Finding Your Voice: Overcoming Anxieties of Creating Short-Form Video

Hey, everyone!

Fresh off the excitement of The Mortgage Collaborative conference in Nashville, I wanted to share some real talk.

SocialCoach set up a video podcast booth, and man, did we see a range of emotions.

From the total pros who could easily have a second career in broadcasting, to the nervous-but-willing, all the way to the folks who backed out last minute, it was like watching the full spectrum of human comfort levels play out in real-time.

So I wanted to take a few moments and share some of my thoughts around overcoming concerns with short-form video content.

The Spectrum of Comfort Levels

We've all got our hang-ups, right?

Some folks are worried about how they look or sound, while others are just terrified of saying the wrong thing.

And let's not forget the haunting thought that once it's out there, it's out there forever.

You're Already You, and That's Enough

My two cents? People already know what you look, sound, and act like—and guess what? They're still around, and they're still your fans.

So how about we get over these speed bumps and get on the road to creating?

Actionable Advice to Ditch the Fear

• You can't knock it until you try it. Start by practicing.
• Use your phone's camera or voice recorder to get used to hearing and seeing yourself.
• Have a loose script or bullet points to keep you focused, because nothing ramps up the nerves like forgetting what you were going to say. Services like Video Catalyst can make this part easy.
• Tech Your Way Through: Apps can help modulate your voice or even serve as a handy teleprompter.
• Lean on Your Community: Your first audience is your most forgiving one. They'll cheer you on and offer constructive feedback.

The Long Game

It's totally fine if your first video isn't a blockbuster hit.

Your first tries are all about learning—call it the 'First Pancake Theory': The first one's rarely perfect but paves the way for a stack of much better pancakes.

Use analytics and comments to refine your approach. And celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

Why even bother? Because you're already ahead just by contemplating it.

Did you know that 92% of marketers recycle existing assets for their videos? (Source) Just by taking the leap into new content, you're setting yourself apart.

The Final Word

Here's the deal: you absolutely can do this. With each try, you'll get better.

And just by giving it a go, you're already leaps and bounds ahead of those who haven't even tried.

So, what's stopping you? The camera's rolling, and the mic is on. 🎥✨