If you feel at all nervous about the call, or the prospect of it being recorded, then the videos below are designed to help you feel more relaxed and confident, both during the call and in any wider professional and/or personal settings where you may need to be on camera.
As a video presentation coach, I (Liù) have helped many people overcome their video and camera concerns; not by giving them more of the cliché ‘performance-based’ hints and tips, but by helping them realign with their natural and authentic way of showing up and expressing themselves.
Also know that the structure for the call is designed to enable you to feel relaxed automatically – as it is set up to just be a natural conversation (and definitely NOT a scripted performance).
In addition to the videos below, you’ll also find a video from a previous participant, Carmen, about her experience (including overcoming her nerves about the call).
How the call is designed to help you automatically feel more natural and authentic
The call is designed as a natural conversation – so there is no need to ‘perform’ or ‘present’ – and many people say they forget it’s being recorded! And the questions are designed to make it easy for you to respond in your own words.
How we make sure you look, sound and come across your best on camera
It’s our job to make you feel relaxed and natural, and therefore come across well on the call. You’ll be guided through with simple questions, so you don’t have to worry about what to say or forgetting anything.
Why you shouldn’t script what you say – but what to do instead
There is no need to prepare or script anything – because this creates lots of unnecessary pressure and will make you (and your delivery) feel unnatural. Instead, you are welcome to note down simple bullet points if you like, and at any point in the call we can stop and re-do anything you’re not happy with.
Why being real and natural (and even making mistakes) is better than being perfect
These calls are about capturing real, authentic, and natural human stories. It is NOT about promotional performance. Therefore, any small stumbles are totally ok, and actually make it more relatable and real. Plus, if needed, you can request that a bit be removed or not used in editing.
What to do if you don’t like seeing or hearing yourself on camera
Although very natural and common, not liking seeing/hearing yourself on camera is usually only a problem when people are overtly trying to ‘perform’ or ‘be perfect’. By contrast, when they are just themselves naturally, many of these concerns reduce or even disappear.
What to do if you worry your story won’t be interesting or won’t add value
It’s very common for people to worry they don’t have anything of value to say or other people won’t care – but this process is designed to draw out and help you naturally express the relatable insights from your experience that others will benefit from.
What to do if you’re worried about talking about a sensitive or personal topic
You do not have to share anything you’re not comfortable talking about publicly. All questions are open enough for you to share a wider context without having to go into any sensitive or personal specifics if you don’t want to.
Further Insights and Tips
If you’d like more tips and insights to help overcome nerves about being on camera and feel more natural and yourself on camera, you can also view Liu’s ‘Video without the Cringe’ video and media coaching playlist on her YouTube channel.