How to record with confidence

Hi Friend 👋

I think that was the first week in a while that felt like a regular routine week. No outside appointments, just dialing in on making content. Which made me think of giving myself a regular schedule to follow, like Lauro did.

With December on our doorstep, it’s time to reflect and plan for next year to be our best year yet.

💛 Valentin

New in Orbit:
📺 An Honest Conversation About Starting a Podcast in 2025

Record Without Feeling Weird

Fitting with the latest video on the channel, I saw this post from Lucy:

I’ve just started creating my first podcast however I’m finding that I keep stumbling over my words and losing my train of thought. […] I feel like I need a full script but that’s a lot of work. […] Does anyone have any ideas on what else to do?

I think everyone who has tried to record a video or podcast is familiar with this situation. Suddenly, the words don’t come out right, and you feel awkward—even though talking is something we do every day. At least that’s how it was for me.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here are three easy steps that helped me feel more confident talking to a camera, speaking in front of an audience, and having conversations with strangers.

The 2 Minute Talk

Once a day pull out your phone and record yourself talking to it for 2 minutes. That’s it!

Don’t overthink it—just record. No editing, no reviewing, no posting. The goal is to simply get comfortable talking into a tiny black box. After doing that for a week you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to record.

Create a Fake Audience

When you have your talking points ready and are ready to hit record set up an audience. Turn on a video like this or set up stuffed animals and toys to look at you.
I’ve even done this with an empty row of chairs.

This simple trick shifts your brain into presenter mode, helping you focus on sharing your message with 'real people' instead of a blank wall.” Even if your audience is made of pixels and plush.

The Accordion Method

I learned that one from an Ultraspeaking mini course this year and it’s become my go to exercise for really important presentations, pitches and videos.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a topic or script you’re working on.

• Deliver it in 3 minutes. Focusing on energy and enthusiasm. Even if your presentation is 10 minutes, try delivering it in 3.

• Reflect: What worked? What didn’t? Make a note.

• Repeat, shortening to 2 minutes, then 1 minute. Remove any unnecessary details. The key here is to only communicate what matters most

• Reflect: What worked? What didn’t? Make a note.

• Take a pause to look at your notes and relax.

• Work your way back up (1→2→3 minutes) and refine

• Always remember to reflect. Notice the key points that remain consistent.

• Finally, reflect on how your delivery evolved.

When I started, I felt like Lucy. Awkward and unsure how to get my words out. But over time these three practices helped me turn recording into something easy.

Pick one of these techniques and give it a try this week. I’d love to hear about your process. What worked, what surprised you, and how you felt after. Let’s make recording less weird and way more fun!

My favorite things this week

Rule of Thumb is my new favorite YT Education Channel

Ken Sakata sharing his story from doctor to fashion designer

Nathan Barry giving you a formula to introduce yourself

In December I’ll be sharing some of the best content released this year.
Do you have any shows, creators or videos that stood out?

Cheat Code I discovered this week

From Rule of Thumb I copied this viral title prompt:

Here is the rules for a good YouTube video title: It needs to have all of the below:

• a Big Claim Sound Easy to do

• Sound like a new idea or concept

• Sound safe to try

• Spark Curiosity

• Spark either Fear OR Desire

• Be appealing to [insert audience]

• And people who aren't massive fans of […]

• it needs to promise a Dream Outcome

• sound easy to achieve

• Have a Small Time Delay to that result

give me 25 YouTube video titles that meet these rules.