Hey everyone! Dave the Car Guy here, and today I want to talk about something many of us struggle with: getting comfortable with our own voice and appearance on camera. When I first started, I didn’t like how I sounded or looked on camera. It’s a common hurdle, but trust me, you can overcome it. Here’s how.
Understand the Science Behind Your Voice
First off, let’s tackle the voice issue. Ever wondered why you sound different to yourself than you do to others? It’s all about the way sound travels. When you speak, your voice reaches our ears through air conduction and bone conduction. The vibrations in our skull add depth to our voice, making it sound richer to yourself. When you hear a recording, you only hear the air-conducted sound, which can seem higher and thinner. That’s our true voice—get used to it!
Accepting Your True Sound
The first step in overcoming this discomfort is acceptance. Your voice is unique and distinct, and it’s a part of who you are. People aren’t as critical of your voice as you might think. In fact, they might find it memorable and engaging. Embrace the fact that your voice is a powerful tool for communication.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Like anything else, getting comfortable with your voice and appearance on camera takes practice. Start by recording yourself regularly. Listen to the recordings, not with a critical ear, but with the intent to understand and improve. Over time, you’ll become more accustomed to how you sound and look.
Focus on Your Message
Shift your focus from how you sound and look to what you’re saying. Your audience is there for your message, your knowledge, and your personality. Concentrate on delivering value through your content. When you’re passionate about your message, your confidence will shine through, making your voice and appearance secondary.
Seek Constructive Feedback
Ask for feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues. Constructive criticism can be incredibly helpful. They can offer insights into how you come across and suggest areas for improvement. Remember, the goal is to improve, not to be perfect.
Embrace Your Appearance
Just as with your voice, it’s essential to accept your appearance. On camera, authenticity is key. People appreciate realness over perfection. Be yourself, and let your personality shine. Confidence comes from within, and when you’re comfortable in your own skin, it shows.
Use Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations can work wonders. Remind yourself daily that your voice is unique, and your presence is valuable. Statements like, “I am confident on camera,” or “My voice is engaging and distinct,” can help shift your mindset.
Professional Tips and Tricks
There are also practical steps you can take to improve your on-camera presence. Good lighting, proper posture, and speaking clearly can make a big difference. Invest in a decent microphone and camera setup. These tools can enhance the quality of your videos, making you feel more confident in your presentation.
Learn from Others
Watch videos of other speakers and content creators. Notice how they present themselves, how they use their voice, and how they connect with their audience. You can learn a lot from observing others and incorporating what you find effective into your own style.
Celebrate Your Progress
Lastly, celebrate your progress. Every step forward is a step towards greater confidence. Look back at your early recordings and appreciate how far you’ve come, trust me on THIS ONE LOL! Growth takes time, so be patient with yourself.
Final Thoughts
Getting comfortable with your voice and appearance on camera is a journey. It’s natural to feel self-conscious at first, but with practice, acceptance, and a focus on your message, you’ll overcome these hurdles. Your voice is distinct and your presence is unique, even though when someone tells me that, I still think they are saying I sound or look weird—EMBRACE IT! At the end of the day, we are ALL a little weird anyway…RIGHT!!
Keep pushing forward, stay authentic, and remember, your audience is there for the value you bring. You’ve got this!
Stay tuned for more tips and insights, and as always, keep wrenching and growing!
Dave the Car Guy
