Espresso Yourself: How to Show Up on Camera Without the Jitters

The First Video Is the Scariest—So Let’s Make It the Simplest

So you’ve finally decided to show your face on social media (🎉), but the second you hit record, you freeze. You start speaking like a stiff newscaster or fumble through your words, and then delete it in a flurry of “Nope, nope, NOPE.”

Sound familiar?
Good. That means you care.
Now let’s fix it.

Showing up on video doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, your first face-to-camera video can be easy—and even fun—when you start with something you already know: your pitch.

Start With What You Say All the Time

You know that short little speech you give when someone at a networking event says, “So what do you do?” THAT’S your first video.

Short, clear, and spoken a thousand times already. There’s no need to overthink or reinvent the wheel—just say it like you would to someone standing next to you with a coffee in hand.

The 3-Part Formula to Keep You on Track

Ready to hit record? Use this no-fluff, get-it-done video structure:

☕ 1. The Hook
Start with a quick line that grabs attention. This could be a bold statement, a relatable question, or something unexpected.

“Most people think social media is just about being online all the time—but I’m here to prove them wrong.”

☕ 2. Who You Are & What You Post About
This is your elevator pitch. Short and sweet.

“I’m [Your Name], and I help small business owners create simple, strategic social media content that actually works.”

☕ 3. The Elaboration (Stick to One Nugget of Wisdom)
Answer the hook or deliver one value point. Keep it focused. Don’t cram everything you know into one video.

“One of the biggest myths I hear is that you have to be on every platform—NOPE. Let’s simplify so you can show up where it matters most.”

Keep it under 60 seconds. We’re not filming a documentary here. You’ve got a golden minute to connect, deliver, and get off the stage.

Don’t Like It? Re-record It. Seriously.

Your first take? Think of it as a rehearsal. It’s probably not going to be “the one”—and that’s fine.

Most people don’t nail it until their 4th or 5th take, and even then, they piece it together using editing apps. So if you flub a sentence or blank out halfway through—take a breath and do it again.

📱 Pro Tip: Record each section (hook, intro, value nugget) separately and stitch them together in your favorite editing app. No one said you have to do it in one take.

Keep It Real—Because THAT’S What People Connect With

Especially if you're 40+, here’s the deal: Do NOT try to sound like a radio host or a news anchor.

You’re not auditioning for NPR. You’re having a coffee convo with someone who’s curious about what you do. The best videos come from people who talk like themselves.

Here’s what to aim for:

• Warm, natural tone (like you’re talking to your best friend)

• Zero jargon—you’re not trying to impress, you’re trying to connect

• Smiles, pauses, and natural rhythm—not a stiff, memorized script

And please, for the love of espresso, don’t sound preachy or like you’ve got it all figured out. Be real, relatable, and just a little messy. That’s what we love about you.

Final Sip: Just Hit Record

Your first face-to-camera video doesn’t have to be a masterpiece—it just has to be yours. Use your pitch, keep it real, and stick to the formula. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.

Now grab your phone, take a breath, and hit record.
You’re going to surprise yourself. ☕✨

Hooks you can use to share your pitch:

1. You know that moment when [common struggle]? That’s exactly what I help people solve.

2. Most people think [misconception about your industry], but I’m here to show a better way.

3. I created my business for people who feel [pain point]—because I’ve been there.

4. You’re probably wondering what I actually do—so let me break it down.

5. If you’ve ever struggled with [problem], here’s how I help people move through it.

6. The reason I started this business is simple: I saw a need I couldn’t ignore.

7. Here’s why I do what I do—and why I care so much about helping others do it too.

8. Let me take 60 seconds to tell you what I do and why it matters.

9. This is the one thing I want every [your ideal client] to know…

10. What drives me every day? Helping [audience] finally feel confident in [specific area].

11. Here’s the core of what I do: [simplified version of your transformation or service].

12. I’m not here to sell—I’m here to serve. And here’s how I do that.

13. I work with [audience] who are ready to stop [pain point] and start [solution].

14. You don’t need to do it alone. Here’s how I help people get unstuck and move forward.

15. If you’ve ever thought, "There has to be an easier way to do this,"—you’re exactly the kind of person I help.