Your Most Underrated Coach: The Camera
From the boardroom to the golf course, video feedback reveals blind spots and accelerates growth.
Who loves seeing themselves on video? Very few of us. Most people cringe when they hear their voice or catch a glimpse of their gestures on camera. Yet video is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve our communication.
In my workshops and master classes, I recommend a three-step process:
Watch without sound. Notice your body language and expressions. Do they match your message?
Listen without watching. Pay attention to tone, pace, and clarity. Do you sound confident—or rushed, flat, unclear?
Watch and listen together. Pull it all together for a holistic view of how you come across.
A Lesson from the Golf Course
Recently, I found myself on the other side of this advice. After a round with my golf pro, I discovered she had filmed my swing—without me realizing it. Watching that playback was… humbling. What I thought looked decent was full of opportunities for improvement. Painful? Yes. Helpful? Absolutely. It gave us a clear starting point for progress.
Technology That Helps
I often use the Advantage by Yoodli platform with my clients. They can record presentations, interviews, or casual conversations, then review their video alongside AI-powered feedback on eye contact, clarity, and even smiles. Add comments from your coach or colleagues and the learning is multiplied. Learn more about it HERE.
Takeaway
The camera may not feel like a friend—but it is one of the best coaches we have. Whether in public speaking or golf, seeing ourselves in action provides feedback no mirror can offer.
Curious about the connection between golf and public speaking? Download my free eBook Tee Up Your Speech: Golf is Like Public Speaking.
👉 I’d love to hear: Have you ever learned something surprising from watching yourself on video?
Contact me at LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com to learn more about communication skills.