Hey Greenblasters!

I have a 2-part question for you this week:

1) When was the last time you recorded a video and then watched it, analyzing the way you spoke?

And 2):

How quickly did you want to whip your iPhone out the nearest window?

I fucking HATE watching myself on camera.

I mean, look at this asshole:

And when I was an actor, I couldn’t stand watching my own TV shows or movies.

I would cringe out of my skin whenever I appeared onscreen, and hide my (real-life) face until my stupid (on-camera) face was gone.

And famously, actors like Johnny Depp have said they never watch their own movies, so I thought I was in good company.

But now that I’m a:

• communication coach

• entrepreneur who does sales calls

• video content creator

• and professional public speaker

I’ve learned the vital importance of watching yourself on video.

(And I’m much better at dealing with the cringe!)

If you can do this, it will help you:

1. become aware of your communication habits

2. adjust them as needed

3. and get over your goddamn EGO!

Today, I’m gonna give you a specific, easy way to start watching yourself on camera;

Which will also help you be better on Zoom meetings, sales calls, webinars, or presentations (and who doesn’t want that?)!

Step 1: Download a video-recording / transcribing software

You don’t need a fancy set-up anymore to film yourself.

You just need one of the following free-to-start tools:

1. Fathom.video (this is what I use. Really simple)

2. Fireflies.ai (I also like this one, but you need to pay for video)

3. Read.ai (better for meetings > presentations)

4. Otter.ai (good for just the audio transcript)

5. Yoodli.com (this one gives “public speaking” notes. They’re still working out the kinks but some of my clients like it)

Choose one, go to their website, create an account and follow their instructions for connecting it to your Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet accounts.

Step 2: Record your next meeting, pitch, presentation, or sales call

Whichever video recorder you choose from above, you’ll learn how to hit “RECORD” when you start a video conference meeting (Zoom etc).

Some tips:

1. Make sure the recorder is running!

2. Ask the other person if they’re ok with recording

3. Avoid “performing” for the video as much as you can

4. Offer the person you’re meeting with to send them the recording afterward (people are really grateful for this!)

Step 3: Watch the recording in the tool’s dashboard, and use their “analytics”

This is where the real value of these tools comes in.

Fireflies (for example) will show you:

• How fast you spoke, in words per minute (WPM)

• What % of the call you spoke for (you convo hog!)

• How many questions each of you asked (and what)

• What keywords came up a lot

• And even how often “positive” or “negative sentiments” were expressed

Use these types of analytics to assess if you need to speak faster or slower, or more or less, be more upbeat etc.

Then, with the video recording itself, ask yourself questions like:

• When did the other person LIGHT UP?

• When did they seem to DISENGAGE?

• Could I see the WHITES of my EYES on camera? (Weirdly important)

• Was my FACE engaged enough?

• Was my voice LOUD, CLEAR, and EXPRESSIVE enough?

• Was my body language STRONG and OPEN?

Step 4: Remind yourself no one else cares

As you watch yourself, I guarantee you’ll feel embarrassed.

We all do.

So remind yourself of the great, liberating truth:

No one gives a fuck about you and the way you talk as much as you do.

Watching yourself will allow you to be a better communicator, but NO ONE is judging you as harshly as you judge yourself.

Breathe. It’ll all be worth it, I promise.

That’s it for this week!

Lemme know if you try this out, or already have, and have any questions for me!

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, you can book an hour of 1:1 coaching with me here.

P.P.S. Greenblast out 🚀