Chances are you are going to have to record a message for your team, company or conference in the coming weeks or months. And like any mortal human you’re worried about what your face is doing.
What is it doing?
When I record myself, I notice my gummy smile, my crazy eyebrows, my crooked jaw...need I continue But here’s the reality. I’m not a model, I’m an expert.
We’ve all spent more time looking at ourselves than ever before and it can be exhausting and distracting. But people are tuning in for my thoughts, tips, and stories, so I choose to focus on that.
Here’s a strategy to connect rather than perfect.
Step 1: Record yourself talking to the camera about something you are passionate about. Skiing, food, family, pickle ball – whatever. Then play it back. Do your facial expressions match the message? If so skip to step 3.
Step 2: If you noticed a disconnect then let’s work on that.
Print out your talk track and draw some emojis next to the phrases that would benefit from a facial expression.
Add a smile to the words - “Welcome, this is good news, I’m excited…”
Add a frowny face to the words - “I know you’re wondering, this was our challenge…”
Add a sad face to empathetic phrases - “This is tough to hear, we are sad to say…”
Record yourself again using facial expressions that match your message.
Step 3: Do a camera check. Turn on the camera and check your lighting, your background, and your posture, then turn off self-view.
Now you’re ready to present with passion, focusing on the audience not yourself.
You might not look perfect but the content, your passion and your expertise will shine through.
That’s what they came for.