Conquer Camera Fears and Rock Social Media
Eight years ago, if anyone had asked me to do a Facebook live video to tell them what I do, or even share a message, I would have run a mile. I was happier on the other side of a camera. In fact there were many events where the only face missing was mine, because I was the one taking the photos. Kinda like hiding out in the kitchen at parties – somebody needs to do it and it gave me a safe space to be with others but not really part of the crowd.
Yet I still used to see all these people I admired on social media, talking about their work, their successes, their lives. Selling their services and reaching a wider audience. They looked so photogenic, had fabulous backgrounds and hair and makeup looked perfect. “Why can’t I do that? Why do I feel so inadequate when I try this? I am following the script given to me by my coach and it felt robotic and a hot mess. In fact any makeup I had applied had been sweated it off, landing up with panda-eyes and no lipstick visible.
Then I thought I needed all the fancy equipment, the right lighting, backdrop in my brand colours, learning a script off by heart. Of course what popped into my email inbox once I made these decisions? Courses on how to create the perfect backdrop, videos about creating the right lighting effects, makeup tips n tricks. I made the backdrop, invested in lights and applied the makeup. Yet none of these made the slightest difference in how I felt doing a Facebook live. My AHA moment was that it wasn’t the external things like this that were holding me back.
I created a group where we did the videos in a safe environment. Yes still live but shared in a group setting designed to be gentle and ease you into the process. This is where my own energy techniques became my strength, to address the nerves, fears and stage fright!. I learned to be myself, to be authentic as well as being self-compassionate and reminding myself with positive self-talk.
Yes there are things you can plan ahead of time – for example your topic. Start with a main idea and perhaps do a series covering various sub-topics. Make some notes, not a detailed word-for-word script. And tackle the nuts and bolts of the technical side. Get help from a friend or coach and go live with a friend or in a private group that you create and manage.
People aren’t there for a lecture or monologue, they want to learn about the person they see on their screen. Be real, be authentic. Yes, you can turn up in your PJ’s – just not your birthday suit! Have a conversation with your audience. Look at the camera as if you were just speaking to a close friend and focus on telling this friend exactly what you want them to know about you and your business.
Use your camera on your laptop or your mobile phone. Make sure you keep your phone steady unless you want to make your audience feel seasick. Face a window for natural light and be aware of what is behind you. If it is an open room, make sure your teenage son isn’t going to parade through in his boxers, or get a screen so that it feels private for you and your audience. One rule from art I try to always follow is to make sure what appears behind your head. Does it look as if there is something protruding from your head or shoulder? It is distracting, so create a clutter-free background.
If you are ready for support and want to be camera ready, I have a program designed for just this purpose.