In their latest study on America’s Fears, Chapman University highlighted that many people find public speaking as scary as swimming with sharks. This may explain why many business owners are reluctant to post videos on social media.
And, I get that social media can sometimes feel like stepping into shark infested waters. Every time you put out content, you are staring right into the eyes of judgement and the predatory Imposter Syndrome.
In this post, let’s take a closer look at the reasons why people don’t do videos and then change the narrative! It is time to make love not war with the camera.
Common Reasons Why People Would Rather Swim With Sharks
Videos are a great way to start conversations with your audience. It puts a face to your brand and helps your audience get to know, like and trust you. Without it, you are just another faceless brand that doesn’t stand out from the crowd.
Most business owners know this. So, why do so many hate the idea of doing them?
Have you ever caught yourself saying any of these things:
I hate how I look on video
I hate how I sound on camera
I don’t know what to start
I don’t have fancy equipment
I never know where to look and get tongue tied
I haven’t got hours to record videos
I have no idea what to share
Will anyone care?
Or maybe you are suffering from glossophobia - a fear of public speaking!
Fear of judgement, anxiety with the outcome and a perceived lack of skill are all things that can leave videos and public speaking engagements consigned to the to-don’t list of infinity and beyond.
All of these things may be true, but no one cares what you look like, sound like and had for breakfast! They care about the message and what you can do for them.
The camera isn’t your enemy and no one wants to see you fail.
You have a message to share so it’s time to get it out into the world.
Let’s go and get the camera as you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
But, First! Let’s Throw Some Unhelpful Stuff To The Sharks
It takes time to find your groove so don’t pressure yourself into thinking you have to become an expert at the first go! It takes time to find a system that works for you and get comfortable in front of the camera.
And, certainly don’t start recording because you feel you have to do it or some expert told you to do it. Your ambivalence towards the process will come through in your content and you won’t have much fun.
Still with me? Great, then let’s get a few things out of the way
It is okay to feel nervous about recording and posting videos. It is something new and you are taking a huge step outside of your comfort zone. So, fair play to you for that.
Here are a few things to remember before pressing play:
1. Don't compare yourself to other people and all the video experts on social media. They have been doing it for ages and have already found their groove. It is great to see what they are doing and use it as a learning experience, but focus more on what you are doing, your messages and bringing your personality to the forefront of your content.
2. The first video isn't going to be perfect and neither will the 100th!! Perfection doesn’t exist so focus more on your message and getting it out into the world. Someone needs to hear what you have to say.
3. You don't need professional lighting rigs and expensive editing software. To start with you only need a smartphone, natural light, a tripod, a message and YOU!
4. Find a comfy spot for both you and your camera. Try not to hold the camera if possible because it is likely to shake if you are nervous.
5. Take your time, focus on your message and smile.
And speaking of those influencers and experts, they once were in the same space as you: a small amount of followers, doubts and fears about whether anyone will watch, and a lack of experience. But, then they pressed the play button.
And, Press Play
You are ready to share your message with the world, you have got your script down (for guidance on scripting your videos, check out this post), and you are ready to record…Now what?
Have Fun
Videos are the perfect place to let your personality come out to play!
There is no instruction manual here or specific way that you need to record. I like singing and dancing in my videos! The more fun that you have with this the more positive energy will be transmitted to your audience.
Remember that if you are forcing it or trying to be something that you are not, people will pick up on it and scroll on by!
Try and lighten the mood before you start recording and don’t think mistakes are the end of the world. Laugh at your mistakes, pull funny faces at yourself or do a happy dance before you press play, anything that helps you feel less self-conscious.
In fact, you can even use your mistakes as a way to drive engagement by creating a blooper video of your mistakes and hastily deleted swear words! It will help you to not take the process so seriously, while bringing a smile to the faces of you and your audience.
Set A Time Limit and Then Go Live
There is no such thing as perfection so don’t waste hours of your life looking for it!!
Set aside some time to record your video and then press play! That is because I want people to see me how I am and that it is okay to make mistakes.
Remember: People are interested in the message and won’t be marking your delivery out of ten.
This might seem like a difficult prospect to start with, but I highly recommend that you set yourself a time limit to get your video done. This will stop you pausing the video after every little mistake you make and save you making 500 takes.
No One Knows About Your Script
Sometimes you will get in the zone and forget to say something. Before you press delete, take a breath and remind yourself that no one knows what you planned to talk about. No one saw your script before you started recording.
Now, go back and take a look at your video. Does it make sense? Is the message clear? If the answer is yes, then the video is good to go. Press post.
If you forgot to say something, could you use them as a starting point for another post? If so, happy days! You have just saved yourself some time.
Look Into My Eyes
Now that you know what you want to say and you have got everything set up, it is showtime!
And, you might be unsure where you should look as you are recording. A common mistake is to look at yourself on the screen. Even though we are working remotely, people still appreciate 'eye' contact, so treat the camera as someones eyes and try to maintain as much contact as possible. It might feel odd to start with, but keeping developing the habit and you'll learn to stop admiring your awesomeness and focus on your audience instead.
And, here is a great trick to help you.
First of all close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Now imagine that you are talking to your best friend, dream lover, or someone special to you.
You have something important to share with them.
When you have got their face in mind, you can open your eyes and look directly at the camera lens. Pretend that it is their eyes and hold eye contact with them while you are sharing your message.
And...It's ShowTime
Press the record button and share it with the world. Then record another one and and another one and then you’ll find your groove. Check out these 5 Awesome Video Content Creation Tips to get you started.
Still not sure where to start? Let’s have a coffee and a chat to talk about how you can start creating awesome videos that attract new clients and opportunities.