Mimi Sparkles Into a Camera!

I did it. I went to a studio and sparkled into a camera for over six hours, recording my online course. This was an idea whose time had come. Working title: “Speak Like a Pro: Have Your Listeners Smiling and Nodding.”

The challenge: how do I project myself into the eye of a camera with as much energy and enthusiasm as I have for coaching you in person? Or speaking to thousands of people?

Advantage: I have been “practicing” on zoom cameras for months: speeches, interactive coaching, countless networking meetings. After all these months of being excited into a little white camera light above my screen, it wasn’t as daunting as expected. Another advantage: my camera team. Two creative experts, Kaleidoscope Media Services, who build e-learning platforms. They had made my presentation deck come alive, and are excellent.

Still, after hours of delivering to the little camera eye, and my little team, how did I keep going? I did what I tell you to do:

1. Prepare. I have taught this course for 30 years, in one form or another, to individuals and groups. But I studied the materials and presentation deck every day before the day of recording.

2. Maintain your energy. Energy is the most important characteristic of communicating. I pictured myself as a fuel pump, pumping out constant energy through my eyes, voice, and hands. My audience deserves that.

3. Take breaks to recharge. Sometimes, I amused my tiny audience with funny stories. I would later learn the camera still rolled, and the word “outtakes” was bandied about. During the lunch break, I used food (ahhh, the guilty pleasure of In-N-Out) and selected tunes from Hamilton, the musical, from the playlist on my phone. Dancing around and singing on the top of my lungs always energizes.

So I walked my walk with all the things I advise you to do. Stay tuned to receive news that the editing and fine tuning are done, and I’m ready to offer it to you.

Meanwhile, we can still work together to craft your answer to the question, “What do you do?” to grow your business. And TEDx has started up again. I’m about to enjoy, from a distance, my most recent client speaking at a TEDx in Chicago. Number 15 for me!

Please contact me to schedule a 30-minute complimentary consult call about how you can sparkle when pitching your business. I will email you my Calendly link.

Photo Credit: Retail Merchants