root canal or being on-camera? ... [🐝U]

These days it feels like every marketing “must-do” involves video
You need short video, long video, intro video

But nobody admits how soul-crushing it feels for most of us.

“Just hit record” sounds easy enough

Yeah, well … cue the introverted, tech-challenged panic attack!

Look, I totally get it.
I’m right there with you.

When I was invited to 2 live sessions last month, 1 felt easy …
a Facebook live Q&A with Katie Yeakle (co-founder & CEO of the American Writers & Artists Institute)

That’s just me answering questions, same as I do with clients a dozen times a week.
& it’s also this newsletter’s format.

But the other one?

A structured talk, with set topic & a timer … alone … live?
No pressure or anything … except ALL the pressure😬

I stayed on topic, though I did babble a bit & went 1 minute over my time.
(my solution to running out of time … talk faster! … isn’t the best option)

In other words, it wasn’t perfectly polished, but it connected.

There was even someone who posted in the Bootcamp Facebook group that they watched my session again.

They watched it AGAIN?
Meanwhile, I cringe listening to my own voice once … we’re talking nails on a chalkboard.

But apparently, what I couldn’t stomach came across as valuable to them.
That’s the gap we all live in with Imposter Syndrome. It’s just amplified with video.
The way we feel vs the way our audience actually sees us.

Even knowing, intellectually, do you see me posting videos anywhere?

NOPE!

If you’ve ever watched a video of yourself & thought:
“never again”
“what a complete spaz”
“OMG, is that what I really sound like?”

… you’re not alone!
Most of us hate our own voice, cringe at seeing ourselves, & secretly hope clients find us without video.

Want to know the real reason I’m not wearing a baseball cap in those live sessions (like I usually do on client calls)?

Honestly, I didn’t want my flailing hands & spazy fidgetiness to bump the cap off my head … no matter how much it would have helped with that bright spot from the overhead light.

Spoiler Alert: Even if clients magically find you, you’ll still need video calls. There’s no escaping video these days.

So when you ask questions about talking to prospects, showing up with confidence & speaking with authority on camera, I KNOW I’m not the best person to help because I’m kinda right there with you.

That’s why I reached out to my friend Laura Doman. She’s made a career out of turning nerves into having a presence. Whether it’s on stage, on camera, or behind a mic.

So instead of me fumbling through advice I don’t practice myself, I asked Laura to take over today … because she lives (& teaches) this stuff.

What’s Your Speaking Style on Camera?

Most of us have several speaking styles. That’s a good thing. Our challenge is knowing which to use depending on the moment.

That choice can be the difference between landing a high-paying client or someone wanting to schedule a root-canal instead of listening to you.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses

Let’s break down the main 7 speaking styles so you what they are and - more importantly - when to use them and how to nail it!

You’ll can also watch a quick, 1-minute video for each style …

The 7 On-Camera Speaking Styles

1 - Conversational

This one’s the easiest and most natural. It’s relaxed, friendly, and personal … like chatting with friends or family.
It’s informal and warm. Perfect when you want to make a connection without pressure.

When to use it: casual updates, vlogs, check-ins

How to nail it: Imagine one special person behind the lens, relax your body, and smile (that’s your secret weapon).

Pro Tip: if you’re struggling with imaging someone behind the lens, try having them there for real … either in-person or on a Zoom call you can record and edit them out later

⏯️ → Be conversational, not salesy

Of course, not every message can be casual. Sometimes your audience needs facts they can trust … that’s when you shift into Informative mode.

2 - Informative

When you need to get facts across clearly, the Informative Style’s your best bet.
Professional without being stiff or stuffy.
Approachable but not casual.

You’re sharing information the audience needs and you want them to trust it. Using notes or a teleprompter can help keep you on track, but you shouldn’t sound scripted.

Speak from the heart instead of just reading the page so your content makes an impact.

When to use it: client communications, company announcements, or internal / team updates.

How to nail it: keep your notes handy, stay even-keeled, and speak from the heart so it doesn’t sound scripted or a formal speech.

⏯️ → How to share information without putting your audience to sleep

But information alone isn’t enough if your audience needs to DO something with it. That’s where the Instructional style comes in handy.

3 - Instructional

The Instructional Style turns you into a teacher. Your goal when using this is to explain, guide, and make the content feel manageable. You want your audience to understand what you're sharing.

It’s NOT about you showing off how much you know.

That means slowing down for tricky concepts, swapping jargon for simple language, and treating your viewers like smart people eager to learn.

When you deliver information this way, your audience feels supported, not spoken down to or left behind.

When to use it: training videos, explainer content, onboarding customers or team members.

How to nail it: avoid jargon, slow down tricky concepts, and use relevant examples to make concepts stick.

⏯️ → How to give an instructional speech

Of course, knowing what to do doesn’t always move people. Sometimes they need heart, not just how-to … that’s when you lean into Motivation.

4 - Motivational / Inspirational

This style stirs emotions while speaking logically. It’s about inspiring confidence, hope, or determination … whether your audience is a person or a group.

The hook’s emotional. You’re grabbing their attention by showing you care.
But the foundation’s credibility. They’ll only follow if they believe you.

To succeed here, you need to share your own stories, speak honestly, and let your compassion shine. Your result is a message that inspires and feels trustworthy.

When to use it: pep talks, leadership messages, thought-leadership content.

How to nail it: be authentic, compassionate, and share your own experiences.

⏯️ → How to give a motivational or inspirational talk

And once you’ve inspired someone, your natural next step is guiding them toward a decision … that’s where the Persuasive style comes in.

5 - Persuasive

The Persuasive speaking style is about influencing without being pushy or sounding sleazy.
It’s professional, credible, and grounded in reasons relevant to your audience.

You’re guiding them toward a decision (to do something) by combining facts, stories, and a clear next step.

The key is being genuine and respectful. Show them you understand … you “get” them.

When to use it: sales videos, proposals, calls-to-action

How to nail it: balance professionalism with personality and be clear on their next step.

⏯️ → How to speak persuasively

But persuasion only works when people trust your leadership. Sometimes you need to stand firm, calm, and credible … that’s the Authoritative style.

6 - Authoritative

Authority on camera isn’t about being loud and obnoxious. It’s about showing your competence in a calm, confident manner.

This style reassures your audience that you’re worth listening to, whether you’re sharing tough-to-hear news, outlining strategy, or leading a team.

A slower pace with deliberate pauses and a steady gaze (not stare-downs) all add to your credibility.

When to use it: leadership updates, crisis communication, strategy sessions

How to nail it: slow down, use pauses, maintain a calm presence and (for women) drop into a lower register (tone of voice)

⏯️ → How to speak with authority

Of course, not every moment calls for gravitas. The better way may be to connect could be to lighten things up … that’s when the Entertaining style shines.

7 - Entertaining

Finally, the entertaining style is the one that brings energy and sparks your content. It’s not about being a comedian or over-the-top performer; it’s about making your message enjoyable and memorable.

Storytelling, visuals, or even just your natural enthusiasm can make your audience lean in. When you show you’re having fun and genuinely enjoying the material, your viewers usually will to.

Entertaining doesn’t mean silly. It means engaging. And that makes people remember you.

When to use it: storytelling, brand-building, audience engagement

How to nail it: bring in humor, stories, visuals or energy but be careful not to overdo it. When you enjoy yourself, your audience does too.

⏯️ → How to be an entertaining speaker

Finding Your Speaking Style

The truth is there’s no single “best” on-camera speaking style. Each of the 7 have their own place, depending on your message, the audience, and the outcome you want.

And you may find you’re blending a few together.
That’s OK.

Sometimes you might lean more conversational, other times you’ll need authority

What’s important is your style matches the message so you connect, influence, and shine.

Reading about these styles is one thing … & sure, watching those quick videos helps.
But actually practicing them? That’s where the magic (and confidence) happens.

That’s why Laura’s having a free masterclass October 9th … to give you a safe space to build your on-camera confidence.

No pressure.
No fake scarcity (smaller is more interactive & less intimidating)
… & no, you don’t HAVE to be on camera

Can’t make it live? No problem. There’s a replay so you can watch on your own time

& don’t worry, this isn’t a fake bait-&-switch masterclass.
❌ No 20-minute bragging intro.
❌ No 30-minute pitch-fest.

I hate that! So does Laura.

This is different. It’s just practical tools we can use.

Video isn’t going away.
& you can’t create an AI-avatar to show up for client calls.

The only way to stop cringing over being on camera is to finally own it, so block your calendar for October 9th & we’ll work on that on-camera confidence together.

Make it a great “style-ish “ week!
EG

PS:

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The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it. That’s what The Marketing Millennials delivers: real insights, fresh takes, and no fluff. Written by Daniel Murray, a marketer who knows what works, this newsletter cuts through the noise so you can stop guessing and start winning. Subscribe and level up your marketing game.

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