Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to appear on our local Fox news station: Fox17 Morning Mix to discuss my book, Find Your Voice: Conquer Your Fear & Share Your Story With Confidence. As a business coach and author, I’ve spent years helping others overcome their fear of public speaking. Ironically, this firsthand experience made me realize challenges can arise, even for seasoned communicators.

The Live TV Experience

The interview with Michelle Dunaway was a fantastic experience.  The energy was high, and I was excited to share insights with the viewers. However, watching the segment on air, I realized I made a common mistake: I didn’t maintain consistent eye contact with the camera.

While I was engaged in the conversation with Michelle, my gaze often drifted towards her instead of directly into the camera. This subtle shift can significantly impact the viewer’s experience. When you look directly into the camera, it creates a more personal connection with the audience, making them feel as if you’re speaking directly to them.

Lessons Learned and Tips for Success

Oh the joy of lessons in real life! This experience reinforced the importance of practicing eye contact. Here are a few tips to help you improve your on-camera presence:

1. Say the Words Out Loud: Rehearse your message multiple times, focusing on maintaining eye contact with the camera.

2. Imagine Your Audience: Visualize your ideal viewer and speak directly to them.

3. Posture Sets the Tone: Sit or stand with your spine straight, chin up and smile!

4. Minimize Filler Words: Replace “um,” “like,” and “you know” with strategic pauses.

5. Prepare a Strong Close: Have a concise and impactful closing statement ready to wrap up your interview.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The opportunity to learn and grow was amazing and I will not let this small misstep keep me from appearing on TV in the future. This experience has only strengthened my commitment to helping others overcome their fear of public speaking.

Remember, practice equals progress. By consistently honing your skills and applying these tips, you can confidently share your message and captivate your audience.

Are you ready to have a plan to avoid a rookie mistake?  Great then book your Blueprint for Speaking Excellence call today. Click here to schedule.