Are you boring online?
How to be more engaging on video
As a woman in midlife, I feel like I have one foot in the current online world and one foot in VHS recordings of the past. 📹
Be kind and rewind, remember that?!
Although I enjoy being on video and helping other women speak with charisma and confidence online for their meetings and recordings, the media landscape is constantly shifting, and the pace can feel overwhelming.
It’s no wonder I see so many brilliant midlife women still hiding behind their screens during online meetings or struggling to record a video that shows their true, vibrant selves for Webinars or Social Media.
We didn’t grow up with phones that had cameras; we had phones with cords, and most of us weren’t taught online presentation skills.
You want to share your wisdom and great ideas, but your delivery might fall flat, leaving you to wonder, “Am I boring online?”
Here are three proven ways to boost your energy and engagement online:
1. Be Dynamic & Take Up Space:
Video flattens our voices when we speak, so stay dynamic to keep your listeners engaged. Use facial expressions, including your mouth, eyes, and eyebrows, to express your thoughts and emotions. Stay animated so you are not just a talking head.
Communication expert Vanessa Van Edwards shares research that suggests people trust us more when we show them our hands. You can use hand gestures to communicate your ideas and foster trust and a deeper connection.
Make sure to center yourself and fill about three-quarters of your screen so YOU are the main character.
Avoid appearing too “professional” and “formal,” as it can drain your energy; instead, stay playful and focus on being authentic rather than perfect. Be sure to do a quick physical and vocal warm-up to get your energy flowing before you log on.
2. Share Something Personal:
I recently had the chance to work with a professional woman who was being honored with a lifetime achievement award for her groundbreaking research in women’s reproductive health.
She delivered a speech where she shared how giving birth to her daughter inspired her twenty years of research into gestational diabetes.
Even though she was naturally shy, sharing something personal made her speech much more human, and she highlighted her wisdom in a relatable way.
By sharing her personal story, she connected with her listeners from start to finish.
3. Speak to ONE Person:
Have you ever watched a talk or video where it felt like the presenter was speaking directly to you? They are probably focusing on just one listener, not trying to address a large crowd.
You can choose a single audience avatar if you're speaking online to help you connect directly, since you might not see your listeners. When I host my monthly live Substacks, I imagine speaking directly to one woman I can help, rather than a group, which makes it feel more personal and direct.
Some exceptional examples of midlife women who speak directly include:
If you want to learn more about how to be engaging online, I’ll be leading a workshop where we talk about these three skills in depth:
✨“How to Shine Online: Be More Engaging in Zooms, Videos & Virtual Talks”✨
Workshop Details:
Date: This Thursday, 7/24/25
Time: Noon PST / 3 PM EST (30 minutes)
Where: Live here on Substack at Love Your Voice
I designed this workshop for midlife women who want to feel more confident and connected when speaking online, in meetings, and on camera.
Whether you feel stuck in the “professional-but-stiff” zone or don’t know how to make your delivery match your wisdom and warmth, this workshop is for you.
We have come a long way from camcorders; we can now present ourselves as our authentic selves in any medium. 📹 ✨
Stay Calm & Speak On,
Jessica
P.S. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I feel flat on video?”, you’re not alone. Let’s fix that, together. Join me tomorrow at Noon and learn how to shine your way online.
Want help with how you come across on camera?
👉 Book a Speaking Feedback Call for just $27
or
🌟 Join the Love Your Voice Community to get it for free!
Such good wisdom here!