I’ve been told a lot that I seem really comfortable speaking in public or on video, and people say, “I wish I could do that.” And I get it. Because it looks like confidence from the outside.
It wasn’t always like that.
I’ve always had a lot to say. That was never the issue. I’ve never struggled with stage fright. The issue was seeing myself on camera. Hearing my own voice. That weird, disorienting feeling where you’re like… Is that what I sound like? Is that what I look like? Because nobody loves that at first.
Then… March 2020. We all started working remotely overnight. I decided to use that opportunity to get comfortable on video. Self-prescribed immersion therapy.
So every single meeting I was in, my camera was on. Even when nobody else had theirs on. Mine was on. Repetition was the path through discomfort: do it enough to get over myself and stop looking for things to criticize.
It’s kind of like breaking in a new pair of shoes. The first few times, you’re aware of every step. Every pinch point. And then one day, you wear them the whole day and realize you didn’t notice the shoes at all.
Something I have not heard anyone talk about is how many opportunities appear once you stop being a headshot and start being a person. People feel like they know you. You’re suddenly more top-of-mind. You get the DM. You get the invite. You’re a panelist at a lunch-and-learn.
After getting used to being live on video calls, it wasn’t hard be in front of the camera for any reason. Shooting a segment for the local news? Mic me up. Shooting promo pieces at a live event? As many as you need. Video podcast? Good reason to get my hair done.
Now, reality check: I practice. I solicit feedback. I make adjustments. It gets easier every time.
The takeaway is simple: be willing to be bad long enough, and you will get good. And you’re not even as bad as you think.
Turn the camera on. Do it messy. Do it nervous. Do it anyway. Because there’s really only one way through this, and it’s the least glamorous one: over and over until you’re desensitized.
And honestly, that’s one of the keys to life.