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As much as video magnifies every aspect of where we are or where we aren’t, it also serves an
equally important function. Video serves as a mirror with invaluable feedback that allows us to
envision where we would like to be. To envision for ourselves, decide for ourselves, and find
within ourselves what we want to exhibit and broadcast.
Even before we press record or step onto a stage how But what if my clients couldn’t do that? What if they
we feel about ourselves is what people pick up first. didn’t have that ability or control?
Before needing help with technology or where to
begin with messaging, the primary concern I receive Early on I came across a commercial director who
from clients is not liking the way they look or feeling gave his clients an exercise to help them feel good
confident about the way they look on camera. And about themselves on camera. What became
often, feeling they don’t look like themselves. immediately clear was the reason we don’t like the
way we look on screen.
It is damaging to every aspect of our confidence, self-
belief, and authority if we don’t like the way we look We hold a younger version of ourselves in our mind
or feel confident about how we appear. than the age we are. That disconnect makes us feel we
do not look like ourselves or like the way we look.
I’ve witnessed this even more profoundly in women That discrepancy is what needs to be reconciled. To
who spent most of their lives feeling and being see, meet, and accept ourselves for where we are in
beautiful. Finding it very hard to reconcile how they the present.
look and feel about themselves in their later years.
Making it even more difficult for them to appear in I performed the exercise, found it deeply rewarding,
front of a camera. and created my own version that has been an integral
part of my work ever since.
Having been an actress for many years before
becoming a Video Performance Coach, I knew the The exercise is a private and quiet journey that takes
emphasis on the visual, along with its intense scrutiny place facing a mirror. A simple, gentle, neutral
especially placed on women. Thankfully, I also gained observation of the woman looking back.
a control and confidence from the profession to 'bend
the elements' to my will to look my best in video and
feel beautiful.
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