How to Get Over Your Live Video Nerves

How to Get Over Your Live Video Nerves

Most of us have live video nerves and indeed it’s a rare person who loves public speaking or appearing on video. (If that’s you, you can stop reading right now by the way).

But if you, like me, suffer sweaty palms, racing heart, and uncontrolled butterflies—and you’re letting these get in the way of your video marketing dreams—then read on.

Here’s the thing: We all get nervous. Even those who love public speaking and appear so natural on video are often shaking on the inside. They’ve just found a way to deal with their fear and make it work for them.

Practice Makes Perfect

The first time you do anything, you’re likely to be nervous—especially if it’s a public performance. The only way to lessen the fear is to do it. And keep doing it!

That means not only should you practice your webinar or speech ahead of time, but you should also take to the stage—whether virtual or real—as often as you possibly can. Don’t pass up any opportunity to appear on video, on podcasts, in a webinar or on the stage.

And if you need a place to practice in a judgement-free zone, consider joining a group such as Toastmasters www.toastmasterclub.org,  where you can work to reduce your video nerves in front of a live audience.

No Pressure

Sometimes, the worst judgment comes from our own head. Don’t let that voice lie to you, though. There really is no need to pressure yourself to perform, or to be perfect, and there’s certainly no need to berate yourself for all those small mistakes you make.

Instead, acknowledge that no one is perfect, that you’re doing your best, and that you’re improving with each and every event—because you almost certainly are! Be nice to yourself, and recognize that there really is no need for perfection.

Just Be Yourself

Here’s the biggest hurdle we can face: trying to be someone we are not. We see professional news anchors, actors, and others who appear poised and polished on every video clip, and we think that’s how we have to appear.

That’s simply not true. Your audience wants to get to know you better, not the person you think you should be. So be your fun-loving, mistake-making, self-forgiving self. It will resonate so much better with your audience that everything else will be easier as a result.

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