“Do I really sound like that?” is a nearly universal question we all say to ourselves when hearing our own recorded voice played back for the first time. There are real, scientific reasons why this is true. When you hear your own voice on a recording, you’re hearing it without the benefit of the sounds that are transmitted directly through the bones in your head which are perceived as deeper, more resonant sounds. (Scientific American)
Similarly, people are often surprised how they appear, or feel they might appear on camera and so I sometimes hear ”I don’t want to be on camera” from my Clients. Whether its false modesty, “real” modesty or some other reason, I can guarantee you that your Clients and Future Clients really want to see you on camera. They want to find out if there’s a connection with you. They want to know if you’re someone they’d like to work with.
Actors and Spokesmodels are useful in certain situations but here’s a little test for you. Next time you’re watching a commercial that features a business owner, ask yourself if it matters to you how good-looking that owner is. In other words, if the owner happens to be attractive does that automatically make you want to do business with them? What if they’re unattractive? Does that turn you completely off from their offering?
For me, it’s more about their message and whether I believe it. Do I feel comfortable with what they are saying. Do I have any sort of connection with them.
For many, many years television has convinced us that in order to be on-screen you must be attractive but in the YouTube Age, it’s clear that the rules have changed.
So comb your hair, fix your collar and tell the world your story. Your Clients and Future Clients will be glad you did.