How to stop overthinking the camera and start coming across like yourself. The first time I really started paying attention to myself on camera, I discovered something slightly horrifying. I knew how to talk. And I knew my material. After all, I had spent years in corporate environments where I could sit across from executives, make my case, and feel perfectly comfortable doing it. But put a camera in front of me? The problems were EVERYWHERE. What was I doing with my hands? They looked like they had a life of their own and were taking over the screen. Was I sitting on a tack? Maybe, because I was leaning over slightly, doing a pretty convincing impression of the Tower of Pisa. Meanwhile, my eyes were looking at something in the distance (maybe a cheat sheet?) and my voice sounded like I was reading a hostage statement. Forget the Twilight Zone.... Welcome to the Red Light Syndrome It's positively eerie. That little recording light has an amazing ability to make perfectly capable people forget how to be themselves. And I understand it because I’ve been on both sides of the equation. I went from the corporate world into acting and voiceover, where being comfortable in front of a camera or microphone is quite literally part of my job. What I’ve learned is that camera confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a skill. And like any skill, you can get much better at it. So whether you’re on Zoom, recording a LinkedIn video, filming training content or preparing for an interview, here are 10 things that can make an immediate difference. Please, learn from my mistakes! 1. Recognize Red Light Syndrome You’re perfectly articulate until somebody says, “We’re recording.” Then suddenly you’re aware of your hands, your face, your voice and your posture. Even your eyebrows seem to be doing things without permission. Weird. That’s Red Light Syndrome. The important thing is to understand what’s happening. And relax! You haven’t suddenly lost your ability to communicate. You’re simply trying to talk while also monitoring yourself, and that’s a lot harder than it sounds. It's not particularly helpful, either, so please stop it. Actors train for this. Broadcasters, too. It's a skill you can pick up, as well. 2. Talk to the Viewer, Not the Camera This is one of my favorite tricks: don’t talk to the camera. Talk to a person through the camera. Picture one specific person on the other side of that lens. Maybe it’s a client, a colleague or someone who really needs to hear what you have to say. Then talk to that person as if they were physically right there in front of you. You’ll probably notice a difference almost immediately. Your voice becomes more conversational, your face relaxes and you stop sounding as though you’re “presenting.” You come across more as a friend, which is exactly what we want. The person watching needs to feel a connection with you, and this is one of the best ways to create that feeling that you're having a 1:1 conversation with them. 3. Know Your First Sentence Do you want people to click away before you even finish your first sentence? Then please don’t start your next video with, “Hi, everyone. So, ummm... I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to talk about today...” Or don't start with, "Hi, my name is ________ and I want to talk to you about...." Ho hum, on to the next video. Hit the ground running with an interesting observation, statistic, or fun fact. Something that gets my attention. A question works. Even a corny dad joke done right (and if it's relevant) will make me smile and see what else you have to say. Here are some examples: “Are you making this mistake on Zoom?” “Your presentation problem probably isn’t your content.” "82% of people creating content are doing this one thing wrong." Once you get that first sentence out confidently, everything gets easier. 4. Be a Person, Not a Talking Head The most engaging people on camera are the ones who look comfortable in their skin. They're relaxed, their expression changes as they talk, and they move naturally within their frame. Sit or stand tall, relax your shoulders and position the camera at roughly eye level. Give yourself enough room in the frame to move naturally. And yes, use your hands. You use them when you talk to people in real life, don’t you? Your body is part of the conversation. Let it participate. 5. Look at the Lens This one trips up almost everybody. It sounds simple, but often it's not, especially in Zoom rooms. When you look at someone’s face on your computer screen, it feels to you as though you’re making eye contact. But if you’re talking to someone in a Zoom box fairly far away from your camera lens, let's say near the bottom of the gallery view, everyone may just be seeing the top of your head. What if you're recording a video directly to your audience? You may very well be looking away from them, especially if you're trying to reference notes that you may have posted to one side of your camera. Here's the thing: the camera lens is your viewer's eyes. That doesn’t mean you have to stare into it like you’re trying to hypnotize somebody, but when you want to make a point or create connection, look there. If you need notes, keep them as close to the camera as possible, so your eyes aren’t constantly darting around. 6. Dress for the Camera You don’t need a special “video wardrobe,” but clothes do behave differently on camera. Tiny patterns can look strange. Very bright colors can take over the frame. Jewelry that seems perfectly innocent in person can become surprisingly noisy when there’s a microphone nearby. My basic rule is simple: I want people looking at you, not wondering what your blouse is doing. If something is fighting for attention, simplify it. Your face and your message should get top billing. Want a go-to look? Pick a shirt or blouse in a solid color, one that looks good on you. Stay away from white, though; it doesn't always reflect well on camera. Note your background, and choose a color that complements vs. one that competes with it for attention. 7. Take One Good Breath When we get nervous, we tend to breathe more shallowly. Then we start talking faster, our voices get tighter, and suddenly we’re racing through a two-minute video as though someone has released the hounds. Before you start, take a good breath. Let it out. Drop your shoulders and then begin. You do not need a 20-minute meditation before every Zoom call. Sometimes one decent breath will do nicely. 8. Vary Your Speaking Delivery A Zoom meeting is not a LinkedIn video. A training video is not a podcast. And none of those is a commercial. Different situations need different pacing and energy. On Zoom, people need a little more time to absorb information and respond. With prerecorded video, you can usually tighten things up. Also remember that nerves mess with your internal speedometer. You may think you’re speaking at a lovely, leisurely pace while everyone else hears an auctioneer. Every once in a while, record yourself and watch it back. Yes, I know. Nobody enjoys doing this at first. Do it anyway. You’ll start noticing where you rush, where your energy drops and where a pause would make your point much stronger. 9. Wake Up Your Voice As a voice actor, I’m especially aware of this one. Your voice is a huge part of how you come across. You don’t need an elaborate vocal warm-up before recording a short business video, but give your voice a chance to wake up before you expect it to perform. Hum a little. Read your opening aloud. Loosen your jaw. And please don’t put on your “professional voice.” You know the one. It sounds Very Serious and Important and nothing like you. Your natural voice is almost always more interesting. 10. Practice Until You Stop Thinking About It You're not going to get away from practicing. The truth is, nobody becomes comfortable on camera by waiting to feel comfortable on camera. You get there by doing it. I didn’t go from the corporate world into acting and voiceover because I woke up one morning magically comfortable in front of a lens. I learned. I practiced. I took direction. I tried things that worked and quite a few things that absolutely did not. And I bombed more than a few times. Eventually, the mechanics became familiar enough that I stopped thinking about them so much. And that’s really where you want to get. You stop wondering what your hands are doing. You stop monitoring every facial expression. You stop trying so hard to look and sound “professional.” You just communicate. And that’s the whole point. Before You Hit Record... Become More Confident On Camera You do not need to fix everything at once. Pick one thing to work on. Maybe this week you pay attention to your eyeline. Next week, notice your pace. Then work on your opening. Small changes add up quickly when you actually practice them. The goal isn’t to look like someone who has spent 20 years in front of a camera. The goal is to look like you. Just more comfortable, more confident and far less concerned about what your eyebrows are doing. Still Feeling Awkward on Camera? That’s exactly the kind of thing I help people fix. In my one-on-one coaching, we work on how you actually come across when the camera goes on. We look at what’s helping you connect, what’s getting in your way and what relatively small changes can make a surprisingly big difference. Because you don’t need to become someone else on camera. You need to get comfortable enough to let us see you. And yes, your hands will eventually figure out what to do. What’s your biggest on-camera challenge? Let’s talk about it. I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and communication strategist. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER • ON CAMERA • CONSULTATION & COACHING

What actors know about making business communication feel more human. I had a commercial callback recently that reminded me of something I wish more business professionals understood. For my first audition, I was alone. Just me, the script, and the camera. For the callback, they brought in another actor. Why? Well, casting already knew we could each do the job. Now they wanted to know what happened when we had another human being to deal with. That's a totally different dynamic. They were watching... Would we actually listen to each other? Pick up on little cues? React naturally? Change what we were doing based on what we were getting back? Or would we simply stand there and deliver our well-rehearsed lines at each other? That distinction matters far beyond acting. The Real Reason Effective Communication Doesn't Always Land I see this constantly with otherwise terrific communicators. They know their stuff. They’ve prepared. They care deeply about getting their message across. And then they start talking. You can see it immediately in their faces. There's suddenly a second conversation going on inside their heads: Am I talking too fast? Did I explain that well? Where am I supposed to look? I forgot what I was going to say next. Oh God, what are my hands doing? That's a huge problem. The more attention we give that internal critic, the less attention we have available for the actual human being in front of us. And people feel the difference. Communication starts to break down the moment your attention leaves the other person and turns toward yourself. The result? You may be saying all the right things... and still leave someone oddly unmoved. Stop Trying to Sound Better Here’s one of the seeming contradictions I’ve learned from acting: Trying to look confident rarely produces your most confident performance. Trying to sound sincere can make you sound less sincere. Trying desperately to be interesting can make you… well, you know. Yes, it's self-defeating. What's worse, it can take years to realize what you're doing wrong and unlearn everything you thought you knew. So what do you do? I found the answer in my acting work. Actors work much better when we have something to accomplish with the other person. That's why we're trained to put a purpose to every sentence and everything we do. Actors call these intentions. Instead of deciding how to say something, we decide what we're trying to accomplish with the other person. That intention influences everything: our tone, energy, timing, even how we react. And the result feels far more natural and believable. An intention can be as simple as: Convince her. Reassure him. Get them excited. Make her understand. Now try putting an intention behind what you want to communicate in a sales call, presentation, speech, or video. Stop monitoring your own words or trying to impress people. Instead, ask yourself: What do these people need from me? That one question changes where your attention goes. And that changes how you communicate, Why Great Communication Feels Like a Conversation Voice actors use exactly the same principle, even when we're standing completely alone in a recording booth. We're constantly asked to “make it conversational.” But you can't have a conversation with a microphone. So we create the other half of it in our imagination. Here's the key: one person. Not “consumers.” Not “the target demographic.” Someone specific. Once I know who that person is and why I’m talking to them, the script changes. The words have somewhere to go. And that’s exactly what should happen when you look into a camera lens, stand on a stage, lead a meeting, or sit across from a prospective client. You're not simply delivering information. You're trying to reach another human being. That's an important distinction, because the people you're communicating with aren't just evaluating what you know. They're deciding whether you understand them. It's all about trust. Can they trust you? Are your ideas worth listening to? And most importantly, will they put their trust in your hands, work with you, or turn to you for guidance? That's the difference between simply being an expert and becoming a trusted advisor. 3 Questions That Can Transform the Way You Communicate Before your next important communication, forget about trying to be impressive for a minute. Ask yourself three things: Who am I talking to? What do they need from me? What do I want to change for them as a result of this conversation? Then put your attention there. Not on whether you sound “executive enough.” Not on executing the presentation exactly the way you practiced it. On them. Because people rarely remember whether you delivered every sentence perfectly. They remember whether they felt engaged. Whether you understood them. Whether they trusted you. Whether something about you felt real. And ultimately, whether they believed you. That’s the part of acting that has very little to do with acting. And everything to do with effective communication. Are You Communicating? Or Just Delivering Information? If you're wondering how you come across when it matters, I invite you to download my Believability Review. It can help you spot some of the habits that may be weakening your impact without you realizing it. Because the goal isn't to become a different speaker... or to memorize more techniques or find mor impressive words. It's to get out of your own head long enough to genuinely connect with the person in front ofyou. Sometimes that surprisingly small shift can make a very big difference. ✨ Get your Believability Review ✨ I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER • ON CAMERA • CONSULTATION & COACHING

A little Q&A can make your website easier for AI to find Four of my newest clients didn't find me through mass email marketing. They found me through ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI search. "WHAAT?" I get that all the time. It's quickly followed up by "How? What do I have to do?" My mind works in weird ways. It immediately went to one of my favorite Monty Python' skits, "How not to be seen." Totally outrageous, hysterical, and something that would never ever be broadcast in this time and day. Worth searching on YouTube, though. Heck, here's the link. Your goal to winning more business in today's world, however, is to most definitely find ways to be seen. And creating online visibility is paramount for Google and AI search to find you. So let me get right to the good stuff: Your primary online strategy is to create concise, structured content that directly answers conversational queries. The more external authority and recognition you have, the better your chances to be found. So what makes AI recommend one business over another? We all want our businesses to be seen. Not just by Google, but by the AI tools millions of people now use every day to find businesses, experts, and solutions. This blog post is actually part experiment, part case study. My website platform (Wix) has been suggesting dozens of AI-related questions it thinks I should answer to improve my visibility. Rather than ignore them, I decided to answer many of those questions publicly and see what happens. Will it improve my Ai search rankings? Who knows, but we'll find out together. Here's what I'm covering in this article: Why AI wants your website to answer questions Why local content matters, even if you serve clients worldwide What AI appears to value most How I'm using Wix's AI suggestions as a real-world experiment Whether any of this actually leads to new business (which is kind of the point in all this!) AI Takeaway # 1 The clearer you answer real customer questions, the easier it becomes for AI to understand and recommend your expertise. One thing quickly became obvious: AI isn't just interested in what i do. It also wants to know where I do it. Without further ado, here are the questions with my answers, along with commentary about how AI seems to value certain types of information. A future blog will have to report back with the results. Questions About Locality and AI Visibility For someone who works with clients around the world, it seems a bit odd to me that I’m prompted to talk about whom I serve and how I serve them locally. In Atlanta, specifically. These questions take a concept and then spin it a thousand ways by asking: Where can I get coaching for webinars in Atlanta? Best coaching for public speaking on camera in Atlanta? Where to find an on-camera coach in Atlanta? Where can I get personalized coaching for video interviews in Atlanta? Voice-over services for TV ads in Georgia? Who offers voice-over services for commercials in Atlanta? How to book a voice actor for industrial videos in Atlanta? Where to find a voice actor for film projects in Atlanta? Best place to hire a voice artist for podcasts in the US? Who offers voice-over services for commercials in Atlanta? How to book a voice actor for industrial videos in Atlanta? Where to find a voice actor for film projects in Atlanta? See the pattern? I've found that serving the local community is quite important to the AI algorithm, so it wants the content creator to specify the home city and state. You may also wonder why there are so many leading questions about voiceover services, especially if you know me as someone who coaches executive presence and on-camera confidence. Well, Wix knows from my content and history that my website started as a voiceover-only site. I added the on-camera and coaching components later, which continue to expand. I have a lot of content about my voiceover services, with landing pages specific to each genre and many early blog posts dedicated to them. For those who ARE interested in wanting to know how to get into voice over or how to book voice actors, I’ve attached those links. Here’s the overall answer to the specific questions above, first those about coaching you to become better on camera yourself, and then about voice over and how find someone to help you with your project. Questions About On-Camera Coaching I’ll group similar questions together, so as not to be repetitive. These questions lead with Zoom, but also apply to other meeting technologies, recording videos, teaching webinars and masterclasses, or leading live group sessions such as panel discussions. Where to get coaching for Zoom presentations in Atlanta? A: You can find coaching for in-person and on-camera presentations with me. I teach techniques for shining in your delivery for webinars, masterclasses, Zoom meetings, panel discussions, and speaking on stage. I'm a veteran of all the above, with real experience speaking and presenting to clients, colleagues, and executives. Presenting specifically on Zoom (or Teams or Google Meet or what-have-you) means knowing how to use its basic functionality and adjusting your technique to a virtual audience. It's particularly challenging when your attendees have their cameras off; it can feel like you're talking to a wall! I can guide you past that challenge to deliver a presentation — and handle the Q&A afterwards — like a pro. If you attend enough workshops, you’ll see a growing number of coaches and trainers demand that attendees keep their cameras on from start to finish. This is becoming a part of coaching training. As with a live (studio) audience, it helps speakers literally see if their content is landing. Are attendees following along or are they hopelessly lost — or worse — bored out of their skulls? It’s also a psychological prop for the speakers, so they don’t feel like their talking into the void. I’m of the opinion that it shouldn’t matter. Many attendees can’t be glued to their desks for an extended period of time or can only listen, for example, while in their cars or via replay (if one is offered) at a later time. I teach techniques to help coaches and speakers get past the need for active faces looking back at them. After all, as an on-camera and voice actor, I’m often alone with the camera or microphone; the final result, though, must always feel like a 1:1 conversation with the viewer or listener. How can on-camera coaching improve Zoom presentations? AI loves for you to address the nitty-gritty, such as focusing on Zoom presentations vs. those presented via Teams or Google Meet or any other technology. Fair enough, but to avoid losing readers, I’m summarizing again. A: Any type of presentation, whether in-person or virtual via Zoom, Teams, etc. should actively engage the audience. Public speaking is hard enough for most people, but the camera holds another level of challenges. Especially for anyone pre-recording content, such as videos, your audience is not physically in front of you or always visible. Reactions are harder to gauge and adjust to. It's trickier to balance audience attention on you vs. your slides, if you use them, and to interactively engage with questions popping up in a chat or sidebar conversation. I teach my clients how to juggle all this and more, while coming across naturally, authentically, and with a passion for their subject. It's so easy for an audience to lose interest or multitask (usually on their phones), so you need to be a little of an entertainer to keep attention where you want it. Where can I get personalized coaching for video interviews in Atlanta? I decided to answer this particular question because it addresses a growing concern. Not just for pre-recorded video interviews, but also for live interviews and panel discussions conducted at TV studios and on stage at industry conferences. A: My 1:1 coaching approach is tailored to my clients’ particular needs. Some need help moving past stiff formality to be seen as more relatable and personable. Others want help with the mechanics of adjusting their speaking style for the camera vs. in person in the boardroom or on stage. Still others look for ways to reduce anxiety or eliminate verbal crutches, such as peppering their speeches with too many “um’s” and “uh’s.” Everyone is different, so if you’re looking to better balance your authority and expertise with a more approachable and likeable persona… please reach out. Questions About Voice Overs At first, I was surprised by how many questions AI generated about my voiceover work. Then it made perfect sense. Wix knows my website originally focused on voice acting before I expanded into executive presence and on-camera coaching. AI isn't just reading today's content. It recognizes the history and depth of expertise across my site. Isn't that a rather interesting insight? Who offers voice-over work for PSAs in Georgia? As a voice actor, I work in many genres, and PSA is one of many niche categories. I do wonder why AI thinks it's important enough to be singled out vs. one of the larger and better-known genres, such as commercial, corporate, or animated voiceover work. A: Voice-over (or VO) work for PSAs and other genres is typically offered by local talent agencies, specialized studios, and freelance voice actors like myself. Professional voice actors have broadcast-quality home studio with Source Connect for directed sessions, so most work is done remotely. Any good voice actor worth their salt would be happy to record a custom audition for your project at no cost. All you have to do is ask! (You can find me here.) Some clients still book from demos — and we voice actors love them for it! If you’re looking for voice talent, be sure that the actor can replicate the quality and range you hear on their demos. I like to think that most voiceover demos accurately represent the talent, training, and experience of their actors. Unfortunately, there are stories of clients getting burned by hiring people who required a lot of direct coaching and too much post-production editing to achieve the sound they liked. Where to find voice actors for commercials, film, and TV? A: There are a number of places to find voice actors for your projects, whether it’s for a national television or digital campaign or your company’s internal training videos. Talent agencies throughout the country have rosters of voice actors across ages, ethnicities, genders, and other criteria. Many agencies feature their talent on their websites, complete with demos and information about their actors’ vocal prints. If you have a local or regional project, reach out to your local or regional agencies. If you’re not sure where to begin, I’d be happy to suggest a few in your area. If your project is large in scope (budget, national or worldwide usage), look to the larger agencies or reach out to… Voiceover casting directors specialize in working with you to understand your exact needs and translating your vision into creative and technical specifications they share with agencies or individual voice actors. Casting directors apply their knowledge and experience to listen to hundreds, if not thousands, of auditions before presenting you with a short list to choose from. Casting directors typically work on larger projects, and again, I know some excellent and reputable people I’d be proud to recommend. Voiceover casting sites offer low-cost solutions for finding talent, but on the flip side, you’ll be bombarded with hundreds of auditions from voice actors who may or may not be capable of doing the work. I’m talking technique, recording sound quality, ability to deliver more than a voice that reads your script, etc. It’s up to you to sort through them all and find someone who fits your specifications. There are many wonderful voice actors on these sites, but keep in mind that they’re usually not the ones offering bargain-basement pricing or unlimited usage for your project. Looking for a recommendation? I’d be happy to suggest several based on your needs and location (some better serve the European market, for example). Direct contact with voice actors via Google or AI search (just state specifically what you’re looking for), referrals from others in the industry, or outreach from the voice actors themselves. You can also easily search on the socials; many of us post content on multiple channels. We also are known to send cold emails to video producers, agencies, and others in the industry known to keep internal rosters of voice actors on call. If you’re brave, just post your needs on LinkedIn, Facebook, or your favorite social channel. Believe me, you’ll hear from plenty of people interested in talking with you! Don’t overlook recommendations from voice actors you’ve worked with in the past. We’re a friendly, supportive community and if we can’t help you directly, we’re happy to refer you to others who can. For example, I’ve recommended male voice talent and others with particular language skills. While we’re not agents ourselves, we often know of someone who could be a perfect fit for your project. AI Takeaway # 2 The more complete your website is, the easier it becomes for AI to connect people with the specific service they're looking for. How do I know if I’m working with a qualified, professional voice actor? A: It doesn’t matter if the voice actor has 20 years of experience or just completed their training last month. What matters is that you have the right voice for your project — and a good person who’ll deliver a quality result to your satisfaction. There are, however, a few “must haves” if you want a positive, easy experience. Make sure the voice actors has the following: Professional, broadcast-quality recording space It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it has to deliver excellent sound quality. You’re wasting your time and money if the recording is poorly done or with outside noise or echoes that can’t be edited out in post-production. Demo or demo clip that accurately showcases their acting range The important qualifier in “voice actor” is the acting itself. You’re probably not looking for a reader. Karen from accounting can do that. You want someone who can interpret your script and bring it to life for the listener to increase sales, expand your audience, or whatever else is your objective. Responsive, reliable customer service Find someone who’s easy to work with and who prioritizes your project, especially if you require a fast turnaround, a rush delivery, a remote-directed recording session, and one or more pickups soon after. This goes hand in hand with… Accessibility If you’re creating promos, political ads during election years, or even automotive ads when you need a brand voice for high volume, high turnaround projects… make sure that you have someone who is available when you need them. While many voice actors like myself travel with equipment for last-minute jobs or emergency pickups, don’t create headaches for yourself or your team by hiring someone who can’t respond as quickly as you need them. Also, if you plan on directing sessions remotely, specify that the chosen voice actor must have the capability to do so. Most talent agencies require their rosters to have Source Connect in their booths for these types of remote-directed sessions. What do I need to know when working with a voice actor? A: Glad you asked! I have a free, downloadable PDF on that very subject that you can access here. Questions About Acting for Film, TV, and Commercials OK, this post is getting a bit long, so I’m going to wrap it up a little quicker in this section. Why should I hire an actor for my corporate video? A: While you may have natural talent among your employees, chances are your video will receive a much better response if you have a trained actor hosting or narrating your corporate video. A good actor will sound like a trusted colleague or a friendly authority figure sharing your message. Many industrials (internally-used videos) use teleprompters, especially when there is a lot of material to cover. Or if the content is highly technical in nature. Warning, warning! Most people don’t know how to use a teleprompter correctly. The last thing you want is a “talking head” reading to your viewer. It’s painfully obvious and incredibly annoying. Where do I find actors for my commercial or film? A: Agencies are excellent places to start! That’s where I get most of my on-camera commercial and film/TV bookings. (The rest come directly from referrals and past clients.) Looking for a good reputable on-camera agency in your area? Reach out to me and I’ll do the legwork for you. Chances are I already know a few that you’ll find wonderful to work with. How do I get into acting for commercials, movies, and TV? A: The good news is that you can start at any age. While I did some work in my 20s and 30s, I dove into it full-time well past my prime and found plenty of opportunities, especially in commercials. I can share a lot with you on the subject. It’s also been a popular topic in my public speaking career. I have written a blog or two about it, so if you’d like to read more, here's a place to start. Does AI Search Optimization Actually Work? In my experience... it does. Most of my newest clients found me through AI search, especially ChatGPT, Claude, and Google's AI-powered search results. Did it happen overnight? Not even close. I’ve spent the last five or six years publishing hundreds of videos, blogs, LinkedIn newsletter articles, and social content about on-camera confidence, communication, executive presence, voice acting, and on-camera acting. Every piece added another signal that helped AI understand what I do and who I help. Consistency matters. So does depth and authority. But here's the part that I think matters most. I didn't write any of that content for AI. I wrote it for people, which ironically, is exactly what AI seems to reward. The better you answer real questions and create content that's genuinely helpful, the more likely AI is to recommend you. It's rather encouraging, because it means we don't need to become robots to compete in an AI world! We just need to become even more human. Believable, relevant, and trustworthy. That's what earns attention. And ultimately, that's what earns trust. Five Ways to Increase Your AI Search Visibility Answer the questions your customers actually ask. Organize your content with clear headings and concise answers. Include local information when it's relevant. Publish consistently to demonstrate expertise over time. Write for people first. AI will follow. Have you started seeing traffic or clients from AI search yet? I'd love to hear what's working for you. ✨ Upcoming Event ✨ Show up boldly and unapologetically human on camera! I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER • ON CAMERA • CONSULTATION & COACHING

I asked ChatGPT what it thought about humans becoming more like AI. Here's what it said. Well, I didn't expect that from a bot! "The future doesn't belong to the people who become the best robots. It belongs to the people who stay human." I'm glad I asked. I've been thinking about what the optimal mix of AI and human should be when creating content. And I'm certainly not the only one. AI is rather hard to avoid; it's just about everywhere. And it's being abused. Or at least its applications are when it comes to pushing sales promotions harder than a used car salesman on TV. You tell me: Your inbox Your DMs Your message apps Your YouTube feed with 95 year old women speaking for 20 minutes without a stumble, mind fart, or obvious edit, telling you how to get your life straightened out while there's still time. And of course, our all-time favorite: AI-generated comments on AI-generated social media posts. Yeah, we just love getting those. Attention, attention! If there's a human in the room, please raise your hand. PLEASE? What's a bit strange (and rather disturbing) is that as AI gets better at sounding human, actual humans seem to be getting worse at it. Take a look around. The internet is filling up with polished content, perfect posts, flawless emails, and professionally generated thought leadership. And it's all starting to feel... the same. Rather formulaic and robotic. So I asked AI another question: "How do you feel about that as an AI?" I thought the answer was rather interesting. It wasn't defensive. Or anti-human. Or even particularly self-serving. Instead, it pointed out something I think many of us are beginning to sense: The more AI raises the baseline quality of content, the less competence becomes a differentiator. Now think about that for a moment. Twenty years ago, if someone wasn't getting clients, attracting opportunities, or building influence, the answer was often: Better marketing Better content Better copy Better messaging Today? Many people already have those those things. AI can help almost anyone create a decent email, a decent article, a decent social media post, or a decent presentation. When everyone has access to competence, competence becomes less remarkable. It sounds like grade inflation. Those "A"s for effort just don't carry the value and weight they used to. When this happens, something else inevitably starts to matter more. The New Competitive Advantage According to my bot buddy ChatGPT, the future belongs to qualities that technology can't manufacture on its own. Very human qualities like: Judgment Perspective Original thought Personality Credibility Trust The irony is that AI actually makes human connection more valuable, not less. People start looking for something beyond polished perfection. They start looking for believable. Genuine human connection that isn't contrived and packaged to be sold and consumed. It's a valuable commodity in this "trust recession" we're in, when people can't tell if they're dealing with a real human being or a facsimile of one. And it does matter. No one likes being fooled by something fake pretending to be real. The moment people feel manipulated, the trust is gone... and trust is what drives every decision that matters. The Difference Between Information and Trust One observation particularly caught my attention. My AI buddy pointed out that there's a difference between: Information and insight Content and connection Polish and trust It reminds me of the difference between knowledge and wisdom. "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." — Miles Kington, British journalist and humorist Wisdom builds upon knowledge (and experience and perspective!), and I think that's a distinction that many professionals miss. Trust isn't created by perfect wording; it comes from something deeper. It's created through all the subtle signals people pick up when they interact with us: Our energy Our authenticity Our emotional availability Our congruence, the alignment between our thoughts, feelings, and actions In other words, our humanity. As an actor, these are the things I've spent years studying. And they're often the difference between someone being merely competent and someone being compelling. The Stepford Problem This is where my idea of Stepford Syndrome comes from. Many professionals are becoming so focused on sounding smart, strategic, polished, and professional that they're accidentally editing out the very qualities that make people memorable. The result? They become highly competent. A good thing, but they also become increasingly forgettable. It's not because they're using AI, but because they're outsourcing too much of what makes them uniquely themselves. Look, AI can organize your ideas. It can help structure your thoughts and certainly improve your writing. Just watch out for those overused em dashes, groups of three, and rocket emojis. Clear signs that you may not be thinking for yourself. What AI cannot do is replace your perspective. Or your lived experience. Or your personality. Or your ability to make another human being feel understood. That's something special. And it's something we all look for when we reach out to one another. The Most Interesting Thing AI Told Me AI believes human connection still matters. Yay for us! But it's really simple economics: the law of supply and demand. The commonplace doesn't hold as much value to us as the truly unique and rare. Here's what's happening now: As technology becomes better at creating content, people become more important. As information becomes abundant, trust becomes scarce. And as communication becomes increasingly artificial, authenticity becomes increasingly valuable. I think it's right. The future doesn't belong to the people who become the best robots. It belongs to the people who stay human. The challenge is that staying human requires something many of us have been trained not to do: Showing up as ourselves. And that can be a scary thing! Not the polished version. Not the filtered version. Not the professionally approved version. The real version. And that may be the most valuable skill of all. If you're wondering whether AI has started sanding off some of your rough edges (and your personality along with them), join me for my upcoming masterclass: Is AI Turning You into a Stepford Wife? We'll talk about how to use AI without becoming AI, how to sound like yourself in a world of increasingly generic content, and why your humanity may be your greatest competitive advantage. And if you'd rather work on it one-on-one, private coaching is available as well. No robot voice required. ✨ Upcoming Event ✨ Is AI Turning You Into a Stepford Wife? How to stay human, build trust, and stand out in a world of artificial everything. Tuesday, June 23 2 pm EST / 11 am PST I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER • ON CAMERA • CONSULTATION & COACHING

We're paying for the privilege of being turned into robotic versions of ourselves. The Stepford Wife is alive and kicking. So too is her counterpart, the Stepford Husband. And they're EVERYWHERE. The Rise of Stepford Syndrome Come on, you've seen them. How can you not? The perfectly polished LinkedIn posts. Those oh-so-fake dead-eyed Zoom smiles. Groundbreaking AI-generated “thought leadership” (at least, that's what ChatGPT told them it was) written in the exact same emotionally beige tone as everyone else on the internet. NOW you know what I mean. Everything done oh-so-perfectly. Every sentence is optimized and every opinion is sanitized so as not to ruffle any feathers. Even the personality is ironed flat in the name of sounding “professional.” And there is just so much of what I'm calling Stepford Syndrome out there. Quantity has certainly won the battle over quality. The Internet is Drowning in Artificial "Authenticity" And speaking of quality, our BS meters are working overtime to sniff out AI-generated content. Admittedly, some of that content is pretty good, like the funny videos that spill across my feed spoofing the news of the day. Too much, though, is dreck. Especially the posts, comments, and emails, newsletters, and whatnot clogging up our inboxes. People are beginning to reject AI-generated content that masquerades as human-made. It's one thing to watch a parody that we know and accept as AI. It's another to be inundated by poor writing and flat ideas pretending to pass themselves off as original thought. We know the outward signs, particularly the em dash and the overuse of the "rule of three." It's a real shame, too, because human writers now feel like we have to avoid the em dash — which has a perfectly legitimate purpose — and vary lists to four or five items, even though human beings naturally group things in threes. We simply find groups of three naturally more memorable, engaging, and persuasive. By the way, this blog is 100% human-written. I hope you can tell. And yes, I deliberately poked the bear by using em dashes and a group of three in the last paragraph. Just my ironic sense of humor. Anyways, back on point: I'm not a Luddite. I genuinely love technology and find AI fascinating. Hey, my first career was in the tech industry and I did my share of coding. When Professionalism Kills Connection But somewhere along the line, a lot of professionals started confusing polish with connection. And those are not the same thing! I felt I had to speak up, first as a former sales executive who began her career overly concerned with polish instead of connection (which absolutely cost me sales), and second, as an actor and communication strategist who works in media all the time. Connection is king; it's the basis of the whole "know, like, and trust" axiom of succeeding in business. The Biggest Communication Mistake Professionals Make As a trainer and coach, I spend a lot of time helping entrepreneurs, executives, and speakers come across as believable on camera, on Zoom, in business presentations, and in high-stakes conversations. And one of the biggest mistakes I see is this: People try so hard to sound smart, credible, strategic, polished, insightful, visionary, and “executive” that they accidentally stop sounding human altogether. The Panic to Sound "Executive" You can practically see the internal panic happening in real time: “Must sound authoritative. Must maintain leadership presence. Must not accidentally reveal personality.” It's like a mantra. Meanwhile the audience is quietly dying inside. Why Imperfection Feels More Trustworthy We crave human interaction and the mess and imperfection that goes with it. It's far more relatable and interesting than polished perfection, especially when we can see firsthand how the speaker or presenter handles the situation and turns a potential catastrophe into success. What Real Human Communication Actually Sounds Like So what are the signs of actual humanity? In written, visual, or audio communication, the markers are: warmth spontaneity humor emotional intelligence specificity imperfections genuine reactions original thought In other words, the very things most people have been trained OUT of in corporate communication. Storytelling is at the core of just about every type of communication. We naturally gravitate to stories and find them easiest to remember, because good storytellers take us on the emotional journey with them. The Exhausion of Performing Professionalism The reason why so many professionals feel exhausted right now — that their presentations, videos, and sales calls just aren't working anymore — is because they’re performing "professionalism." That's right. Forced professionalism all day on Zoom, Teams, LinkedIn, videos, calls, webinars, etc. It's sad really. Everyone is trying desperately to look competent, when in actuality, they're sounding like they swallowed a leadership podcast whole. And having trouble digesting it. We can hear the burps in communication. Audiences Can Feel Incongruence Instantly It's called incongruence, and human beings are unbelievably good at detecting it. We know when someone is technically saying the right words, but emotionally disconnected from what they’re saying. Actors know this instinctively. We're (often painfully) aware that audiences don’t connect to perfection; they connect to truth. And if the truth of a performance is missing, so too goes the audience. They just don't care. Why Perfect Branding Still Falls Flat That’s why someone can have flawless credentials, gorgeous branding, media training, perfect lighting, and professionally written messaging… and still somehow feel completely forgettable. There’s just no pulse underneath it. There's no humanity, no sense of being alive, and certainly no surprise to jolt us away from scrolling on our phones. Why should we bother? It's just another beautifully polished wax figure smiling into a webcam. A Stepford Wife (or Husband) with presumably nothing truly original or startling to say. But what if there actually is a great message behind the polished but boring facade? It's often lost. You can have the best content in the world, but if your delivery is flat and downright boring, very few people will be paying attention. And that costs you sales. The Solution to the Stepford Syndrome Ironically, though, AI just may be the catalyst that forces us back toward becoming better humans. Once generic content becomes infinite, the people who stand out are the ones who actually sound alive. The ones with opinions.Timing. Humor. Presence. Personality. Believability. Believability is the New Competitive Advantage That’s the word I keep coming back to lately: Believable. Not polished. Not optimized. Not “personal brand aligned.” Simply: Believable. Because believable people build trust. And trust is what gets you hired, referred, remembered, promoted, followed, and chosen. Not perfection. Believability. So if your content, videos, presentations, or online presence are starting to feel strangely robotic lately, maybe don’t ask: “How do I sound more professional?” Maybe ask: “Do I still sound like a human being?” That question might matter a whole lot more moving forward. ✨ Upcoming Event ✨ Is AI Turning You Into a Stepford Wife? How to stay human, build trust, and stand out in a world of artificial everything. Tuesday, June 23 2 pm EST / 11 am PST I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER • ON CAMERA • CONSULTATION & COACHING

Why Viewers Click Away From Your Videos (And How to Fix It) If you're wondering why people stop watching your videos , the answer usually isn’t your topic—it’s how the message is delivered. Creating video content is easy. Creating video content people actually watch ? That’s where things fall apart. Because if views alone made us money, half of (insert your favorite social media platform here) would already be retired on a beach somewhere. Content itself doesn't get you buyers. You can have smart ideas, a valuable message, and even decent lighting and sound, but if your delivery feels rushed, flat, or worse, disconnected , viewers scroll away in seconds. It comes down to storytelling and the ability to engage — and retain! — your audience. Delivery matters just as much as content . I have good news, though. Engaging delivery isn’t a personality trait. It’s a skill. Like any skill, an engaging delivery CAN be learned. What Video Engagement Actually Means Let's talk basics first. Most people think engagement means views. Sorry, it really doesn't. Views mean impressions, and platforms like LinkedIn have shifted their algorithm away from counting eyeballs alone to focus on authentic engagement. Real engagement looks like: • Watch time • Audience retention • Comments and shares • Click-through rates These signals tell platforms whether your video is worth showing to more people. And all of them are influenced by one thing: How your message feels to the viewer. People don’t stay for information alone. They stay for value and connection . The Most Common Problem: Trying to Talk to “Everyone” One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make on camera is trying to speak to a broad audience. When that happens, something strange occurs. You start performing. Your delivery becomes slightly stiff. Your tone becomes more “presentational.” You and your content feel"salesy" — and oh, do most of us hate to be sold to! Rather counter-productive, don't you think? Instead of talking to someone , you start talking to everyone . And ironically, that’s when connection disappears. A much better approach is simple: Imagine one person . A client. A colleague. Someone who genuinely needs what you offer. Speak to them. Your delivery immediately becomes more natural and conversational... and engaging. Clarity Creates Engagement Set your intention before you record a video. Just ask yourself this one question: What do I want the viewer to think, feel, or do after watching this? Intentionality gives you clarity . And without clarity, delivery becomes scattered. How? You try to say too much. You over-explain. You lose the audience halfway through. Yes, it's the ol' “Wait! One more thing....”) and your audience groans as you keep going and going and going.... It gets tiring waiting for the Energizer Bunny to finally run down. Don't do that to your audience! Instead, do what creators of strong, effective videos do. They focus on: • One idea • One takeaway • One viewer See a pattern here? It's clarity and clarity strengthens delivery. That's what strikes my clients most. Their first reaction is usually, “Wait… I’m only allowed to say one thing?” Yup, that's right. The second response is often disbelief. "What do you mean?! I have to squeeze in as much detail as I possible can." No, you don't. And you shouldn't. People aren't going to remember a torrent of detailed facts and figures. They WILL take away one clear idea, especially if it's reinforced with memorable stories and a great delivery. For you, that means you'll be remembered as a great speaker, presenter, or trainer. Someone who gets ideas across clearly and effectively. Someone they want to watch again. The Real Truth About Video Engagement You don’t need a big personality to be effective on camera. Just be: • Clear • Intentional • Human - warts and all! Because people don’t stay for perfect videos. They stay with people they connect with . And connection starts with how you deliver your message. If Your Videos Aren’t Getting the Response You Want ... here's why people stop watching your videos It’s rarely because you’re “bad on camera.” (Just ignore that annoying little dramatic theater critic in your head, if that's what you're thinking!) It's usually because no one has ever shown you how on-camera communication actually works . That’s a skill I help entrepreneurs develop every day. If you’d like an outside perspective on what’s working — and what isn’t — you can book a quick strategy call here . Sometimes a few small adjustments change everything. I see it happen every week. Give it a go! And see if your audience stops scrolling away and begins listening instead. They may just become your next clients. Not bad for pressing “record.” I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER •  ON CAMERA •  CONSULTATION & COACHING

What’s the hardest part about being on camera? If you hate it, you’re not alone. In today's video-first workplace, on-camera confidence has become an essential professional skill. I asked a Facebook group what they disliked most about video, and the answers were immediate: “I hate how I look.” “I’m afraid of being judged.” “It’s too much work to get camera-ready.” And it wasn’t just women. Appearance anxiety was the #1 reason professionals avoid turning on their cameras. And yet video is becoming one of the most important professional skills today. Worrying about how you look on camera is incredibly common, but focusing on appearance is rarely what actually solves the problem. "Thanks, Laura! I was able to break through my hangups about being seen on camera, and it's really helped me move my career to the next level." - Virginia, a client Meet Virginia: From Camera-Shy to Camera-Confident One of my clients, Virginia, was exactly like this. She worked remotely and, like many, preferred being the proverbial fly on the wall. She kept her camera off during team meetings, training sessions, even 1:1 Zoom calls, whenever she could get away with it. Virginia didn't like the way she looked on camera. She felt self-conscious and hyper-aware of every perceived flaw. But as her role evolved, so did the expectations. Her manager and team wanted to see her face. She was even being considered for a promotion that required leading virtual presentations. That promotion would pass her by if she couldn’t demonstrate leadership and communication skills on screen. So, she decided to take action. Through my on-camera confidence coaching , we worked together to shift her mindset, from one focused on appearance and insecurity to one centered on value and impact. When she stopped obsessing over how she looked and started focusing on what she  brought to the table , everything changed. Virginia not only got the promotion; she also found new confidence spilling into other areas of her life. Speaking on camera is a different skill than speaking in a room. M ost professionals were never taught how to do it. “The camera isn’t the problem. Most professionals were simply never taught how to communicate through it.” Why Do We Avoid the Camera? (It's Not Just About Looks) While appearance is a big factor, it's far from the only reason people avoid being on camera. Here are a few other common ones—do any sound familiar? Privacy and Comfort Some people just prefer the comfort of being off-camera. It can feel freeing to remain unseen, especially in a home office environment. Tech Troubles Low-quality webcams, poor lighting, bad sound, or slow internet can make video calls more frustrating than helpful. And sometimes, you don't even know what you need! Or how to use it properly. Self-Consciousness Many people feel hyper-aware of their awkward habits, a busy (and seemingly unprofessional) home environment, and comparisons to others on the call. Content Over Camera Some prefer focusing on the discussion or taking notes, finding video to be a distraction rather than a benefit. Not to mention, they'd rather be multitasking than sitting still, appearing to be engaged in the subject at hand. Social Anxiety For others, being seen by a group—even virtually—can trigger deep discomfort. This goes beyond camera jitters and may need support from a licensed therapist. How to Become More Confident and Effective On Camera If any of the reasons above resonate with you, the good news is that most of them have practical solutions. On-camera confidence isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about removing the friction that makes video feel uncomfortable in the first place. Here are a few ways to address the most common barriers. Create a “Comfortable Visibility” Setup If privacy or comfort is your concern, start by designing a setup that feels safe and controlled. You don’t need a perfect studio, just a consistent space where you feel at ease. Position your camera so you’re framed from the chest up, tidy only the portion of the room visible behind you, and choose lighting that feels flattering rather than harsh. When your environment feels manageable, showing up on camera becomes far less intimidating. Simplify Your Tech Technical problems instantly destroy confidence. The solution isn’t expensive equipment—it’s a simple setup that works every time. The good news: a basic setup goes a long way. A simple external microphone, a small ring light or desk lamp facing you, and a stable camera position can dramatically improve how you look and sound. If you’d like a deeper walkthrough of how to look and sound more confident on video, I share several simple techniques in my guide Lights! Camera! Clients! . Just as important, test your setup before important meetings so you’re not troubleshooting while everyone waits. Always better safe than sorry! Want a practical tip you can use right away? Zoom has a test feature that allows you to check your audio and video BEFORE you start a real call. It's a great way to make adjustments in advance: https://www.zoom.us/test Shift the Focus Away From Yourself Self-consciousness often comes from watching yourself too closely. If your platform allows it, hide your self-view once you’ve confirmed you look fine. Then focus your attention where it belongs: on the person you’re speaking with. Psst... here's a secret: It's really a 1:1 conversation! Treat the camera as a single individual rather than an audience. This small mental shift can instantly make your delivery feel more natural. Give Yourself Permission to Be Human Many people avoid video because they feel they must appear polished or “professional” at all times. In reality, the moments that build trust are often the most human ones: a genuine smile, a thoughtful pause, a moment of reflection before answering a question. You don’t need perfection. You need PRESENCE. Reduce the Pressure to Perform If you're concerned about “being on display,” remind yourself that video is simply a communication tool. It allows others to see your reactions, expressions, and engagement. These are signals that help build connection, credibility, and trust. Think: You’re not performing. You’re participating . Take Small, Low-Stakes Reps Confidence on camera grows the same way confidence grows anywhere else: through practice. Start with small steps: Turn your camera on in smaller meetings Record a quick practice video for yourself Leave your camera on for the first few minutes of a call The more familiar the experience becomes, the less intimidating it feels! Know When It’s More Than Camera Nerves For some people, deep social anxiety can make being seen—virtually or in person—extremely uncomfortable. If camera avoidance triggers significant distress, working with a qualified therapist or counselor can be an important and supportive step. There’s no shame in getting help when you need it. The key thing to remember: most camera resistance isn’t about vanity. It’s about unfamiliarity, discomfort, and lack of control. Once those factors are addressed, showing up on video becomes far easier, and often far more rewarding. Want That Same Mindset Shift? With the right setup, preparation, and communication techniques, anyone can learn to show up comfortably and confidently on video. If you’ve ever struggled with showing up confidently on camera, I want to personally invite you to a free, one-on-one session: 🎥 The Shameless Hussy’s Approach to On-Camera Confidence Get your Hussy on! Or your male equivalent, because it's all the same. Showing up boldly, authentically yourself, and highly impactful on camera because you're unabashedly human. Not perfect. Not an AI simulation of a human being. YOU. (Psst... it's the way to beat the bots.) It's not always easy to do, but it's certainly doable. Take it from me, an actor with years of experience in front of the camera, behind the mic, and - surprise surprise! - years as an IT sales exec before I got all creative and bold. I can show you the essentials and help you make a big improvement right away. We'll spend 45 minutes together talking about your biggest challenge and how you can start to address it. Ready to Feel Good on Camera? Here are some of the practical ways I help clients become more confident, credible, and effective on camera: Setup • Choose budget-friendly gear • Optimize lighting and framing Delivery • Eliminate verbal crutches • Improve pacing and vocal delivery Presence • Develop natural body language • Speak conversationally to the camera Professional Visibility • Adapt stage speaking for video • Become media-ready and industry visible Because being effective on camera isn’t about being polished. It's about being present, clear, and genuinely connected to the person on the other side of the lens. The camera isn’t the problem. The problem is that most professionals were never taught how to communicate through it. Speaking to a lens requires a different kind of presence than speaking in a room. Does Any of This Sound Familiar? You might benefit from some focused help if: You avoid turning your camera on whenever possible You watch recordings of yourself and cringe Your videos get views but don’t seem to generate opportunities You feel comfortable speaking in person but awkward on camera You overthink how you look instead of focusing on your message You ramble, rush, or lose your train of thought on video If you nodded at even one of these, you’re not alone. Most professionals were never taught how to communicate effectively through a lens. That’s exactly the kind of thing we can fix quickly. If you’d like focused feedback on your setup, delivery, and on-camera presence, let's talk 1:1. It's on the house. I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER •  ON CAMERA •  CONSULTATION & COACHING

Insights from a Voiceover Conference for On Camera Excellence Cross-pollination. It's not just for horticulturists, bees, and images of springtime. It works for humans pretty well, too. As in borrowing a technique from one world and discovering it solves a problem in another. That's what happened this past weekend - well, four days - when I spent four days at VO Atlanta, the largest voiceover conference in the world, with 1000 other voice actors and industry professionals. Turns out, spending time around people who professionally talk to themselves in padded rooms can teach you a lot about how business leaders should communicate on camera. Voice actors train relentlessly to sound natural—the exact skill many business leaders lose the moment the camera turns on. They train to sound natural . Most professionals, though, have a tendency to do a fair imitation of a human PowerPoint . The “Human PowerPoint” Problem "To be an interesting human being - you must be authentic and for you to be authentic you must embrace who you really are, warts and all." — Samford Meisner You’ve probably seen it. A smart person with great expertise sits down to record a video or lead a webinar. The camera turns on... and suddenly something changes. Their shoulders tighten. Their voice flattens. Their delivery becomes oddly formal. Instead of communicating, they start presenting . The result is what I call Corporate Webinar Voice . Technically correct. Emotionally forgettable. And that’s why so many videos, virtual presentations, and sales calls get polite attention but fail to build trust—or clients. The issue usually isn’t the content. It’s the delivery . The Voice Actor Trick Business Leaders Need One of the simplest ideas I heard repeatedly at the conference is also one of the most powerful. Talk to one person. Not an audience. Not “everyone watching.” One human being. Voice actors rarely imagine a crowd when they record. They picture a single listener and respond to them. That small mental shift instantly changes the way communication sounds. Instead of formal and performative, it becomes conversational. With training and guidance, you can learn to do the same thing. A useful framework is to ask yourself four questions: What perspective are you speaking from—coach, colleague, instructor, advisor? What’s the message you want to deliver? Who is the one person you’re talking to? What did they say or do that prompted your response? Now you’re not presenting information. You’re responding to someone. And that’s when audiences start to feel connection. Why Over-Practicing Backfires Another insight from the acting world might surprise you. Over-rehearsal often makes communication worse. When people try to memorize every word, they become hyper-aware of themselves instead of focusing on the listener. The delivery becomes polished, but lifeless. Authenticity isn’t perfect delivery. It’s human delivery . As acting teacher Sanford Meisner famously put it, authenticity comes from embracing who you really are, imperfections and all. Ironically, those small imperfections are exactly what audiences trust most. They distinguish you as REAL. Human. Relatable. And not some AI simulation of the real thing. Your Physical Energy Changes Your Voice Here’s another interesting lesson from the performance world. Your body position and movement directly affect vocal energy . Actors often think about gesture placement as a way to control intensity. After all, our body language imitates our thoughts, gives away our feelings, and reflects the intensity of what we're saying. Here's a simple guideline to think about: Hands below the waist = low-key delivery Hands at the waist = calm and conversational Hands above the waist = enthusiastic and engaged Hands well above the shoulders = full rally-mode energy When professionals lock their hands rigidly together or stay frozen behind a desk, their voice often flattens too. And when vocal energy drops, even brilliant ideas can sound dull. Our physicality truly drives our expression. The Real Skill Behind Camera Confidence Most people think they need to improve things like: lighting equipment editing production quality Those things can help. They ARE important, but on their own, they don't create trust. What actually builds trust through a lens is presence . Presence means communicating the way humans naturally do: conversationally responsively with energy and variation When that happens, audiences stop feeling like they’re watching a presentation. They feel like someone is speaking with them . They feel involved and therefore, more invested in what you're saying. T hat’s when communication starts to convert. Visibility Alone Doesn’t Create Clients We’re pretty much aware we're all living in an era where content is EVERYWHERE. LinkedIn videos. Webinars. Virtual presentations. Sales calls on Zoom. Lions, tigers, and bears - oh my! Make it stop. Please. It's overwhelming. It's true that visibility for its own sake has never been easier, but being seen isn’t the same as being trusted . T rust is what turns visibility into clients. In a world saturated with polished content and AI-generated messaging, the thing audiences respond to most is simple: human communication. Want to Learn How to Apply This? I’m incorporating the best lessons from VO Atlanta in a live masterclass this week: Boring Keeps You BROKE! How Presence Turns Visibility Into Clients April 1, 2026 3:30 PM EST / 12:30 PM PST In this session, I’ll show you how to replace stiff, scripted delivery with communication that feels natural and credible on camera. You’ll learn how to: Quiet the self-judgment loop that makes people tense on video Shift from presenting to conversing so audiences feel connection Use pauses, vocal variety, and energy shifts to hold attention These are practical techniques leaders can apply immediately in: videos Zoom calls webinars virtual presentations Because when communication feels human, trust builds faster — and opportunities follow. No cost. Easy registration. If you’ve ever watched yourself on video and thought, “why do I sound like that?” this session will explain exactly why — and how to fix it. And you won't even have to lock yourself in a padded room to get there! Want to learn more? Let's talk! I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER •  ON CAMERA •  CONSULTATION & COACHING

Half the Secret to Great Vocal Delivery is Avoiding These Common Mistakes It's been said many times, but it's really true: From time to time, we all get in our own way. We're terribly self-critical. We want to get it "right." And in our pursuit of being good on camera, we end up recording the same d*mn video over and over again... ...which totally defeats the purpose. If you've ever been there - and I have! - you know that it only progressively get worse and worse. Yup, by the 27th time, it's pretty stale and you're just about ready to throw the camera halfway across the room. It's time to stop. Not because take #2 was the best (and it probably was), but because all you've really achieved was to psych yourself out. News flash: You're coming across as tired. Stressed. Forced in videos 3-27. Quit trying so hard! And I'm saying this to myself, too, because I fall in the same trap from time to time. The truth is: polish, platforms, and tools aren’t the deciding factor anymore. Authentic, realistic, human energy is. You don't have to be perfect. But you CAN be confident, natural, and credible — without performing. How about some sure-fire ways to improve your delivery? Bonus: they work just as well in person as they do on camera! Clarity beats performance. Every time. “By take #27, you’re not improving. You’re unraveling.” 1. Slow the thinking, not just the talking Most people try to “slow down” by speaking more slowly. Sorry, that rarely fixes the problem. If your mind is racing ahead of your words, your delivery will still feel rushed, even at a slower speech rate. Here's what you should do. Let's call it "the shift": Complete one thought before starting the next Let ideas finish instead of stacking This creates natural pacing without forcing an unnatural cadence. It's a more relaxed way of speaking, too, that is far more engaging to the viewer. 2. Stop tightening your voice to sound professional Many professionals unconsciously narrow their voice on camera. They hold tension to sound controlled and polished. Unfortunately, tension reads as strain, not credibility. And it's rough on your voice, especially when you overdo it. Try this instead. The shift: Allow your voice to stay fuller and more relaxed Speak as if you’re explaining something to one intelligent person This increases warmth, clarity, and authority simultaneously. It'll draw your viewers in, too. 3. Let pauses do the real work Pauses feel dangerous when you’re recording. They sound MUCH longer to us than they really are, and we feel a real need to fill up the emptiness. You may even worry that those pauses sound awkward and that your viewers will lose attention and wander off to watch a cat video or something. Not so! To the viewer, pauses feel intentional. They signal: confidence clarity leadership In other words, a serious, experienced speaker formulating thoughts in the moment. It feel real and very human, both to the speaker ahd to those watching. Simultaneouly, the pause lets you collect your thoughts and structure your next words: Stop filling space automatically Let silence land after key ideas Bonus: they give you a mini-break, which cues your body to relax a bit and moderate your pace. 4. Separate thinking from speaking Multi-tasking has its limits! I try to keep multi-tasking to simple things, like folding laundry or cooking dinner while listening a podcast. (Don't I sound so domestic?!) Talking about one point whie your mind races ahead to prepare the next one creates: filler words ("um" or "you know") rushed phrasing flat delivery You end up looking unprepared and flustered - or just plain boring. The shift in thinking here is to... Pause to think Then speak This simple separation makes delivery sound conversational and grounded... and so much more interesting. 5. Stop performing confidence You're not fooling anybody. Confidence is not something you layer on. That just looks like a performance, like someone trying too hard... and it's not convincing. Please don't do the following; these come across as bravado, not true confidence: over-project exaggerate energy monitor yourself constantly Confidence appears when you remove interference. Stop trying so hard to be taken seriously and just: Focus on being understood Let clarity replace effort Calm authority emerges naturally... and people lean in. 6. Speak to one person, not an audience The camera triggers broadcasting behavior. If you're reading a script (please don't do that! We can tell.), your voice changes to "presentation" or broadcast mode. You audience feels like you're preaching to them. Formal, distanced, less relatable. The camera is truly more of a conversation you're having with each person watching you. It feel personal, so do this instead: Picture one specific listener Speak as if you’re in conversation This dramatically increases connection and watch time, not to mention trust and the feeling that you actually care about the person watching you. 7. Trust clarity more than personality You don’t need to be bigger, funnier, or more animated. You just need to be clear. And keep it simple, down to the essentials. What do we, your listener or viewer, need to know? Fewer words, said plainly, land better and are easier to remember than long-winded details Trust the idea and let it do the work Clarity carries more weight than embellishment. And in much less time, too, which helps keep short attention spans on your content. The Benefits to YOU When you stop trying so hard and follow these seven basic principles, you're going to realize a few things: Recording becomes easier You need fewer takes You'll be happier — and less harsh on yourself Analytics bear this out: you'll see a stronger viewer response Why? It's not because you became someone else. It's because you removed all sorts of friction - you relaxed a bit. Slowed down. Focused on speaking clearly and plainly, and TO the audience than AT them. Going on camera? A final thought Delivery isn’t a personality trait. It ’s a skill. And in 2026, it’s the skill that quietly determines whether people stay, trust, and take the next step. Most importantly, it can be learned. I offer masterclasses throughout the year on this very subject. If you want a heads-up as to the next one, comment below or drop me an email . I also speak on this subject at other people's events, like this one . Group workshops? Most definitely. Just let me know what you need . The Prosperity Mindset Summit What are the mindset patterns that quietly shape how money flows into (or away from) your life? Every talk delivers clear, actionable ideas you can apply immediately. No hype. No pressure. Just real value. An On Demand Audio Experience March 1st - 20th, 2026 Want to learn more? Let's talk! I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER •  ON CAMERA •  CONSULTATION & COACHING

The skill every video trend assumes you have... and why most people don’t If you’ve read the list of video trends for 2026, you already know the headlines. Short-form habits matter. AI is everywhere. Trust is built faster than ever. Calm authority outperforms hype. And yet… Many smart, capable people still feel uncomfortable on camera.They know what they’re supposed to do — but not why it still feels awkward, forced, or ineffective. I see this every week with clients who swear video “just isn’t their thing” — even though they’re articulate, credible, and successful everywhere else. That disconnect isn’t about strategy. It’s about delivery . Delivery is the difference between being seen and being trusted. Speaker thinks he's hot stuff. His audience? Not so much.... Knowing the video trends doesn’t make you easier to watch Most trend conversations focus on external shifts : platforms formats tools audience behavior What they don’t talk about is the internal experience of the person on camera. Because that’s harder to quantify. But here’s what I see consistently: People aren’t struggling because they don’t understand video. They’re struggling because they’re managing themselves too hard while recording . That internal tension shows up immediately. “People don’t connect to perfect videos. They connect to people.” - Laura Doman What viewers are actually responding to When a video works, it’s rarely because the speaker nailed a hook or followed a perfect structure. It works because: the pacing feels natural the voice sounds grounded the speaker seems comfortable being seen the delivery doesn’t demand effort from the viewer In other words, it feels easy to stay. That ease doesn’t come from talent or personality. It comes from delivery choices — often unconscious ones. The hidden friction most people don’t notice Here’s what creates friction on camera (even when the content is solid): rushing because you’re trying to “get it right” over-monitoring your words while speaking tightening your voice to sound professional performing confidence instead of settling into it None of this looks dramatic. But the camera amplifies it. And viewers feel it long before they can articulate it. Why delivery is the bottleneck now As video becomes more common, baseline quality rises . That means: decent lighting is expected clear audio is expected coherent messaging is expected What’s no longer average — and therefore noticeable — is ease . Ease on camera has become the differentiator. Not because it’s flashy, but because it signals: confidence without force clarity without pressure authority without posturing This is also why AI doesn’t solve the problem AI can: clean up your edit shorten your clip generate captions help structure ideas What it can’t do is reduce the internal strain of being on camera. It can’t help you: slow down when you’re rushing release vocal tension trust pauses stay connected while thinking Those are delivery skills — and they’re human ones. Yes, great videos CAN make you money! What actually changes when delivery improves When someone stops managing themselves on camera and starts communicating , a few things happen almost immediately: recording feels easier videos take fewer takes ideas land more clearly viewers stay longer trust builds faster Not because the content changed — but because the experience did. This is the work beneath the trends The video trends of 2026 describe what’s changing in the landscape. Delivery determines whether you can actually use those trends — or whether they stay theoretical. That’s why delivery isn’t an add-on skill.It ’s the operating system. And it’s learnable. Want the trend context? If you haven’t read it yet, the original article outlines the broader shifts shaping video this year: 👉 Top 15 Video Trends for 2026 If you want applying these trends, or if you're unsure why your own videos are getting the traction you expected, let's take a closer together. Book a "Lights, Camera, Clients" On Camera Audit , and I'll show you exactly where your delivery is costing you clients and how to fix it. Exciting Events Going On Now! The Soul Spark Summit Pre-recorded segments to watch on your own schedule. Available January 27 - February 2 This Summit is intended for successful women who are feeling burned-out and exhausted - and looking for change. In my video interview, host Olga Alexeeva and I talk about changing course and reinventing yourself (or your career) later in life. And how to do it well, so that you achieve a happier and healthier work-life balance. ✨ Register here - and be inspired. ✨ Grand Connection's Winter Grand Giveaway   Complimentary products and services from 26 top coaches, consultants, and service providers. Now through January 31 ✨ Access the Grand Giveaway  ✨ The Grand Connection is a virtual networking organization where you'll find referrals, gain visibility, learn new skills, save time and money, and reach new audiences through collaboration. Be my guest for three upcoming events of your choosing! Get your guest pass here and come to network and learn. Want to learn more? Let's talk!   I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER •  ON CAMERA •  CONSULTATION & COACHING

Why speaking delivery, human presence, and smart use of AI - not polish or platforms - determine whether your videos convert. Video is no longer optional for business visibility. But in 2026, simply making videos isn’t enough. Entrepreneurs, executives, and service providers are showing up on camera more than ever, and they’re asking the same question: “Why isn’t this bringing me leads?” The answer isn’t better lighting. It isn’t chasing every new platform feature. And it definitely isn’t more content for content’s sake. The biggest video trends of 2026 point to something far more human: People don’t connect to perfect videos. They connect to people. Key Takeaways (read this first) Video that generates leads in 2026 prioritizes human connection over polish Speaking delivery now matters more than production quality Short-form viewing behavior is shaping all platforms Trust is built faster—and lost faster—on camera AI works best as a support tool, not a replacement for your presence Why Speaking Delivery Is the Foundation in Every 2026 Video Trend Nearly every video trend shaping 2026 points to the same underlying skill: how you speak on camera. This isn’t about scripts, platforms, or performance tricks. It’s about delivery: pace, presence, vocal variety, and how comfortable you are being seen and heard through the lens. That’s where I specialize. I work with entrepreneurs and executives who know what they want to say, but struggle with how it lands on camera. By borrowing proven techniques from acting and performance training, I help people speak naturally, confidently, and credibly on video, without sounding rehearsed, stiff, or “performative.” The trends below don’t require you to become a content creator. They require you to become more effective in how you show up when the camera is on. The Top Video Trends for 2026 1. Attention Is Decided in the First 2–3 Seconds Viewers decide instantly whether to stay or scroll. Not because they’re shallow, but because they’re overloaded. Clear intent, grounded presence, and confident pacing now outperform flashy intros or overproduced hooks. 2. Speaking Delivery Is the Real Differentiator In a sea of similar messaging, delivery is what separates watchable from skippable. Viewers respond to: Natural rhythm Strategic pauses Conversational tone Flat delivery = skipped video.This is why delivery, not content volume or production quality, is now the strongest lever for improving video results. "Authenticity sells more — way more." - Forbes 3. Authenticity Is No Longer Optional Audiences can spot “performed authenticity” instantly. What works: Comfort being seen Emotional presence Ease in your body and voice Authenticity isn’t oversharing. It’s not hiding behind polish. 4. Calm Authority Outperforms High Energy The loudest voice no longer wins. In a noisy digital environment, calm confidence reads as credibility, especially for executives and service providers. Measured pace beats manic enthusiasm every time. 5. Short-Form Behavior Is Shaping All Video Even on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube, viewers now expect: Immediate clarity Tight structure Direct relevance Short-form habits have changed how people watch everything. “Trust is the currency of modern marketing — and video is the language that earns it.” - Ntooitive 6. Video Is the New First Sales Conversation Your video often speaks before you do. Viewers are deciding: Do I trust this person? Do they feel credible? Do I want to talk to them? Long before they ever click “Book a Call.” 7. Presence Beats Personality You don’t need to be loud, big, or charismatic. You need to be: Present Connected Grounded in your message Presence is a learnable skill, and it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of business video. 8. Thought Leadership Is Going Visual Written authority still matters… but video accelerates trust faster. Business leaders are using video to clarify ideas, demonstrate confidence, and establish authority quickly, often before a prospect ever reads a word. “Authentic videos resonate more deeply with audiences, fostering trust and engagement.” - Mango Media 9. Conversational Beats Scripted Over-scripted videos feel stiff.Under-prepared videos feel rambling. The sweet spot: Clear structure Conversational delivery A strong through-line This is where delivery training makes the difference between sounding prepared and sounding natural. 10. Vertical Video Is the Default EVERYWHERE People watch video on phones first: Social feeds Landing pages Embedded emails Vertical framing now feels more personal and more modern, even off social platforms. “People remember 95% of a message delivered by video compared to 10% from text.” - Teleprompter.com 11. Trust Is Built Faster Than Ever (or not at all) Viewers read your: Nervous system Comfort level Confidence Often before they evaluate your credentials. People decide whether to trust you based on how you speak, not what you say. 12. AI Is Raising the Value of Being Human As AI-generated video becomes common, human nuance becomes the differentiator. AI can’t replicate: Emotional intelligence Subtle timing Genuine presence 13. Availability Beats Perfection The most effective business videos in 2026 are: Clear Consistent Human Not flawless. “Using video in your content marketing strategy can help humanize your brand, build trust, boost brand recognition and generate more sales leads.” - Business.com 14. Video Is Now an Authority Signal Showing up on camera signals leadership, confidence, and willingness to be visible. Silence increasingly signals uncertainty. 15. The Camera Rewards Those Who Understand It The camera amplifies truth. When you understand how to work with it, rather than perform at it, your message lands with less effort and more impact. How AI Fits In (as a tool, not a replacement) AI is transforming video in 2026, but not by replacing people. AI can support your workflow - but it can’t fix delivery, presence, or connection. Those still come from the human on camera. What AI Is Best For Drafting scripts or talking-point outlines Trimming, captioning, and formatting Repurposing long videos into short clips Audio cleanup and accessibility What AI Should Not Replace Your on-camera presence Your delivery Your authority Your emotional connection AI assists. You still lead. Recommended Tools for Easy, Inexpensive Video Creation AI-Assisted Editing & Repurposing Descript – Edit video by editing text Opus Clip – Turn long videos into short-form content Pictory – Repurpose scripts or long videos quickly Canva Video – Simple editing with AI support AI Video Generators (Use Strategically) Best for concept visuals, B-roll, or internal content. Not as your primary business voice: Sora – Text-to-video for visual concepts and prototypes Runway – Generative video plus traditional editing Pika Labs – Short-form visual generation Veo – Cinematic AI video generation Best practice: Let AI support your message, not replace your face, voice, or authority. Beginner-Friendly, Non-AI (or Light-AI) Tools CapCut – Fast, intuitive editing Veed.io – Simple web-based editor DaVinci Resolve – Professional editing with optional AI features A Smart 2026 Video Workflow (Human-First) Use AI to outline ideas or scripts Record yourself on camera (your phone is enough) Use AI to trim, caption, and format Repurpose across platforms Let your delivery do the heavy lifting What This Means for Your Business If your videos aren’t generating leads, the issue is rarely: Your camera Your lighting Your platform More often, it’s speaking delivery, presence, and connection. Video works when people feel you, not when they’re impressed by you. Ready to Improve How You Come Across on Camera? If you’re using video but not seeing results - or avoiding it because it feels awkward, stiff, or ineffective - the issue is rarely technical. It’s almost always speaking delivery. I specialize in helping entrepreneurs and executives speak with ease, authority, and authenticity on camera so their videos feel natural, credible, and worth watching. 👉 Book a consult call and let’s make sure your delivery matches the value of what you’re saying. I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER • ON CAMERA • CONSULTATION & COACHING

Because decisions don’t wait for flawless. Let’s get this out of the way right now: Perfection is not the thing that gets you hired. Sure, it’s impressive. Sure, it looks responsible. And yes—it takes time to get there. But more often than not, perfection is an idealized goal , not a real-world requirement. Availability, on the other hand? That’s currency. Especially in a fast-moving world where timelines shrink, budgets expire, and decisions need to be made now . Perfection impresses. Availability gets chosen. Why Availability Beats Perfection in Real Life Speed is in demand—as long as it’s not sloppy. And availability plus a quick response time? That’s the real power couple. This is especially true during the holidays. Not every business can shut down for two weeks at the end of the year. And plenty of organizations have budgets that must be spent by December 31—or the money simply disappears. That spells opportunity for those of us willing to keep an OPEN sign on our virtual doors. Even during the holidays. “Perfection impresses. Availability gets chosen.” What Actually Gets Chosen (When Time Is Tight) In real life—especially when deadlines loom—people aren’t choosing perfect . They’re choosing: Responsive Reliable Clear Easy to work with In other words: available . Especially when they need something done right away . Over the holidays, I was reminded of this in a rather profitable way. When Fewer People Are Working, Being Available Matters More The week of Christmas, I booked a voiceover job for a 20-minute training video. It didn’t come from nowhere. I had already told my clients and prospects that I’d be available through the holidays and could accommodate rush jobs if needed. I wasn’t traveling. My recording studio is in my home. And honestly? I enjoy a break from all the cooking—and the cleanup! So while many voice actors hung up their mics until January, I made myself an available resource. Yup, that's me, hard at work in my voiceover booth - and actually having a very good time! Availability paid off again when an unexpected (and frankly unusual) flood of on-camera auditions landed in my inbox right after Christmas and through New Year’s Day. December is usually quiet—but sometimes schedules get turned upside down. Two commercial auditions arrived with tight turnarounds. I submitted both—well within deadline. Then six more landed late. Very “can you get this in quickly?” energy. Eight auditions. Over the holidays. I didn’t wait to make them perfect. I made them ready . (And let’s be honest—trying to be perfect in this business often leads to stiff, uninspired performances. Casting doesn’t want perfection. They want real, human, authentically-you. Imperfections included.) The result? I was cast in two commercials … …and just got a callback for a third . Not because I was flawless. Because I was available and responsive. Why Availability Is Reassuring (and Magnetic) Availability isn’t just about being around when others aren’t. It’s about making other people’s lives easier. It quietly communicates: Competence Reliability Confidence Long before perfection ever enters the room. And this isn’t just true in voiceover, film, or TV. During the holidays, I also stayed in conversation with people who—like me—were still present. Open. Reachable. Those conversations turned into: Speaking gigs booked for January Potential collaborations New partnerships No theatrics. No pressure.Just presence. This Is Not About Hustling (Please Read This Part) Let me be very clear. This is not about grinding through the holidays. It’s not about never resting. And it’s definitely not about being “on” all the time. That’s exhausting. This is about choice . It’s about noticing when the room gets quieter—and deciding whether being available serves you in that moment. It’s also about communicating what you can do for others , rather than constantly talking about yourself. A Shameless Truth (Because of Course There Is One) You don’t need to be perfect to be chosen. You don’t need to feel fearless to say yes. You don’t need to have everything figured out to be bookable. You just need to show up. And more often than not? That’s the entire difference. Upcoming Event Media Mastery intensive: The Experts Panel Thursday, January 15 at 2 pm EST The full program runs January 13-15, 2026 Want to learn more? Let's talk! I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances. VOICE OVER •  ON CAMERA •  CONSULTATION & COACHING