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The *Real* Reason Video is Hard.

By on February 24, 2010 in Making Videos

Somehow the conversation (via @ replies on twitter, comments on a blog post, in real life at cocktail party, whatever) turns to my business.

And blogging. And making online videos.

And the “how to make a video” questions start …

  • what camera do you use?
  • do you film in HD?
  • what software do you use to edit the videos, iMovie or Final Cut or Windows Movie Maker or Adobe Premiere Pro?
  • do you host your videos on YouTube or Viddler or do you host the videos yourself?
  • do use special lighting or external microphones or green screens or animation?

… and even though I politely answer their questions, I cringe inside.

Because they are worrying about the wrong things.

Making videos is not hard because of the technology. Or because of the editing. Or because of the cameras or graphics or equipment.

Making videos is hard because it’s you.

Because there’s nothing to hide behind.

It’s your face. Your wrinkles. Your hair that won’t sit right since the last time it was cut.

It’s your energy. Your passion. Your personality displayed for everyone to critique.

And as much as you can try to hide behind multiple HD cameras, fancy lighting, professional makeup, stock animation and moving titles and flashy transitions …

… your truth (or lack thereof) will be visible for us to judge.

And that scares the crap out of most people.

Which is why most people talk themselves out of doing videos … by getting stuck in the technological details.

As an excuse. To avoid the spotlight. To avoid the exposure.

To avoid sharing their truth with the world.

So …. is this you?

I’d love to hear from any of you who are nervous about making videos — please share your experience in the comments below …

Why are your videos not up yet? What is holding you back? Have you made videos and not posted them? What are you missing?

To learn how to make your own videos, check out my newest video program 3 Days to Video live virtual workshop or get the free Quickstart to just learn the basics!

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  • http://twitter.com/suebmoe Susan Baroncini-Moe

    I really hate doing videos. It’s not about how I look. It’s not about the technology. It’s all about being a perfectionist. It can take me hours to do a 3-minute video, just because I forget stuff I wanted to say, say things the wrong way, stammer and stutter and forget everything…drives me CRAZY!

    • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

      Susan – yes, I get you re the perfectionist thing. I like to set deadlines for myself … I only have 3 hours to get this video up, so everything has to be done in that time. (And yes, video does take a while, so there is an expectation management issue there too)

    • http://www.beatrizalemar.com Beatriz Alemar

      What I like most about videos is how not perfect they are. How they show that at the end of the day – you’re a person – just like us. It’s the little quirks that make you, well, you.

  • Chris_Harmon

    I wish that I had some hair to worry about!(LOL) But you are right there is nothing to hide behind. I do this thing with my mouth and I am licking my lips. My face is crocked and I always tilt my head. But who cares you are going to see all my flaws.

    • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

      And I bet that the only person who notices the crooked/tilt stuff is you. :)

  • http://www.mikestenger.com Mike Stenger

    You hit it right on the head Elizabeth. Although it may look like a good reason, it’s really our subconscious making excuses to hide the real truth behind it. When I first started making videos back in May of last year, I was nervous as hell and was afraid people would make fun of me. The only way to really conquer your fear is to just jump in and do it, as is true with just about anything.

    Yeah, it’ll be uncomfortable but if you don’t do it, you’ll never do video.

    • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

      And really, the best stuff is always uncomfortable at first. :)

      • http://www.mikestenger.com Mike Stenger

        I am sooo not going there with a joke. I’ll leave that to Ori ;-)

        • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

          rflol – of course by saying that, I already heard the joke in my head, but you get to appear gentleman-like. well played.

  • http://www.DoMoreGreatWork.com/ Michael

    And if my haircut is even worse than my speech impediment…

  • http://twitter.com/pajamaspr Elena Verlee

    I came across your site because I love @boxofcrayons and his tweet that if he had a harelip and can make a video – there's no excuse for the rest of us!

    And you know what, this post really hit home. Being in PR, it's always been easier to watch my clients get on TV rather than think of myself getting on TV (or video). I'm a better writer than speaker, and video just adds that whole other layer of vulnerability and exposure. Thanks for a great reminder that I also need to “walk the talk”. Grabbing your video course now…

    Elena

  • http://twitter.com/ACIM_Speaks Peter

    You are so right. It really isn't about the hardware/software/equipment to made a video for the web. I have to say though that I started with just audio. The podcasts (25 so far) are available on iTunes and there are several other ways to listen to them. In some ways, a video would be easier, but I did the podcasts first for various personal reasons, mainly improving my speaking voice. I have a youtube channel reserved for video which I know I will make. Until then, there is this video of me from way back – doing then what I will be doing again – http://blip.tv/file/1216757

  • http://APeacefulResolution.com/ Andrew Lightheart

    Yay. I'm up to three points (first one was for telling you to get over yourself back when you worried about being epic.).

    I may make a chart.

  • http://twitter.com/YourGoToGuy David Burch

    Xactly

  • remarkablogger

    Michael, you're a great example, and I hope you don't mind I brought you up
    as one.

  • http://www.kenmoorhead.com Ken Moorhead

    #ImWithEPW

  • http://www.mikestenger.com Mike Stenger

    I am sooo not going there with a joke. I'll leave that to Ori ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/YourGoToGuy David Burch

    Xactly. Check this out. That video I did? Brand new blog. One post: the video and very little text. Thre days later and it's on Google's page one for the search terms: Snobby Coffee (the domain name is SnobbyCoffee.tv). Here's a screen shot, if it'll go through: http://snobbycoffee.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/…

  • accompanyc

    Mostly people are sweet kind and accepting, but…. my son went through a spell of making all kinds of movies and posting them on YouTube. He took it very very seriously – including one that was for a school project on Explaining how to do something. He made Oobleck – and did a very good job for a 12 year old (yes, yes, yes – I know he was supposed to be 13….)
    All well and good – shared it with friends and family – got nice comments, etc. But then he starts getting these heinous emails (I receive copies of his emails – see I'm not completely clueless). Apparently, his vid link was posted somewhere and 1000's of views/deleted comments later – after I waded through all kinds of horrible things being said about my kid, I changed the privacy settings so only people we approved of could visit his site. He was devasted (wanted to be the next Fred, I guess) – but I really saw the ugly side of trolls out there.
    Moral – I don't think I have one – but I'm not anxious to do/post video. I'm not sure this is one of those uncomfortable feelings I need to push path to find the good stuff….

  • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

    rflol – of course by saying that, I already heard the joke in my head, but you get to appear gentleman-like. well played.

  • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

    youtube is a terrible place for trolls, and for many kinds of videos (and for people who are not ready to ignore trolls), I suggest not posting videos on youtube and keeping them on a place where you can control comments etc. :)

  • http://twitter.com/ElenaVerlee Elena Verlee

    I came across your site because I love @boxofcrayons and his tweet that if he had a harelip and can make a video – there’s no excuse for the rest of us!

    And you know what, this post really hit home. Being in PR, it’s always been easier to watch my clients get on TV rather than think of myself getting on TV (or video). I’m a better writer than speaker, and video just adds that whole other layer of vulnerability and exposure. Thanks for a great reminder that I also need to “walk the talk”. Grabbing your video course now…

    Elena

  • http://twitter.com/ACIM_Speaks Peter Demers

    You are so right. It really isn’t about the hardware/software/equipment to made a video for the web. I have to say though that I started with just audio. The podcasts (25 so far) are available on iTunes and there are several other ways to listen to them. In some ways, a video would be easier, but I did the podcasts first for various personal reasons, mainly improving my speaking voice. I have a youtube channel reserved for video which I know I will make. Until then, there is this video of me from way back – doing then what I will be doing again – http://blip.tv/file/1216757

  • marvelousmartha

    I have two main reasons why I have not done more video (I have done one!). The first is that I just do not think I have anything smart to say. And the second is I do not feel like I have the time. Excuses excuses. I'm working in my mind the next video though. It was so much fun to do the first one, and I can't wait until I have the second one up.

  • http://www.taru.com Taru Fisher

    Yes, Elizabeth, up until now I have been afraid to expose myself. My last excuse was that I needed a haircut. I've had my hair cut for over two weeks and no video. The other excuse is that I haven't finished your course; I always have something just a little more important to do. In truth, I was lacking a certain self-love and acceptance and living in a bit of fear about being ME for everyone to see.

    However, early this morning i had a dream so significant to me, and so absolutely life altering, i am no longer afraid to do the video or speak in front of people. I even accepted a speaking engagement and felt excited rather than afraid; I'm actually looking forward to it.

    I know it sounds goofy to say dream changed my life but I've had this happen before; I had a prophetic dream 40 years ago (it was NOT a good dream) and sure enough, it happened.

    So, I no longer have (or need) any excuses to postpone doing my video. Full speed ahead and damn the torpedos; I am wide open and ready to BE there.

  • accompanyc

    Mostly people are sweet kind and accepting, but…. my son went through a spell of making all kinds of movies and posting them on YouTube. He took it very very seriously – including one that was for a school project on Explaining how to do something. He made Oobleck – and did a very good job for a 12 year old (yes, yes, yes – I know he was supposed to be 13….)
    All well and good – shared it with friends and family – got nice comments, etc. But then he starts getting these heinous emails (I receive copies of his emails – see I’m not completely clueless). Apparently, his vid link was posted somewhere and 1000′s of views/deleted comments later – after I waded through all kinds of horrible things being said about my kid, I changed the privacy settings so only people we approved of could visit his site. He was devasted (wanted to be the next Fred, I guess) – but I really saw the ugly side of trolls out there.
    Moral – I don’t think I have one – but I’m not anxious to do/post video. I’m not sure this is one of those uncomfortable feelings I need to push path to find the good stuff….

    • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

      youtube is a terrible place for trolls, and for many kinds of videos (and for people who are not ready to ignore trolls), I suggest not posting videos on youtube and keeping them on a place where you can control comments etc. :)

  • marvelousmartha

    I have two main reasons why I have not done more video (I have done one!). The first is that I just do not think I have anything smart to say. And the second is I do not feel like I have the time. Excuses excuses. I’m working in my mind the next video though. It was so much fun to do the first one, and I can’t wait until I have the second one up.

  • http://www.taru.com Taru Fisher

    Yes, Elizabeth, up until now I have been afraid to expose myself. My last excuse was that I needed a haircut. I’ve had my hair cut for over two weeks and no video. The other excuse is that I haven’t finished your course; I always have something just a little more important to do. In truth, I was lacking a certain self-love and acceptance and living in a bit of fear about being ME for everyone to see.

    However, early this morning i had a dream so significant to me, and so absolutely life altering, i am no longer afraid to do the video or speak in front of people. I even accepted a speaking engagement and felt excited rather than afraid; I’m actually looking forward to it.

    I know it sounds goofy to say dream changed my life but I’ve had this happen before; I had a prophetic dream 40 years ago (it was NOT a good dream) and sure enough, it happened.

    So, I no longer have (or need) any excuses to postpone doing my video. Full speed ahead and damn the torpedos; I am wide open and ready to BE there.

  • http://www.DoMoreGreatWork.com/ Michael

    Not at all. In fact, I see my cleft lip and palate as part of what makes me different + interesting. But more than that and to your very point, I figure that if people see me being a successful speaker (or video maker in this context), then they may go, “well I can probably do that too.”

    So I'm delighted you brought it up, Michael

  • http://www.lisarobbinyoung.com Lisa Robbin Young

    From one plus sized sister to another – the camera doesn't add 10 pounds, our egos do. I still look at my videos and cringe at my features, but I've not yet had someone say “OMG you're such a fat pig! Stop doing video!”

    In fact, the only person that ever said that was the little remlin in my head – and he only spoke once. :-)

    Why? Because it's the content that matters. When you're engaging, smiling, teaching, and enjoying what you're doing, people will forgive/overlook a lot of stuff – because most people don't watch online videos saying “I dare you to impress me”. They are saying “what can I get out of this that will make this a valueable use of my time?”

  • balemar

    As someone who is sketching out the idea for my first video, I REALLY needed to hear it. I was worried that even if I came up with great content all the technical stuff would get in the way of the message. I was starting to psyche myself out of doing it. No more! Expect a video in the next few days!

  • balemar

    What I like most about videos is how not perfect they are. How they show that at the end of the day – you're a person – just like us. It's the little quirks that make you, well, you.

  • http://www.wickedlychic.com/ wickedlychic

    This is a good post because I just started making videos about a month ago. And yes, the reason why it was hard for me to start in the first place was because when I write…I can hide behind it. With videos, I'm always worrying about what I'm wearing, my hair, my makeup, my eyes…and how goofy I can really look. And then I worry that if people see me in video, they might not like what I have to say anymore.

    I'm starting not to care (a little). Videos are fun (a little). Slowly but surely they will get better (I hope). But I think for many people, they're risky. Too risky.

    But…they show who I am. Take it or leave it. :)

  • http://www.beatrizalemar.com Beatriz Alemar

    As someone who is sketching out the idea for my first video, I REALLY needed to hear it. I was worried that even if I came up with great content all the technical stuff would get in the way of the message. I was starting to psyche myself out of doing it. No more! Expect a video in the next few days!

  • http://www.wickedlychic.com/ wickedlychic

    This is a good post because I just started making videos about a month ago. And yes, the reason why it was hard for me to start in the first place was because when I write…I can hide behind it. With videos, I’m always worrying about what I’m wearing, my hair, my makeup, my eyes…and how goofy I can really look. And then I worry that if people see me in video, they might not like what I have to say anymore.

    I’m starting not to care (a little). Videos are fun (a little). Slowly but surely they will get better (I hope). But I think for many people, they’re risky. Too risky.

    But…they show who I am. Take it or leave it. :)

  • randomshelly

    I love how life always comes at you at the right time! I just started a new blog to document a journey down the road back to sexy and I thought about putting video on there… I didn't worry AT ALL about the technical part of it.. I worried about the hair, the wrinkles, the fact that it would be me – like you said, no barrier! no pretty picture… just me! Scares me to death… I'm still not sure I will do it… but getting the mail about your post this morning really made me laugh! Perfect timing! :)

  • http://www.randomshelly.com/blog/ Shelly

    I love how life always comes at you at the right time! I just started a new blog to document a journey down the road back to sexy and I thought about putting video on there… I didn’t worry AT ALL about the technical part of it.. I worried about the hair, the wrinkles, the fact that it would be me – like you said, no barrier! no pretty picture… just me! Scares me to death… I’m still not sure I will do it… but getting the mail about your post this morning really made me laugh! Perfect timing! :)

  • http://www.aninspirededucation.com/ Donna Vail

    Elizabeth, Thank you! I am working on my first ever video for my website as we are redesigning it. You have really inspired me to be authentically me, which means I don't have to keep re-doing it til it's perfect, just be me. :) Looking forward to your tips and expertise.

  • http://www.aninspirededucation.com/ Donna Vail

    Elizabeth, Thank you! I am working on my first ever video for my website as we are redesigning it. You have really inspired me to be authentically me, which means I don’t have to keep re-doing it til it’s perfect, just be me. :) Looking forward to your tips and expertise.

  • http://www.jeffdolan.com jeffdolan

    Great perspective! Thanks for sharing. Since we will all eventually be on camera when we step into the public anyway with the direction video surveillance is going, practicing with our video cameras shouldn't scare us too much. :)

  • http://www.jeffdolan.com Jeff Dolan

    Great perspective! Thanks for sharing. Since we will all eventually be on camera when we step into the public anyway with the direction video surveillance is going, practicing with our video cameras shouldn’t scare us too much. :)

  • http://www.jeffdolan.com jeffdolan

    Great perspective! Thanks for sharing. Since we will all eventually be on camera when we step into the public anyway with the direction video surveillance is going, practicing with our video cameras shouldn't scare us too much. :)

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  • muluken gizaw

    MY FIRST COMMENT IS BLOCKED BY MY COMPUTER THE MAIN IDEA WAS IN THE BLOCKED.I CAN`T TO SEND VIDEO PHOTOS DUE TO IN OUR UNIVERSITY THERE IS NO ACCESS.WHAT CAN I DO.BUT I TRY UP TO MORE THAN I CAN.

  • muluken gizaw

    I STRUGGLE UP TO MORE THAN I CAN DUE TO IT IS A CHANGE OF MY LIFE .I NEED THIS SCHOLARSHIP TO GET A BETTER KNOWLEDGE.THANK U.I HAVE A KNOWLEDGE,CONFIDENCE ALL EVERYTHING IS GIFT,,,,,,

  • muluken gizaw

    MY FIRST COMMENT IS BLOCKED BY MY COMPUTER THE MAIN IDEA WAS IN THE BLOCKED.I CAN`T TO SEND VIDEO PHOTOS DUE TO IN OUR UNIVERSITY THERE IS NO ACCESS.WHAT CAN I DO.BUT I TRY UP TO MORE THAN I CAN.

  • muluken gizaw

    I STRUGGLE UP TO MORE THAN I CAN DUE TO IT IS A CHANGE OF MY LIFE .I NEED THIS SCHOLARSHIP TO GET A BETTER KNOWLEDGE.THANK U.I HAVE A KNOWLEDGE,CONFIDENCE ALL EVERYTHING IS GIFT,,,,,,

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