Effective communication is the foundation of every successful business. Having the ability to concisely communicate your thoughts and ideas will always be one of the most transferable and sought after skills… aka public speaking.
Video technology is the not new but it’s growing in popularity on every platform and to be successful, you need to master it. Whether you’re meeting with clients or giving a presentation, the camera is becoming your newest audience and often the most important one.
So how do you overcome your fear of public speaking and become more confident on camera? I have 3 top tips to help you master the art form: plan your content, practice out loud, and just do
Technology has changed the game of public speaking.
… and live videos are the king.
In today’s age, It’s not uncommon to present to thousands of people from the comfort of your own couch.
And I’m here to tell you that even though public speaking may look a little different, the foundations remain the same.
So here are my top 3 tips for everyone, but especially for my fellow introverts, that are finding it difficult to speak infront of the virtual crowd.
Have the general structure of your video planned out before ever jumping in front of the camera.
A good plan includes bullet points (or in my case, I like a thought-web), but not a script – you don’t want to sound too rehearsed… because you will lose your essence, your little quirks make you unique and enjoyable to watch.
Pro Tip: When planning content for a video, it is important to have an end goal in mind. This will provide the foundation for your plan of what you would like to say and how you would like to say it. Start by brainstorming ideas and concepts, so that you can then organize them into a linear structure. It may also be helpful to create a timeline or schedule of when and how each point will be discussed. Once you have an overall plan, break it down into smaller sections so that it is easier to practice and memorize. Additionally, if the topics are more complex or require more explanation, add visual aids such as slideshows or animations to keep viewers engaged.
And remember it’s not about you, it’s about what you have to say. If you focus on the value of your message, your viewers will too.
Talk to yourself… yes out loud… so you can get used to hearing yourself when you speak. It’s super weird talking to a phone screen for the first time, so the quicker you get used to it, the better.
Start by practicing your content as if you are talking to a close friend. Then move on to higher stakes scenarios like presenting in front of a crowd or filming a video for the entire world to see. This will help you gain confidence and become more comfortable speaking on camera.
Also, record yourself! Recordings can be incredibly helpful in analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to the way you speak, facial expressions, body language, etc. and practice until it feels comfortable.
Pro Tip: When you are recording look directly into your camera lens. If you are recording on a front facing camera then look at your own forehead instead of your mouth. I got this tip from @brtineybartla and it’s a game changer!
It’s okay if you mess up.
The most important thing is to just start. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become and eventually, it will become second nature.
So take a deep breath, get in front of your camera, and just do it!
No one expects you to be perfect on a live video. Actually, if you were ‘perfect’ every time it would be super freaky.
No one expects you to be perfect on a live video. Actually, if you were ‘perfect’ every time it would be super freaky.
Recently, I’ve had the hardest time saying the word ‘specification’ on my live video calls… I have no idea why. Everyone chuckles and we move on, no big deal. We are all human and mistake are inventible.
Your viewers want authenticity and they want to see you and feel like they can connect and relate to you. Flaws and all. So just be you!
Pro Tip: If you mess up, don’t think twice about it. Just keep going and edit it out later.
Public speaking can be scary but the sooner you start doing it – the more comfortable it becomes.
Mastering public speaking is a highly sought-after skill in the business world, and with video technology being more popular than ever it's essential to know how to confidently speak on camera.
The key to overcoming your fear of public speaking lies in planning ahead and practicing out loud. Additionally, remember that it’s not about you but rather what you have to say; if you focus on providing value through your content viewers will be engaged throughout the entire presentation.
Ultimately, don’t let perfectionism get in the way of progress – just start talking and keep going! With enough practice and dedication anyone can become an expert communicator who knows how to effectively deliver their message both online and off.
So the next time you are typing a text message to a friend, jump on a live video call, or record a video instead.
It’s a way more personable message and it will help with your public speaking.
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