie to get it going!
Test making videos while sitting at your desk, on the couch, at the dining table, on a walk, sitting on the floor, in the car. Find the spot where you feel most comfortable, keep your habit going, and at some point you WILL make something worth posting.
If you need to get comfy speaking on video fast - go live. I know that’s the last advice people want to hear, but if you want to grow fast you’ll get over your fear fast.
Go live on your Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, in a community, in a Facebook group. Go live EARLY in your business (or in the morning) before anyone is paying attention to get the awkward out. Is it crazy to make videos of myself when I just started?? No, do it!
Use notes! It doesn’t look like it but most people have notes in front of them when recording video. I scribble a few bullet points on a sticky note to keep me on track and then I just talk.
I record ONE long video, stopping when I need to, repeating what I screw up. Then I cut all the awkward parts out and a three minute video turns into 60 seconds of content.
At some point you will get comfortable enough to leave spaces and screwups in. We’re not robots and we’re not letting robots make our content, so it’s okay to be a little messy.
Once you feel okay seeing yourself on camera, improve your contenting by watching for words or filler phrases you repeat. I’m notorious for starting my sentences with “So!” which is so bad I gave my podcast editor a note to cut them out. I’ve already taken a bunch out of this post too! When you feel that word coming up as you’re speaking, try to pause instead and leave a little space instead of saying the word outloud.
If you’re recording on your phone, test the front camera vs the back. Sometimes the screen-side camera can cause slight distortions. You may prefer the way you look on one camera vs the other. It may also be easier to film when you’re not looking at yourself the whole time.
Lastly, remember you can always delete it. I have absolutely gone back into my IG and Youtube and deleted videos I didn’t like anymore. If the content did well, you can then remake those videos with your new and improved skills. Otherwise, in the trash they go!
Alright - time to make a video!! Tag me on Instagram when you post it @daretogrow.co so I can give you a high five. You can do it!
Feel free to post any questions in the comments so I can talk you out of your fears ;)
