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Every time I speak at a conference, somebody waits until almost everyone else has left before they come talk to me. They usually lower their voice a little and admit they know they should be making videos for their business. Then they tell me why they haven’t started. They hate being on camera, they don’t know what to say, or they think they’re simply too introverted to pull it off.
I understand because I’m wired the same way. People assume that because I spend time speaking on stages and recording podcasts, I must come by it naturally. Not even close (insider secret: I’m a closet introvert!). The difference is that I’ve done them enough times that they don’t scare me anymore.
Somewhere along the way, business owners got the idea that making videos means putting on a performance. We watch polished creators online and assume we need the same lighting, the same confidence, and the same personality. That’s a pretty intimidating standard, especially if you’re naturally quiet.
I’d much rather you think of yourself as a teacher than a performer.
Think about how you answer questions when you’re sitting across the table from a customer. You don’t memorize a script. You don’t suddenly become louder or more animated. You simply listen, explain, and try to help. That’s exactly how your videos should feel.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is scripting every word. It feels safer, but it almost always sounds like someone reading instead of talking. A few bullet points are usually enough to keep you on track while still sounding like yourself.
The other thing I wish more people understood is that your audience isn’t paying nearly as much attention to you as you think they are. We worry about our hair, our voice, the background behind us, or whether we stumbled over a sentence. The moment you start sharing something useful, people stop thinking about you and start thinking about themselves. They’re asking whether what you’re saying can help them solve a problem.
Some of my favorite videos were recorded in airports while I was rushing between flights or just sitting in my car. They weren’t polished, and I certainly didn’t look like I’d spent an hour getting camera-ready. They worked because they were timely and useful. That’s what people connected with.
I’ve also learned that batching videos works much better for me than trying to record one every day. Once I’m mentally ready to be on camera, I stay there for a while. I’ll even change jackets or take my glasses off so the videos don’t all look like they were recorded on the same afternoon. It’s a lot easier than trying to convince myself to get back in front of the camera every morning.
I actually think introverts have an advantage that doesn’t get talked about enough. They tend to listen carefully, think before we speak, and focus on meaningful conversations instead of trying to fill every second with noise. There are plenty of customers who appreciate that. They aren’t looking for the loudest voice on social media. They’re looking for someone they trust.
If you’re waiting until you finally feel comfortable on camera, I’d encourage you to stop waiting. I used to joke that I’d rather chew glass than speak in public. Practice changed that. Video works the same way. Your first few recordings may feel awkward, but confidence grows through repetition.
Your customers don’t need another performer. They need someone who’s willing to help.
