Episode #627: How To Get Good On Video

Summary

Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #627 - How To Get Good On Video

Host: Allison Puryear
Release Date: March 8, 2025

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Introduction

In Episode #627 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into a topic increasingly vital for therapists: mastering the art of video content. Titled "How To Get Good On Video," this episode addresses common fears and challenges therapists face when attempting to connect authentically with their audience through video mediums. Whether you're a seasoned therapist looking to enhance your online presence or a newcomer feeling apprehensive about stepping in front of the camera, this episode offers actionable strategies to overcome discomfort and shine on video.

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Overcoming Camera Anxiety

Allison begins the episode by acknowledging the nervousness many therapists feel about recording videos for their practice. She shares her personal journey of struggling with on-camera presence despite having solid scripts and quality equipment. “When I first started I was really, really terrible on camera… I was sweating and I was just being boring” (00:36).

Practical Strategies to Feel Comfortable

1. Simulate Real Conversations:

   Allison discovered that recording herself while teaching a small group of therapists transformed her demeanor on camera. “Talking to an actual person makes a huge difference” (01:30). By having a friend or loved one sit behind the camera, the experience felt more like a natural conversation, reducing the intimidation factor of the lens.

2. Amp Up Your Energy:

   Recognizing that video can sometimes flatten energy levels, Allison emphasizes the importance of slightly increasing one’s natural enthusiasm. “Video tends to flatten your energy… bring just a little bit extra for it to show up on camera” (02:00). This doesn’t mean being inauthentic but ensuring that your personality shines through, even on days when you might not feel your most energetic.

3. Consistent Practice:

   The cornerstone of comfort on camera is regular practice. Allison recommends dedicating just two minutes a day to record a video on your phone, regardless of the topic. “To get the practice… just to get the practice of speaking to a camera and then watching yourself and getting over all the insecurity” (03:15). Reviewing these recordings helps in desensitizing the initial discomfort and building confidence over time.

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Embracing Authenticity Over Perfection

Allison stresses that authenticity trumps perfection in video content. “Your people that follow you don't need perfection. They need authenticity” (04:10). Viewers are more likely to connect with real, relatable content rather than polished, flawless presentations. This philosophy encourages therapists to embrace their unique selves, fostering genuine connections with their audience.

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Additional Resources and Support

To bolster the insights shared, Allison introduces supplementary resources available through the Abundance Practice Building platform:

• Worksheets and Checklists: Practical tools to implement the strategies discussed.
• Free Trainings: Additional modules to deepen understanding and skill.
• YouTube Library: Access to the entire Ask Allison video repository for continuous learning.

For those seeking a more comprehensive dive into video skills, Allison mentions their exclusive marketing course within the Abundance Party membership program. “We have an entire module in our marketing course in the Abundance Party. It’s going to walk you through, step by step, how to get really good on camera” (05:10).

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Conclusion

Allison wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of video as a powerful tool for building and expanding a therapy practice. She encourages listeners to embrace the learning curve, reminding them that “getting comfortable on camera, it’s a skill. And like any skill, it’s gonna get better with practice” (04:50).

Encouragement is also extended to engage with the community by accessing worksheets, sending direct messages for additional resources, and exploring the Abundance Party for more in-depth training.

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Notable Quotes

• Allison Puryear (00:36):
  “When I first started I was really, really terrible on camera… I was sweating and I was just being boring.”

• Allison Puryear (02:00):
  “Video tends to flatten your energy… bring just a little bit extra for it to show up on camera.”

• Allison Puryear (03:15):
  “To get the practice… just to get the practice of speaking to a camera and then watching yourself and getting over all the insecurity.”

• Allison Puryear (04:10):
  “Your people that follow you don't need perfection. They need authenticity.”

• Allison Puryear (05:10):
  “We have an entire module in our marketing course in the Abundance Party. It’s going to walk you through, step by step, how to get really good on camera.”

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Final Thoughts

Episode #627 of the Abundant Practice Podcast serves as an invaluable guide for therapists aiming to enhance their video presence. By addressing common fears and providing structured, practical advice, Allison Puryear empowers listeners to embrace video as a medium for authentic connection and practice growth. With consistent practice, a focus on authenticity, and the support of available resources, therapists can overcome on-camera anxieties and effectively engage their audience.

For additional resources, worksheets, and support, visit Abundance Practice Building or join the Abundance Party membership program at www.abundanceparty.com.

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Timestamp References

• 00:36 - Introduction and initial struggles on camera.
• 01:30 - Importance of simulating real conversations.
• 02:00 - Amplifying energy on video.
• 03:15 - The role of consistent practice.
• 04:10 - Embracing authenticity over perfection.
• 04:50 - Getting comfortable as a skill.
• 05:10 - Introduction to additional resources and the Abundance Party.

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This summary is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode #627 for those who haven't listened, capturing key discussions, insights, and actionable advice shared by Allison Puryear.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign welcome to Ask Allison.

[B]

Y'all ask the questions about having a fun and thriving practice and I answer them. We have a worksheet for you today so you can bring this answer into your life. You can Access [e-mail] links where you'll also be able to ask any questions you have for Ask Allison. If you want more support, we've got some free trainings in there too. If you can't get enough Ask Allison, check out our YouTube channel for our entire Ask Allison library.

[A]

Welcome back to Ask Allison. Here is today's question. I'm so nervous about recording videos for my practice. I want to connect with my audience, but every time I try I feel awkward and unnatural on camera. How do you get comfortable with recording videos? And what advice do you have for therapists who are struggling to show up authentically on video? So first, I want to thank Therapy Notes for sponsoring Ask Allison. I've talked about them for years and you know their features by heart if you've listened to this for a while. But here's what truly sets them apart. First, they genuinely care about your experience. It is not just about troubleshooting. They actively implement user suggested features like therapy search, secure messaging, clinical outcome tracking, real time insurance checks, and a smooth super bill process. Everyone at TherapyNotes believes in the product and wants you to love it too. Plus, they're independently owned, which means no venture capital and no pressure to prioritize investors over customers. This independence allows them to keep prices fair, focus on innovation, and prioritize customer experience. With over 100,000 therapists already on board, they've proven that you don't have to compromise success for quality. If you're ready to see for yourself, try TherapyNotes free for two months with code [e-mail] hi I'm Allison in case you don't know me and we are going to talk about getting on video without feeling super weird. So when I first started I was really really terrible on camera. My scripts were solid and the content was good and I even borrowed fancy lighting and equipment. But as soon as I hit record I got nervous and I could see myself swallowing a lot. I was sweating and I was just being boring. So I re recorded over and over and nothing works. And then I had this idea. I invited a few therap therapist into my office and recorded myself teaching them the same material that I was trying to teach to my camera. And suddenly I was animated, I was energized and I was totally myself. So here's the lesson with that, talking to an actual person makes a huge difference. If at first recording feels really stiff or awkward, try asking a friend or a loved one to sit behind the camera. It's going to feel more natural, like you're having a real conversation and that green light. But that camera is not going to feel quite as intimidating. Next, I want you to amp it up. Something that I have learned is that video tends to flatten your energy. If you want to show up as your natural, energetic self, you need to bring just a little bit extra for it to show up on camera. So for me, that means amping my energy up about 10%. It's not about being fake. It's about ensuring that my normal animation and enthusiasm translate to the camera. And on days when I'm feeling tired or it's early in the morning, and yes, I have recorded plenty of videos with pillow marks still on my face, I bring even more than 10% energy to help balance it out. The third is practice makes comfortable. Practice is the thing that's going to make the biggest difference in you being comfortable on camera. Here's what worked for me that I recommend to all of my students. I want you to spend just two minutes a day recording a video on your phone. It doesn't matter what it's about. Just pick a topic and and talk. Bonus points if it's clinically relevant. But you know, I would rather you just come up with a thing, talk about your day. I don't care. Just to get the practice. Then I want you to watch it. It is so uncomfortable at first. That's the worst part. You don't have to share these videos anywhere. They're just for you. If it's clinically relevant and you're like, okay, I did a pretty good job. Maybe you end up using it somewhere, but if you're just talking about how much you love your dog or the car accident you almost got into on your way to work today, then it's really just the practice of speaking to a camera and then watching yourself and getting over all the insecurity that comes up with that. Next, you do not need to be a professional actor or news anchor to make a good video. What matters is really connecting with your audience. Whether you're recording for social media or your website or course, just focus on being yourself. I know I sound like your mom, but your people that follow you don't need perfection. They need authenticity. And we feel like we have to be perfect when we're on camera sometimes, but that's actually gonna push more people away than bring people in. So getting comfortable on camera, it's a skill. And like any skill, it's gonna get better with practice. Talk to a friend behind the camera. Bring a little extra energy. Don't be afraid to watch and learn from your early attempts. Expect them to be awkward. Please expect them to be awkward. That way you're not gonna beat yourself up as much. Video is a really great strategy to help build your practice, and it is definitely not gonna build itself on its own. Today's worksheet include some other popular strategies to consider if you are building your practice. DM me the word sheets to get this week's worksheet on popular ways to market your practice, and you'll also be able to access all the previous ones in the series. You've got this. I'm here for you. I'll see you next time on Ask Allison. And if you want a deeper dive on Everything video, we have an entire module in our marketing course in the Abundance Party. It's going to walk you through, step by step, how to get really good on camera because I think it's a big part of the future of building a practice. If you would like to check that out, then send me a DM with the word party. All right, take care.

[B]

If you're ready for a much easier practice, TherapyNotes is the way to go. Go to therapynotes.com and use the promo code abundant for two months free. I hope that helped. If you have questions for Ask Allison or you want to get your hands on the worksheet for this episode, go to abundancepracticebuilding.

[A]

If you're listening.

[B]

You probably need some support building your practice. If you're a super newbie, grab our free checklist using the link in the show notes. I'd love for you to follow rate and review, but I really want you to share this episode with a therapist friend. Let's help all our colleagues build what they want.