Start with the Right Mindset

The first time you watch yourself on video, you probably won’t love it.

You might think, “I sound weird,” or “Why do I move like that?” Everyone feels that way. But remember, the goal isn’t to judge how you look. It’s to study how your speech looks and sounds to an audience. Coaches and judges see your performance from the outside. Video lets you do the same.

 

Before you hit record, decide what you’re looking for. Write one clear question on a piece of paper that identifies something specific you want to learn about your performance.

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For example:

• Do my transitions look smooth?

• Do I have any distracting movements or fidgets?

• Am I pacing the climax correctly?

• Is my eye contact consistent?

• Do my gestures match my tone?
   

When you have a focus, you’ll watch with purpose. You’ll stop thinking about your hair and start thinking about your craft.

 

How to Film Yourself

You don’t need fancy equipment to get started.

• A smartphone, tablet, or laptop camera works perfectly.

• You can record straight to your device or directly into Google Drive. Drive only allows videos up to ten minutes, which makes it a great built-in timer for staying under time.

• Set your camera on a desk, table, or stand so you can see your whole self from shoes to head and your full performance space.

• Turn off self-view. Watching yourself while you perform is distracting and can lead to goofiness instead of growth.

 

How Long Does It Take?

Once you’ve recorded, set aside twenty to thirty minutes to review. You don’t have to film or rewatch the entire piece every time. You can focus on one section or a single scene.

 

What Else Do I Need?

Grab a pen and paper.

• Before you hit record, write down what you’re focusing on.

• As you watch the playback, jot down what you notice and what you want to try differently next time.

 

Build a Weekly Rhythm

To get the most out of video self-coaching, make it a habit. Try this simple cadence:

1. Record on Monday or Tuesday. Choose one area to focus on.

2. Review your video the same day or the next. Take notes on what worked and what didn’t.

3. Revise your performance midweek, on Wednesday or Thursday. Practice the changes you wrote down.

4. Re-record on Thursday or Friday to confirm you’ve locked in your changes and leveled up before Saturday’s tournament.
    

Over time, your focus will shift. Instead of cringing at your face or voice, you’ll start spotting growth. You’ll see sharper movement, smoother transitions, and more confidence.

 

You’ll always find things to improve, but if you stay consistent and patient, your progress will skyrocket and all that early cringe will pay off in your ranks, your impact, and your confidence.

 

Ask for Backup When You Need It

Self-coaching doesn’t mean you’re on your own. If you get stuck, use your video as a question for your coach or teammates.

Try something like:

“Can you watch minute 1:10 to 1:55? I’m not sure if that part makes sense.”

 

This shows initiative and helps your coach give specific, helpful feedback. You can also share your videos with alumni or peers for extra perspectives. More feedback means better decisions and better speeches.

 

Getting Over Camera Anxiety

Feeling awkward on camera is normal. To get past it, treat filming like practice, not performance. Remind yourself that nobody has to see this but you.

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The more often you record, the less you’ll care about your reflection and the more you’ll notice your progress. If it helps, imagine you’re the judge. What would you want to see? What would make you believe in this speaker?

 

Break your performance into smaller sections and give each part your full attention. If ten minutes feels overwhelming, start with five, or even ninety seconds.

 

You don’t have to save every recording, but keep one or two from early in the season. When you compare them to where you are now, you’ll see how far you’ve come.

 

The Takeaway

Video self-coaching is one of the most powerful habits you can build in speech. It’s your chance to be your own audience, your own critic, and your own teacher all at once. By filming, watching, and improving, you’re doing what the best speakers do: using every tool available to get stronger, faster, and more confident.

 

So grab your phone, pick one focus question, and hit record. You might not love what you see today, but you’ll love what you create tomorrow.

 

That’s the difference between almost great and truly great. One chooses to wait. The other chooses to work.

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