One thing you should know

Talking to a camera is weird. Here’s why.

It’s unlike anything we do in real life. Even when ordering at a Taco Bell drive-through, a human is behind the little camera.

There’s no feedback

When you and I chat, physical cues show if you agree or disagree, and it guides the conversation.

But the only physical cue a camera gives is what feels like judgmental boredom.

Everyone can listen

Imagine if you were having a conversation at a party, but instead of having a 1-on-1 in a living room with “My Humps” playing a little too loud, you were in a stadium where 100,000 people were quietly listening in?

With video, it’s literally that but worse.

The stakes are as high as the number of views.

Anything that is online lives forever

Technically, digital media gets corrupted within five years, but who am I kidding? This stuff is going to last forever somewhere.

Our poor grandchildren.

Unlike a party where you can have conversations without stakes and very few consequences, you can’t do that with a camera.

One thing you should do

Knowing why things get awkward is the first step to overcoming fear and anxiety.

Here’s how to fix it: talk to one person in your mind.

And I’m not talking about a hypothetical person based on an “ICP.” Think of a real person you know personally and interact with.

As you’re talking, imagine their responses, questions, and needs.

Now, let’s discuss topics.

Do you still have that person in mind? Great. What is the most pressing thing they need to know? What would you say if you could distill 10 minutes of instruction into 1 minute?

Turn that camera around, hit the record button, and start talking directly to them. But don’t use their name. That would be weird.

With a little practice, you'll find that soulless camera will transform into a friend—or at least it won’t be as scary.

And another thing

Videos feel personal when you successfully identify your audience’s point of pain. They also feel personal when you use this little three-letter word. In fact, saying it in the first five seconds can increase your views by 66%.

What should I write about next? Just hit reply and let me know.

Until next time,

Will