Video transcript
When I started making videos, I didn’t show my face. Not for a month. Not even for a year. I kept the camera off for four whole years.
Why? Honestly, because I thought I was too much of everything—too old, too fat, too… Brummie. And I say that with affection, but you probably know what I mean. It wasn’t just about vanity; it was deeper than that.
I had all the excuses ready to go. “I don’t like how I look on camera.” “No one needs to see me.” “It’s just easier to record without the camera—I can be in my pyjamas!” But under all of that was a quieter, more persistent voice that said, “You’re not camera material.”
So I stuck with what felt safe: PowerPoint slides, screen shares, and my voice floating somewhere in the background. And yes, technically, it worked. People watched. Some even found the content helpful. But I noticed it was harder to connect with my audience. It felt harder to build trust. And honestly, it was harder to feel like I was fully showing up as me.
Eventually, I reached a point where I thought, “This is ridiculous.” I was already teaching, already trying to help people—so what exactly was I protecting myself from? Probably judgment. But then again, people will think what they think, regardless of whether they can see your face or not. Most of them, I realised, are too busy worrying about their own wrinkles, accents, and unpredictable hair.
And then I had another thought: when I watch other people’s videos, I actually want to see their faces. Not to judge them, but to feel a connection. To see the person behind the voice. That little human moment matters.
So I showed up. On camera. With my Brummie accent, my older face, and my body that’s lived through a few decades. And—you guessed it—nothing terrible happened. In fact, it was the opposite. People started connecting with me more. Trusting me more. Because they saw me. And I think they recognised a bit of themselves too.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to make videos, but I hate how I look or sound or feel on camera,” I completely understand. I lived that feeling for years. But here’s what I’ve learned: if you wait until you feel confident, you might be waiting forever. Meanwhile, the people who could benefit from what you have to offer? They’re missing out.
This is exactly why I created VoiCE—not for influencers or tech whizzes, but for teachers like you. You’re experienced, thoughtful, maybe a little introverted, and just need someone to say: “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.”
And I’ll show you how. Camera on or off—it’s your call. But spoiler alert? You might find yourself wanting to turn it on before too long.
So if you’re sitting there waiting to feel confident before you begin, let me save you some time: confidence doesn’t come first. Action does. And I’d love to help you take it.
