Creating Convincing Confidence

The shock horror of it all, really…. do we have to do video??My nose looks too big, I don’t have the kit, I don’t have the time, I don’t have the skills.??As a coach, when I first meet clients, I hear so many of those.?Those “I don’t, I can’t and I won’t”.?Firstly it is not even correct grammar for a professional to be using, and why not??What exactly are those obstacles that are holding you back.?Once we’ve cracked the bull and excuses, it nearly always boils down to one element.?They feel insecure over the convincing confidence in their videos.

There is usually some experience, somewhere in their past where they have felt self-conscious, maybe not received the affirmation they were expecting or had been in?a situation where others had stripped them of their self-esteem.?Damn those school plays where we all played the ass…. Did we ever recover??When I first started out as a business woman, I couldn’t even take a selfie, let alone contemplate creating videos with confidence.?My confidence and self esteem was at rock bottom, I hear every bit of cringing that comes from?your inner soul when it comes to just cracking on with it, as I felt it too.?I was so preoccupied, what others would think of my inane and lame attempts at self-branding and promotion.?Imposter syndrome was a big one for me, always worrying about what others would think about me, or finding out that I was not as good in comparison to the pedestal they placed me on.?In fact, I think I truly believed I was a master mind reader, I knew exactly what you would be thinking of me before you even knew I existed.?I knew you weren’t laughing with me, you were laughing at me.?Self-crucifixion was my speciality! ??

In 2022 and beyond, creating video content is non-negotiable when building an online business.?Whether you want to start creating 20 minute YouTube infomercials, post recorded coaching sessions, or promote your brand.?At some point you are going to need to bite the bullet.?Start small.?One of the primary reasons that platforms such as TikTok have exploded, is that you don’t need anymore technical kit than a mobile phone and a good light/window.?Firstly and foremost give yourself the grace and patience that you deserve, as a human learning a brand new and rather baffling skill if you’ve never faced it before. ?Trust me though when I say this, practice will make it all become clear and you’ll be creating reels like a pro in no time.?

Let’s take you through some top tips for boosting your confidence when it comes to creating short form video, and do remember to give yourself that grace, that we all started somewhere.???

Commit

When we deliver content face to face, at meetings, on a stage or a small network meeting we have booked the date!?We’ve committed to showing up and let others know that we will be there.?When first venturing into creating reels for instance, no one knows of our intentions.?It’s so easy to embrace the infamous Welsh saying of “I’ll do it now in a minute”.?The days pass, your anxiety levels have gone through the roof and you’ve still not done it.?In-fact, you’ve convinced yourself of a million and one reasons why not to do it!?Commit some time every week to exploring, learning and practicing.?Let your accountability partner, or a good friend know of your intentions, and give them permission to kick you up the backside.

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Practice

Practice really does make perfect.?Have a go at creating the same reel on each of the major platforms, with the same text, audio and stylings.?Which did you find easiest to use??Don’t worry about what Mary or Bob are using, which platform suits your?methods the best??Find a couple of influencers who regularly post videos on their brand promotion, mindset, coaching, whatever your niche is.??Follow them, and save your favourites.?Have a good stab at recreating them in your style, with your own quirks and oddities.?If you have no oddities, double check in the mirror of self-evaluation, they will be lurking somewhere, embrace them and exploit them- be uniquely you.?Practice talking to spoon, yes a spoon – or a toddler if you have one handy it creates the same response.?Write down how it feels talking with no feedback, how can you create your own feedback??Keep those first videos and reels, really short, go for the 15 second ones, it will help you practice and learn to be concise with your message.?Play with all the different filters, text styles, timings.?The delete button will be your friend for a while and that’s ok.

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Plan

You know what they say, Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents P Poor Performance.?Plan a short and concise message.?If it takes more than 2 sentences to write out or 6 one word bullets, break it down into a series of videos.?Be clear of what your message is, who you are talking to and what action you want them to take.?Create your shooting space, clear it from clutter and place a couple of props if appropriate, maybe your laptop if you work from home, or your protein shake if you’re a gym bunny.?Create some light, artificial or natural, soft lighting from the sides tends to me most flattering.?Set a time to do your video, a time where you’re not going to get that sudden cry from the bathroom “Muuuuuuum I’ve done a poo”, or when there’s general chaos around.?If it helps you feel more postured, get yourself ready as you would if you were speaking at an event.

It would be awesome to go into more detail, which I will on the podcast, episode 9 of the Empower Motivate and Inspire if you can believe it already.?The podcast will be released 23rd March 22, and then on Friday 25th March we will have our Pause for Breath together on zoom on this too.?Where I’ll go through more top tips to help your hidden confidence shine through.?It’s not that you don’t have the confidence, it’s just still under the surface, growing, waiting to emerge and bloom.

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