January 4, 2024 • 45 mins
Unlock the secrets of on-camera composure with former CNN talent, TedX speaker, author, and communications expert Nadia Bilchik! In this dynamic episode, Nadia joins forces with her former colleague Jamie Maglietta, drawing on their television production backgrounds to deliver top-tier tips for professionals navigating the pressure of on-camera appearances. Whether you're aiming to secure earned media or gearing up for an upcoming on-camera opportunity, this episode, part of a series dedicated to strategic preparation, is your go-to resource. Tune in to elevate your presence, stay calm under the spotlight, and master the art of media success. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights—your on-camera triumph awaits! For more on Nadia Bilchik visit www.nadiaspeaks.com Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:40 Conversation with Nadia Bilchik 05:00 Nadia's Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadia_bilchik_own_your_confidence 05:30 Nadia's four strategies for overcoming nerves 08:00 Jamie shares tips about showing up on camera 10:00 Nadia reflects on Jamie's Harvard degree to show an example of how professionals need to remember how they got where they are 11:00 Mindset and techniques to help you speak publicly and on camera 12:00 Demystifying speaking on camera 13:00 Importance of speaking on camera whether on TV or over Zoom 15:00 Lighting is key. Jamie shows her hotel room to show viewers how important the lighting and framing is while on the road. Jamie talks about how professionals can think like producers 17:50 Nadia reflects on her career at CNN and as a personality in South Africa 23:05 Talk about recording platforms like Streamyard 24:30 Podcasting's impact on business 26:11 Quick Break and plug 28:00 Nadia and Jamie offer a SPEED Round of advice 29:00 Contributors: How to become one 32:00 More tips to help you perform professionally on camera 32:30 Where to look when staring into a camera 35:00 Final pieces of advice and tips on how to prepare your talking points 36:00 Close Thank you!
YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/s9CuqEkry_U?feature=shared ✨ FOLLOW Jamie on IG @jamie_theproducer ✨ MORE podcast clips and tips under @oncamready 📺 Jamie is a TV Veteran with nearly 20 years of experience and is now offering her training and expertise as a consultant. 👏🏼 Thank you for SUBSCRIBING 🔗 FREE Podcast Development PDF👇🏼 🔗 1:1 Consulting 👇🏼 🔗 Podcast Platform of Choice 🔗 The Roadmap to Riches Marketing Course with Master Resell Rights 👇🏼 🔗 Email & Website STORE: https://shorturl.at/noFU9 Website: https://www.oncamready.com Email: jamie@oncamready.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:04):
On this episode of On camera Ready, how to stay composed
while under pressure and on camera.
The most important thing, and this is if I'm preparing someone
for an on camera interview, a radio interview, a print
interview or a live presentationor a meeting.
So basic it's who is my audience?
(00:25):
What do I want them to think, Feel.
Do as a result of this conversation and then I add in
one. What is the benefit to that?
The former CNN anchor and Booker, now Ted Talk speaker and
author, is here to share all of her advice to help you become
more composed on camera. She is a world renowned
(00:49):
communications expert and, as I said, author.
She's written so many books. I had no ideas.
Nadia Belchak is someone I worked with at CNN and I admired
Ben and I admire greatly. Now she's one of those people
that, as you get to know, you start to say to yourself, oh
gosh, I really want to be like her.
So if you are listening to this conversation and you want to get
(01:11):
to know more about Nadia, her trainings, or just her life and
her career and her books, be sure to check out the
description. There's a link to all of all you
need to know about Nadia down there.
I also have a link to my Amazon storefront which connects you
right to her books, so be sure to check that out.
You know? And while you're down there, if
you're someone who really wants to create your own content to
(01:33):
attract earned media, it's definitely worth considering
creating a podcast. Ioffer a podcast in PDF as well
as a marketing course to help you figure out a way to monetize
that podcast online. And I'm I'm using these
resources to really help people craft out their ideas into shows
(01:56):
and launch successfully. So if you are thinking about
creating your own content to earn media, I highly recommend
you download my PDF and also subscribe to
my.newsletter@oncamready.com. You know, I have really enjoyed
podcasting and video podcasting.You know, starting in, I think
(02:18):
the next episode we're going to start making this more biweekly
because I am making this YouTubefirst podcast, meaning I'll be
posting it there first. I'm spending most of my time
working on the SEO there versus on the podcasting platforms
because I'm a one man band. Got to try try this slowly.
I'm also thinking more on a biweekly level because I want to
(02:41):
have additional content and create a community on the
YouTube platform. So we'll I'll be offering more
behind the scenes videos, helping people really understand
how to create a podcast record or broadcast.
I'll test out different podcasting recording platforms
and show you what I find As I doit, it'll be more blog style
(03:03):
content, so check it out and I hope you subscribe.
Now back to our conversation. Nadia and I recorded this in
early fall of 2023 and you know,we're planning another
conversation. So if you're listening to it and
you have ideas or questions we didn't ask, be sure to reach out
because we will be having another conversation soon.
(03:27):
Having worked with her, we really had great chemistry for
this talk and the tips and advice that we both offer are
really meant to help you. So if you are a professional
looking to really produce up your content, look better online
or you have an opportunity coming up where you are going to
be appearing on TV and you need some last minute advice, this
(03:49):
episode is perfect for you. Actually, all of them are
because I really am focusing on bringing experts onto the show
that can help you round out yourskill set and perform your best
on camera whenever you have thatopportunity.
OK, so let's get to the conversation again.
This was recorded early fall, and I did need to edit it on a
(04:14):
technical front. I was I was supposed to be
wearing my lav, which I use as aportable mic when I travel for
podcasting, But I forgot to charge it because I was really
busy in New York City that day. So I'm using the the audio from
my cell phone, so I hope you'll forgive me for that.
(04:35):
Anyway, here's the conversation.I had no idea you did a Ted
talk. I love this.
I did it on the question I get asked, Jamie, because whether I
am speaking in Dallas or Dubai or Durban to engineers,
electricians or internal auditors, people want to know
before you get up in front of a live audience or before you go
(04:59):
live on camera, do you get nervous, Nervous.
So I did it on owning your confidence.
And I think it was such a fascinating topic because a lot
of what you said is what I remember being taught when I was
in theater as a kid. You know with the you go
through, you know all these steps on how to warm up your
(05:20):
voice. And do you mind just expanding
on some of the the tips that youshared during this Ted X?
So I shared four key tips. I like to say 4 strategies for
overcoming nerves, whatever the circumstance is.
And sometimes it's just walking into a high stakes meeting.
And the first thing is thoughts is the ability to access what I
(05:43):
have coined a term called your positive Emotional memory
database. So the first thing is, when
you're getting really nervous, what are you focusing on?
And I say you need to build up an inventory of positive past
experiences so you can quickly access those.
That's the first thing. And then part of that is also
(06:03):
showing genuine interest in youraudience.
Who are they? What do you want them to think,
feel, do as a result of whateveryour communication is?
And then part of the art of whatI call lighting a fire is
relaxation, and relaxation meansdoing voice exercises.
Which helps relax your voice, but you don't sound a lot
pitched and squeaky. And if you think of the vowel
(06:25):
sound A and you go with the hum hem, hem, hem, hem, right, then
with the vowel sound E, what would that sound like?
Hem. MMM hem.
MMM hem MMM. Part of relaxing is also doing
some contraction and then release of the body.
So those relaxing. So you're relaxing both mentally
(06:47):
and physically? And then, yeah, and then because
there's four things so this feelgood about yourself, show
genuine interest, relax. And then also you want to engage
with the level of energy so thatyou don't feel like your nerves
are something you shouldn't have.
So it's using that energy to galvanizing.
(07:09):
It is such a great time to be talking about this, because
right now. As anyone who's listening to
this can probably tell, the audio is a little off.
You may hear background noise ofNew York City streets because
I'm in a hotel and I did not want to reschedule our
conversation while I was traveling.
(07:30):
So I'm in this hotel. My love was not charged in time
and I am talking directly through my iPhone 14 for this
conversation. Now, you know, when it comes to
podcasting and video, podcastingaudio is everything.
So of course I'm sitting here a little nervous before this
conversation, and the one thing I remembered from your Ted X was
(07:53):
to think about the positive things in my life before
engaging the one thing I always do too.
Nadia, and you may have expounded on this at some point,
but even when I'm nervous or I'mupset or worn down.
I just smile and give a little laugh and that's something that
(08:16):
always just helps me get throughthose nervous moments, just
putting a smile on my face. That's also, you know, that's a
wonderful way of telling your body that actually you're OK.
You know, Amy Cuddy famously said you've got to fake it until
you believe it. And part of doing that, you
(08:36):
know, she gave that Superman posture and all of those things,
but just. Telling your body that actually,
I'm really OK with this, you know, doing that because your
brain then goes, oh, actually, she is feeling confident.
But Jamie, let's get back just for a second.
I mean, you have got so much to be proud of.
I met you in our CNN days. You're doing all kinds of
(08:58):
things. You've since got another degree.
I understand right? Yes, yes, I I I did get my
graduate degree from Harvard University in Business
management. And actually, while I was there,
I started to give birth to this brainchild of mine, I guess you
could say my project of trying to help more people through
(09:20):
social media, to kind of share the experiences that you and I
have collected over the years tohelp them become more confident
online, stronger speakers and and just better television
guests. But what you just said, let's go
back for a moment about you've got this degree from Harvard.
So if I were coaching Jamie, whodoesn't need coaching because
(09:44):
you've come across as soap, polished, poised and
charismatic, is to go just before you're about to interview
anybody. Or if you start feeling a little
bit anxious because the tech isn't 100%, there's this
internal dialogue that's going on that says Jamie.
I have kids. I had a job and I got a degree
from Harvard, so that you. Your inner self is feeling that
(10:06):
sense of even accomplishment because psychologically what we
do when we feeling daunted, we put the other person on a
pedestal and we forget our own story.
So for that it's just so, so critical.
And I love what you're trying todo because if you are watching
Jamie and I and you go, I relate.
I get so nervous. I get so anxious.
I'm not good at public speaking.I hate the idea of a camera in
(10:27):
my face. I always say you don't have to.
Be. The next Oprah Winfrey.
Well, the next Tony Robbins, butevery single person who comes
through coaching or training or listeners can acquire the
techniques and the mindset to come across with Polish, poise
and charisma. Everybody can and it's it's a
(10:49):
matter of mindset. And then a couple of techniques
that hopefully we're sharing with you today and it just got
me to think another technique and something you're doing well
and I'm focusing on is when you're.
Doing anything virtual, it's looking into the camera that is
a non verbal that makes you lookso much more comfortable and so
(11:09):
much more confident. Now it's counter intuitive
because I want to look down at you.
So the minute I look down at youto see your facial expression,
your beautiful face, so this expression.
I actually am looking into the camera to remind us of the when
I'm speaking, the only way the audience feels that I'm looking
at them is into camera. So one of the things we do in
(11:31):
media training, and I know one of the things you are helping
people do is if they get a camera in their face, where do I
look? Do I look at the person who's
interviewing me or do I look at the camera?
And those are some of the thingsthat make you nervous.
And those are some of the thingsyou're helping people understand
so that you demystify being interviewed very.
Good point. You know, I, when I was younger,
(11:55):
my mom was, you know, always taking photos of me.
So I grew up with a camera in myface, an actual camera, not a
phone, guys. And I think that because of
that, I don't have that fear. It also drew me toward it, which
is why I think I wound up going down that path of, you know, TV
(12:15):
news reporting, journalism, because I didn't fear it.
So you and so you know by personality you could be more
what we say. I I don't even like the word
extrovert. I like sort of fast-paced and
outspoken. Some people are very, very
reserved and very self-conscious.
So for you being in front of a camera or I was one of those
(12:39):
little girls who was doing performances for my family's
dinner parties, you know, when Iwas 5.
But for people who find it excruciating?
And who? The reminder is that in this
virtual age that we're in and let's face it, whether you're
back at work, you're still having to do components of your
meetings virtually. I teach and train and speak in
(13:01):
several countries and the reality is not one single
company isn't using virtual platforms for some of their
meetings. It's just how it is so by.
Really fine tuning these skills,understanding them, demystifying
them. Everybody has the ability to
come across better. So for you, I I mean, it's
(13:24):
fairly effortless, but hopefullyand I love the work you're
doing, you're saying to people who are watching, just remember
little things like you said yourlaugh mic, we're to get it.
That'll make you sound so much better.
My feeling is COVID started in March of 2020.
We are now well into 2023. I mean, Can you imagine such a
thing? September 2023 and you should be
(13:49):
able to turn on a webcam, every single person and know the
basics. And what are the basics?
Look into camera, middle of youreye, parallel to camera.
Now I don't know what you're using now.
You said you're using your iPhone.
Yes, and. Very good.
But you're somehow knowing, OK, you're placing your iPhones in
the middle of the ice camera andthen backgrounds, because we
(14:10):
were using a new platform. I don't have my fancy
backgrounds or my blurred background, but white is OK and
you've got a hotel background, but you're seeing us this much.
So those are the things. And then lighting, as you said,
find a light in front of your face, you know, you know,
because as a television producer, how important that is.
Tell you how often I still go onto zoom sessions, zoom meetings,
(14:31):
or Webex teams, whatever you're using.
And people still look like they are a cardboard cut out because
the light is behind them. I have had one person who looks
like they're in the witness protection program.
So it's that can enhance your overall confidence.
And most important is when that camera goes on you are
(14:53):
projecting. A confident, comfortable stuff.
So that's that is I think our goal even in doing this session
is to say you don't have to be aJamie or an idea to be impactful
when you're being interviewed. There's certain things every
single person can do. Exactly.
And just so people can visually see.
(15:13):
Like if I were to move this way,look how dark I get.
You know you don't want to have your back to a window.
As Nadia is saying, like you definitely want to make sure
that you're framing yourself up.You don't want to have a crooked
looking background. You want to have it centered and
you want to have it look as crisp and clean as possible.
You know that door behind me is a bathroom.
(15:35):
You don't want the door open, you know, You just want to be
thinking of all the little details like a producer.
And that is what I keep saying. It's like if you just tap into
the mindset of a television newsproducer.
Think like a producer. You will make every on camera
moment. Through the count.
And that's what I love about allthe things that you've been
(15:57):
doing. And I also want to tap into the
fact that we worked at CNN together.
You were an anchor before you also anchored at CNNI mean you
have such a wealth of knowledge to share and we've already
talked about a few techniques that you've used.
So I I was just wondering what is it about Nadia?
(16:19):
That put Nadia out there on camera.
Like, was it something you grew up like, a like a interest in
being in front of the camera, a desire to just educate people or
show people the world? Like what drove you to become
who you are? I started my career doing
acting. In fact, a friend of mine's kid
(16:41):
pulled up a clip and I don't know if we can play it.
But I'll send it to you of me being Plot by Gary Busey.
Oh no, I think I shoot Gary Busey on the island of Skiatos
in Greece. It was my first movie, so I did
a dual degree in English and acting.
It was the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
(17:02):
And for about a year I did a whole lot of movies.
And in fact, I was being interviewed for one of the
movies and I sat there being interviewed and I thought, I
really don't want to be interviewed.
I want to be the interviewer. Well, South Africa television
was relatively new in the late 1980s, unlike UN America.
And in 1989 I landed a job at a television station in South
(17:25):
Africa called M Net and I started being a television
anchor. So it really came through
learning on the job and going back route so.
I've had to reinvent myself likeyou have Jamie, in a variety of
a multitude of times. But I was very fortunate because
(17:47):
when we left South Africa in 1997, by then I had had my own
talk show in South Africa and I'd interviewed many, many, many
high profile people. So when I came to CNN, I already
had a great demo reel and I started anchoring at CNN at the
airport network. That was my first gig.
And then things always change, don't they?
(18:08):
You know, airport network changes.
And then I start working at CNN International and hosting a
couple of shows there on the runway showbiz around the world
inside Africa. Well then that changed and they
decided to get their main anchors to do those shows and.
And I landed up working as a bookings producer.
So it's interesting because a lot of people go from behind the
scenes to in front of the camera.
(18:30):
I went from in front of the camera to behind the scenes.
Yeah, you know, my 1 tip to everyone and I am speaking about
this at a big, big keynote this week, is relationships are
everything, right? Because you change and things
change, and you change and you have to constantly say.
Am I going to accept the change and expand my sphere of
(18:52):
influence or am I going to just feel absolutely terrified by the
change? And I think COVID was just
another period of change, certainly for me as an in person
speaker because my CN life, I landed up hosting a lot of
segments for the weekend, so doing all kinds of fun things
and then that changed. But as a speaker, I do speak a
(19:14):
lot about aid. Dealing with change and not
letting change terrify you, and not letting change really render
you inert, which it does. I mean, look at you.
You're doing a podcast, you're learning all kinds of new
things, and I know you're technically proficient and
that's your background. So my advice to people, let's
say, who are less technically proficient than you Jamie, and
(19:35):
also my age group, I'm a whole decade, maybe even more.
Older than you are is for those of us who find technology
daunting. It's just which we do because,
you know, some of your audience is going, oh, this is easy, So
I'm using Riverside, I'm using this, but they're people who are
going. How does Jamie do it?
And and that's what I'm hoping to to really get at with all the
(19:59):
vlogging around the video podcasting, because so many
people come to me and ask how doyou video podcast?
How do you even podcast? You know, I've put together like
a PDF to help people think through their development
process and also try to really think about all the questions as
producers we'd be thinking before we put a segment on the
(20:20):
air. You know, what are you going to
call it? Who's your audience?
What? What's the hook on your show and
how are you going to maintain itover time?
So, you know, I've definitely put together this PDF that I'm
going to. I'm hoping people will help
people as well. But yeah, I mean, the the
technology does seem to be daunting for so many and it's so
much simpler. And I'm just trying to, through
(20:42):
conversations like this, show people that it isn't that hard.
You know, I'm on a phone, I'm ina hotel, I'm in New York,
Nadia's at home. It's just like during COVID,
right? I mean, but we need to up our
game. And that's the point at this
point. We have now had years in front
of a camera forcibly because of COVID, and now professionals
(21:04):
need to up their game on social media.
And you know, even at work, right?
Because I still go into meetingswhere people are looking at me
like, hi, and I'm like, whoa. Or swinging on the Internet or
everything. So you say so then the point is
for you. There are also great people out
(21:27):
there. You know, if you're going to
LinkedIn, who and are you? You're not producing for other
people, right, Jamie? You're only producing for
yourself at this point. Or are you open?
For example, if somebody's watching this going, I want to
do what Jamie's doing, I could hire her as a producer.
Are you available to do that? Yeah.
OK, that's good. Because, you know, I think that
(21:47):
then my other advice to us boomer exes, I'm on the cast is
hire a Jamie. You know, I think if we feel you
know all the great motivational speakers with John Maxwell,
Stephen Covey, Tony Robinson, ifyou really find something very
daunting and you can't do it allthe way Jamie's doing it, hire
her. I mean, there's people who who
(22:11):
do it. So you know, I do my streaming
slightly differently because I go on to stream yard and my
stream yard. I sound like I really know what
I'm talking about, but I really have gone through trial and
error. My Stream Yard allows me to go
live onto LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, so I do that.
(22:32):
But when it comes to the editingpiece and all of that, Jamie, I
outsource that because I don't have your skills.
I think that's the other thing to people who are watching.
It doesn't have to be. There are people like you who
are consultants in this area. Don't let that be the thing that
stops you, is what I'm saying. No, that's a great point and
outsourcing can also be very affordable, but to the point of
(22:55):
Stream Yard. I'll make sure there's a link
down below on the YouTube as well as in the podcast version
of this conversation, but StreamYard is a great way to make it
look like a live TV feeling conversation.
You can stream across a multitude of platforms as well
as load it with your own branding and look, and that's
(23:17):
what's great, especially if you're someone who wants to have
that additional added value element.
You can even add graphics that you create, which is wonderful.
But again, to Nadia's point, if you have trouble with that type
of technology, you just got to do your research before you
invest in the platform. You know, Right now we're using
a Riverside platform that is also something you can stream
(23:38):
on. However, it is more for video
and audio podcasting, editing than it is for live streaming,
right? So when you are having your
conversations with your clients and they're coming to you and
they're like, I have this interview and I really need your
help, what are maybe the three things that you find yourself
(23:58):
having to repeat over and over again to people to help them?
Prepare. So the most important thing, and
this is if I'm preparing someonefor an on camera interview, a
radio interview, a print interview or a live presentation
or a meeting. So basic it's.
Who is my audience? What do I want them to think,
(24:21):
feel, do as a result of this conversation?
And then I add in one what is the benefit to that?
So you did a good preparation ofsaying our audience is pretty
broad because it's your network,my network.
We want them to feel as a resultof this conversation that if
they want to do this kind of interview or podcasting that
(24:42):
it's it's accessible to them. What we want them to think is
that it's actually good for business.
And what do we want them to do? Well, either, Jamie, I think you
are such a great producer in this and this was not a plug.
We didn't discuss this, but hireSomeone Like You to help them
with the technology. Thank you.
What's the benefit? OK, so we always have to think,
(25:03):
what's the benefit? So if I'm going in for an
interview, who's my audience? What I want them to think, feel,
do, What's the benefit? Well, the benefit is greater
exposure for them. The benefit is ultimately more
profitability. So it's the why, you know, Simon
Sanek, famous speaker, speaks about the why.
So that is basic. I recently coached somebody who
sells the most magnificent ice cream.
(25:24):
Okay. She's got a factory.
Beautiful ice cream, all kinds of flavors.
So now who's her audience? Like if she's speaking to
industry people, they want to know about numbers and bottom
line of investors. It's different if she's speaking
to Jamie and Maddie who want to know about lavender infused ice
cream, who's your audience? And and we sometimes I mean
surely you've watched interviewswhere I go.
(25:44):
Why is that person giving us so much detail and so much
scientific fact when we're a layer audience?
Or conversely, why is that person speaking down to us?
So it's always, it always startsoutside of yourself.
Who is my audience? And that's the thing I start
every preparation, coaching session or keynotes or in person
(26:05):
or group session around is who'syour audience?
So guys, stay with us. I am going to continue this
conversation with Nanny. We're just going to take a
really quick break, but we're going to give you the best 3
tips so you are on Cam ready forthat next opportunity or your
social media feed. Stay with us.
I hope you're enjoying this conversation with Nadia
Belichick. Be sure to check out her website
(26:27):
nadiaspeaks.com and if you want more information on on Cam ready
visit the website on camready.com.
I'm doing this all alone and I do appreciate the support, so
feel free to leave a review or subscribe to this channel.
I really do appreciate all your love that you give, so keep it
coming. Thanks again for listening.
(26:49):
And on Cam, Ready is filled withexperts, so be sure to check out
the other episodes. Our goal is to help you really
promote your brand, hone in on your story and secure earned
media. If you have a story to tell and
you are an expert, you can weighin on the news.
Putting yourself out there is the first step.
I always suggest leaning into your social feeds, and we'll
(27:11):
talk more about that in the nexthalf of this conversation with
Nadia Belchak. Thanks again for listening.
And now let's return to the conversation.
OK, guys, we're back with Nadia.Nadia, I am loving this
conversation. Before we get into, you know,
the best tips that we can give people so that they are on
camera ready for every moment that they're trying to seize, I
(27:33):
really want to tap into our background at CNN.
You were the guest Booker and always so wonderful working with
all the guests at CNN. But having worked with so many
guests at CNN as well as across your career, how many of them
really, truly become the consistent staples of a network?
(27:57):
So many people come to me and say I really want to be that
contributor. I really want to be that
constant voice and it's a lot harder than people think.
So we just. Want to start there?
And then we can kind of break down why.
That is so interesting. I went to my doctor the other
day and he was going well, why can't I be the next Sanjay
(28:18):
Gupta, right? Why can't I be?
It's it's really so interesting because at CNN, and I'm not
speaking on behalf of CNN, I'm really going to just do
disclaimer there, let's say for myself who has worked as what we
call an editorial bookings producer, which is we look for
resources and guests who can addinsight and guidance.
(28:40):
So that really is across the board, but the process of
becoming, let's say a full time contributor, and this is only
from my point of view, right, Jamie, of course that it really
depends on the need at the moment.
So let's take the election between Barack Obama and Donald
Trump. We needed at CNN at the time, we
(29:03):
needed voices who were pro Trumpand pro Obama, OK, let's say.
And we needed a handful that we could come to over and over and
over again. So at that time, that was our
need. And should someone be
tremendously articulate in that area and also be designated by
(29:23):
the various campaigns as a spokesperson, that person might
become irregular. But in my opinion, you could
tell I've been in news for too long.
It's not something that is very set out and it is not something
that it's a little random insofar as what is the news of
the day? What is needed?
So let's take something more generic and not political.
(29:45):
Let's say airplane crashes at CNN.
There's a handful of people who are on standby who are.
Experts, NTSB experts, etcetera in the area of crashes and they
will be called on the contributors anytime there's
anything related to whether it'sa crash or an incident or an
(30:09):
air, an air flight attendant. So they'll be called on.
So that's really how and it's not.
It really isn't always dependenton how good you are on
television. So sometimes someone will come.
For example, let's say we're talking about.
Patrick Swayze dying of pancreatic cancer and I'll never
forget that day because my brother is a colon pancreatic
(30:30):
cancer specialist and Anderson Cooper show called me and went
do you know anybody? I remember chatting and I said
yes, I can get you a pancreatic Dr. in LA, so I'm not sure how
that worked, if they called me or I called them, but my brother
who is in LA went to the LA Bureau and.
A couple of things happened during that interview that I
want to share. But let's say he's really good
(30:51):
on pancreatic cancer and very articulate.
That doesn't mean that he's going to become the full time go
to doctor because a lot depends on availability and how broad
his spectrum of other knowledge is, et cetera.
So it's. It's not something that one
person has say over, and it's certainly not for us as
editorial producers. And you know, Jamie, it's it's
(31:12):
not your call. So as you were a producer, you
might think someone's excellent,but that doesn't mean it's a
whole vetting process and various other things and a
collective decision. But I do want to share what
happened with my brother when hedid that, because here's someone
who's hasn't been to Jamie and Nadia's.
Podcast on what to do in a camera.
(31:32):
So there he is, and the camera is there.
Like where I am there, but there's a monitor below where
Jamie is right, Patrick Swayze and Patrick Swayze.
Patrick Swayze and Fortune get passed away and Anderson Cooper
is down there because he's on the monitor now.
If you're a novice and you don'tknow that, you should look into
(31:53):
the camera. Where are you going to look
down? Down at Anderson Cooper.
So my brilliant, rather very articulate whole interview with
Anderson Cooper talking about Patrick Swayze is like this
because he's looking at the monitor thinking he's talking to
Patrick Swayze. Now if he'd listened to us know
that he's got to look into the camera like we are now.
(32:16):
So when I look into the camera, I can't see Jamie's expression,
can only see it out of the corner of my eye.
So hence how important this is. You know, that really does go
into some of the best tips that I have.
You know, having worked in the field and with anchors over
time, one of the pieces of device I always give people is
(32:38):
if you are going to be on socialmedia, for instance, and you're
recording yourself, you want to actually lean in, OK?
You don't want to be standing back like this with your
shoulders rolled back in your head because of what?
Start getting the chin. When you when you actually lean
(33:00):
in, you, you start to make your face a bit more engaging as
well. And so I always tell people,
when you're talking, you always want to lean in.
And even as a singer, you'll find people that are singing
will start to lean forward because they're trying to get
all of their breath out. So that's one of my top tips.
(33:21):
What are you? Which one of your top tips?
Oh no, I love that tip. Jamie is so, so helpful.
So as I mentioned earlier, for the minutes the camera goes on,
one thing, take a photograph of yourself or get somebody to.
So for example, if you and I were doing it, just snap a photo
and say, oh, I didn't realize I was doing that.
So I love the top tip around that.
(33:43):
If you've got notes top tip, make it as close to your camera
as possible. If your notes are for example on
your computer, I will glance down at my notes.
But then every now and again, don't forget to look back into
the camera. So you give another tip and then
I'll give another tip. The other thing I would say is,
(34:03):
you know Nadia talks about this in her Ted X, but when you are
prepared it comes. So I always suggest that you
think about all the questions that you would imagine someone
asking you on the topic you're discussing and try to make sure
that you answer them ahead of time.
So what you're going to do is say, OK, I am going to be on
(34:26):
camera talking about pancreatic cancer.
What are all the questions that I could imagine being asked
about this and what would I say?Now, once you start thinking
about what you would say, you have to think about, but what do
I want to say and start thinkingabout how do I pivot to the
(34:46):
points that I really want to make sure I make, even if they
don't ask me the question that teased me up for that answer.
So you really want to think about it all, write it all out,
or just think it through. But you really want to have it
all prepared so that when that camera goes on, you're ready.
I'm going to add to that becauseI love that and I like that you
(35:08):
use the word pivot. Because we do want to be
authentic, so nothing worse. If you get asked a question and
you completely don't answer, butremember and this is you know
more about your subject, you arethe expert then your interviewer
does, so it is perfectly acceptable.
If they ask you something you can say I understand, but I
(35:33):
think the point here is or what?I think it's really important to
understand is, and that's a Segway or Jamie says, a pivot
to. So let's say Jamie asks me a
question about lighting and it's, I can say, Jamie, I think
the real issue here, the thing that people really will make a
(35:56):
difference is and then I'll go to my piece of knowledge.
So pivot or segue without not answering the question.
But sometimes the interviewer needs guidance as to what the
really important things are and to that point when you are
having. So say, here's the point that
I'm going to make, and this is really, really important if you
(36:19):
want to actually get a like you want the media's attention and
then you want to keep their attention.
OK. If you are an expert and you're
you're an expert in law and there's all these litigations
and indictments taking place andthere's stories in the media
(36:40):
that you have an opinion on or you have some expertise on, you
need to be looking at those headlines and using those
headlines as your hook on socialmedia and then talking about it.
So Trump's indicted. OK, hop on your social media and
explain what that means, becausethose basics are what people
really want. And when the media is looking
(37:03):
for a expert on indictments and they're searching by those
hashtags, they're going to come across your video.
And then what you're going to dowhen you get that interview on
TV or you get that interview in the article is you're then going
to have facts to back it up. So you're not going to just say,
OK, this is what an indictment is.
You're going to say, oh, and this is how many presidents have
(37:25):
been indicted? And this is you need to have
those supporting elements to make you stand out.
Those are two. Those are some other thoughts.
What do you think? Excellent, excellent tip,
excellent tip, and a bridge as to what we were going to
discuss. Which is the difference between
a press release and a pitch. Yeah, so.
Often people experts. So if you are one of those
(37:45):
people and you go, I want more media exposure and you send
Jamie, who's the producer or Nadia, who's the bookings
producer. I am a lawyer in da da, da da
da. OK, that is a press release.
But if you say I'm a lawyer who is an expert and can discuss
Trump's indictment for the following reasons.
So when I get asked this becausepeople say, oh, you know, I'm a.
(38:09):
Hematologist and I really want television exposure because I'm
so articulate that is a press release.
But if you say so and so and they say a very famous person
has some rare blood disorder, soand so can explain what it is.
So to Jamie's point, it's takingnews, current affairs and
explaining why your expertise isgoing to add value to that, and
(38:34):
that's what a pitch is. And you have to be very specific
and very timely because the newsare always looking for great
resources, experts on various topics.
And you can make it easy for them by explaining why you are
the person who can further explain what is currently going
on. And if you're actually on your
social media talking about it, you're then reinforcing that by
(38:56):
showing them that you can actually sell it on TV.
Because if you can look into a phone and you can talk about it
and foot grade on camera doing it, that doesn't mean you're
looking attractive, it means confidence.
If you're looking confident and you're adding value on camera,
that just adds to the pitch. So then when they look you up
(39:17):
online, they're like, Oh my. Gosh, she's she's such a nice
play. Exactly.
And another mess. I think out there.
Another great tip we promised you lots of tips is.
You know, people want to be on mainstream TV, they want to be
on major networks, but we're living in an area where you
don't look at all the YouTube stars, they are on all the
TikTok stars. So you can say I have got deep
(39:38):
expertise in this area and develop your own content around
it, which is what you're helpingpeople do once you develop your
own content around it. Then at some point you can be,
but one doesn't have to. You know it's not 30-40, fifty
years ago with the only way of getting exposure is if you were
on a platform like an NBC and ABC or CNN, things are very
(40:03):
different. So thank you for raising that.
I think the point of all of thisand the one I have for every
single person is use your socialmedia and use your platforms to
add value. And that's something you're big
on. Like, right now, Jamie's going,
Nadia, let's do this. And we're doing it so that we
can help you get better. We are offering advice,
(40:26):
guidance, resources and that should always be the intention
to become a subject matter expert, to become an authority
or a thought leader, which is what we are encouraging you to
do. You want to add value versus
It's all about me. It's how can my expertise, how
can my knowledge, wisdom, guidance help you?
(40:50):
Social media is an opportunity for you to truly make your own
media channel. And you don't have to be on
every day just talking about thelaw.
If you're a lawyer, you can actually use it as a way to kind
of build out your own show. Because if you think about a
show, it starts off with the hard news, right?
So you can do that one video a week where you are talking about
(41:15):
the news and how you can add value to that.
Then you can have your B block. You know, your second block of
the show. That's maybe a little about the
culture. You know, maybe you are someone
who wants to weigh in on cultureand lifestyle and have a little
personality do that. It could be a post or it could
(41:35):
be a video again. But as you look at ATV show, you
have layers and you can use the same formula on your social
media. You know after you add that
value you can maybe have a gueston.
And interview someone yourself on your story, in your stories,
on Instagram or in a video that you put together for a real You
don't have to have a podcast to interview somebody.
(41:58):
And then you can also offer lifestyle Who are you?
What do you like to do? What's your hobbies?
And then when the media comes across you, they're not going to
just see someone who is hungry for the press, They're going to
see someone who's a full bodied person offering value into the
world and is a thought leader and that.
Makes you look better than if you're just out there hammering
(42:20):
home every day on social media giving an opinion.
In my in my opinion, I think to your point, and I like this
quote, my husband actually quotecoined it and I'll quote him.
So Steve is my husband. He actually runs my speaking
business and he's so much betterat negotiation than I am.
So he does the business side. I just have to show up and add
(42:41):
value. But he always says visibility is
credibility and credibility leads to profitability.
Now I like that visibility is credit, credibility, but I think
it has to be deliberate thought about quality visibility that
leads to credibility and I think.
(43:03):
We're living on an age where people are doing lots of things
online. And I mean some of the videos
and some of the things. I urge you, whoever is listening
to us, if you want visibility, make purposeful visibility,
purposeful visibility with thought, intention leads to
(43:24):
credibility. And the reality is credibility
ultimately, why I'm certainly why am I spending the afternoon
with Jamie having this conversation is I have a
business, Jamie has a business. So we want people to come to us
for what we offer. But we understand that in order
for people to want to do business with us, they must
first trust us. And social media, done right, is
(43:47):
an excellent way of contributingto your trustworthiness.
Know like and trust Nadia. Know like and trust.
So before we go, any final thoughts you want to share?
Well, I really love this Viktor Frankel quote that I just came
across that I'm going to incorporate in my big talk.
(44:08):
I'm speaking to 500 people tomorrow and the topic of my
talk is called Own Your Brand, Maximize your influence during
times of Change. And I just love this quote and
it says if we cannot change the situation, Victor Frankel, it
was Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist.
He says we are challenged to change ourselves.
And the fact is, there's so muchchange going on right now, and
(44:33):
all I'm saying is adapt, learn it and demystify it for yourself
and make it work for you. Great guys, if you're looking
for information on Nadia, just make sure to check down below on
YouTube and also on your podcastplatforms description.
I'll put links to everything that she which she and I have
(44:53):
been talking about her books. Her website You can connect how
you can connect with her, so just make sure that you look at
the description so you can get to know Nadia a little bit
better. And then be sure to subscribe to
this YouTube channel if you're listening on YouTube.
And if you're listening on a podcast platform, be sure to
follow it and download the video.
Guys, find me on Instagram at Jamie under score, the producer.
(45:15):
Nadia, thank you so much for being with us.
Jamie, I look so forward to having you on my live stream
stream. Thanks so much for watching and
do check out the links in our description so you can get a
better sense of what On Cam ready has to offer as well as
learn more about Nadia. Thanks again for listening or
(45:36):
watching on YouTube and reach out to me if you have any guest
ideas. My e-mail is Jamie at on
camready.com and I'll see you online.
Be sure to find me on Instagram,Jamie, under Score, the
Producer, or at on Cam Ready A.
On this episode of On camera Ready, how to stay composed
while under pressure and on camera.
The most important thing, and this is if I'm preparing someone
for an on camera interview, a radio interview, a print
interview or a live presentationor a meeting.
So basic it's who is my audience?
(00:25):
What do I want them to think, Feel.
Do as a result of this conversation and then I add in
one. What is the benefit to that?
The former CNN anchor and Booker, now Ted Talk speaker and
author, is here to share all of her advice to help you become
more composed on camera. She is a world renowned
(00:49):
communications expert and, as I said, author.
She's written so many books. I had no ideas.
Nadia Belchak is someone I worked with at CNN and I admired
Ben and I admire greatly. Now she's one of those people
that, as you get to know, you start to say to yourself, oh
gosh, I really want to be like her.
So if you are listening to this conversation and you want to get
(01:11):
to know more about Nadia, her trainings, or just her life and
her career and her books, be sure to check out the
description. There's a link to all of all you
need to know about Nadia down there.
I also have a link to my Amazon storefront which connects you
right to her books, so be sure to check that out.
You know? And while you're down there, if
you're someone who really wants to create your own content to
(01:33):
attract earned media, it's definitely worth considering
creating a podcast. Ioffer a podcast in PDF as well
as a marketing course to help you figure out a way to monetize
that podcast online. And I'm I'm using these
resources to really help people craft out their ideas into shows
(01:56):
and launch successfully. So if you are thinking about
creating your own content to earn media, I highly recommend
you download my PDF and also subscribe to
my.newsletter@oncamready.com. You know, I have really enjoyed
podcasting and video podcasting.You know, starting in, I think
(02:18):
the next episode we're going to start making this more biweekly
because I am making this YouTubefirst podcast, meaning I'll be
posting it there first. I'm spending most of my time
working on the SEO there versus on the podcasting platforms
because I'm a one man band. Got to try try this slowly.
I'm also thinking more on a biweekly level because I want to
(02:41):
have additional content and create a community on the
YouTube platform. So we'll I'll be offering more
behind the scenes videos, helping people really understand
how to create a podcast record or broadcast.
I'll test out different podcasting recording platforms
and show you what I find As I doit, it'll be more blog style
(03:03):
content, so check it out and I hope you subscribe.
Now back to our conversation. Nadia and I recorded this in
early fall of 2023 and you know,we're planning another
conversation. So if you're listening to it and
you have ideas or questions we didn't ask, be sure to reach out
because we will be having another conversation soon.
(03:27):
Having worked with her, we really had great chemistry for
this talk and the tips and advice that we both offer are
really meant to help you. So if you are a professional
looking to really produce up your content, look better online
or you have an opportunity coming up where you are going to
be appearing on TV and you need some last minute advice, this
(03:49):
episode is perfect for you. Actually, all of them are
because I really am focusing on bringing experts onto the show
that can help you round out yourskill set and perform your best
on camera whenever you have thatopportunity.
OK, so let's get to the conversation again.
This was recorded early fall, and I did need to edit it on a
(04:14):
technical front. I was I was supposed to be
wearing my lav, which I use as aportable mic when I travel for
podcasting, But I forgot to charge it because I was really
busy in New York City that day. So I'm using the the audio from
my cell phone, so I hope you'll forgive me for that.
(04:35):
Anyway, here's the conversation.I had no idea you did a Ted
talk. I love this.
I did it on the question I get asked, Jamie, because whether I
am speaking in Dallas or Dubai or Durban to engineers,
electricians or internal auditors, people want to know
before you get up in front of a live audience or before you go
(04:59):
live on camera, do you get nervous, Nervous.
So I did it on owning your confidence.
And I think it was such a fascinating topic because a lot
of what you said is what I remember being taught when I was
in theater as a kid. You know with the you go
through, you know all these steps on how to warm up your
(05:20):
voice. And do you mind just expanding
on some of the the tips that youshared during this Ted X?
So I shared four key tips. I like to say 4 strategies for
overcoming nerves, whatever the circumstance is.
And sometimes it's just walking into a high stakes meeting.
And the first thing is thoughts is the ability to access what I
(05:43):
have coined a term called your positive Emotional memory
database. So the first thing is, when
you're getting really nervous, what are you focusing on?
And I say you need to build up an inventory of positive past
experiences so you can quickly access those.
That's the first thing. And then part of that is also
(06:03):
showing genuine interest in youraudience.
Who are they? What do you want them to think,
feel, do as a result of whateveryour communication is?
And then part of the art of whatI call lighting a fire is
relaxation, and relaxation meansdoing voice exercises.
Which helps relax your voice, but you don't sound a lot
pitched and squeaky. And if you think of the vowel
(06:25):
sound A and you go with the hum hem, hem, hem, hem, right, then
with the vowel sound E, what would that sound like?
Hem. MMM hem.
MMM hem MMM. Part of relaxing is also doing
some contraction and then release of the body.
So those relaxing. So you're relaxing both mentally
(06:47):
and physically? And then, yeah, and then because
there's four things so this feelgood about yourself, show
genuine interest, relax. And then also you want to engage
with the level of energy so thatyou don't feel like your nerves
are something you shouldn't have.
So it's using that energy to galvanizing.
(07:09):
It is such a great time to be talking about this, because
right now. As anyone who's listening to
this can probably tell, the audio is a little off.
You may hear background noise ofNew York City streets because
I'm in a hotel and I did not want to reschedule our
conversation while I was traveling.
(07:30):
So I'm in this hotel. My love was not charged in time
and I am talking directly through my iPhone 14 for this
conversation. Now, you know, when it comes to
podcasting and video, podcastingaudio is everything.
So of course I'm sitting here a little nervous before this
conversation, and the one thing I remembered from your Ted X was
(07:53):
to think about the positive things in my life before
engaging the one thing I always do too.
Nadia, and you may have expounded on this at some point,
but even when I'm nervous or I'mupset or worn down.
I just smile and give a little laugh and that's something that
(08:16):
always just helps me get throughthose nervous moments, just
putting a smile on my face. That's also, you know, that's a
wonderful way of telling your body that actually you're OK.
You know, Amy Cuddy famously said you've got to fake it until
you believe it. And part of doing that, you
(08:36):
know, she gave that Superman posture and all of those things,
but just. Telling your body that actually,
I'm really OK with this, you know, doing that because your
brain then goes, oh, actually, she is feeling confident.
But Jamie, let's get back just for a second.
I mean, you have got so much to be proud of.
I met you in our CNN days. You're doing all kinds of
(08:58):
things. You've since got another degree.
I understand right? Yes, yes, I I I did get my
graduate degree from Harvard University in Business
management. And actually, while I was there,
I started to give birth to this brainchild of mine, I guess you
could say my project of trying to help more people through
(09:20):
social media, to kind of share the experiences that you and I
have collected over the years tohelp them become more confident
online, stronger speakers and and just better television
guests. But what you just said, let's go
back for a moment about you've got this degree from Harvard.
So if I were coaching Jamie, whodoesn't need coaching because
(09:44):
you've come across as soap, polished, poised and
charismatic, is to go just before you're about to interview
anybody. Or if you start feeling a little
bit anxious because the tech isn't 100%, there's this
internal dialogue that's going on that says Jamie.
I have kids. I had a job and I got a degree
from Harvard, so that you. Your inner self is feeling that
(10:06):
sense of even accomplishment because psychologically what we
do when we feeling daunted, we put the other person on a
pedestal and we forget our own story.
So for that it's just so, so critical.
And I love what you're trying todo because if you are watching
Jamie and I and you go, I relate.
I get so nervous. I get so anxious.
I'm not good at public speaking.I hate the idea of a camera in
(10:27):
my face. I always say you don't have to.
Be. The next Oprah Winfrey.
Well, the next Tony Robbins, butevery single person who comes
through coaching or training or listeners can acquire the
techniques and the mindset to come across with Polish, poise
and charisma. Everybody can and it's it's a
(10:49):
matter of mindset. And then a couple of techniques
that hopefully we're sharing with you today and it just got
me to think another technique and something you're doing well
and I'm focusing on is when you're.
Doing anything virtual, it's looking into the camera that is
a non verbal that makes you lookso much more comfortable and so
(11:09):
much more confident. Now it's counter intuitive
because I want to look down at you.
So the minute I look down at youto see your facial expression,
your beautiful face, so this expression.
I actually am looking into the camera to remind us of the when
I'm speaking, the only way the audience feels that I'm looking
at them is into camera. So one of the things we do in
(11:31):
media training, and I know one of the things you are helping
people do is if they get a camera in their face, where do I
look? Do I look at the person who's
interviewing me or do I look at the camera?
And those are some of the thingsthat make you nervous.
And those are some of the thingsyou're helping people understand
so that you demystify being interviewed very.
Good point. You know, I, when I was younger,
(11:55):
my mom was, you know, always taking photos of me.
So I grew up with a camera in myface, an actual camera, not a
phone, guys. And I think that because of
that, I don't have that fear. It also drew me toward it, which
is why I think I wound up going down that path of, you know, TV
(12:15):
news reporting, journalism, because I didn't fear it.
So you and so you know by personality you could be more
what we say. I I don't even like the word
extrovert. I like sort of fast-paced and
outspoken. Some people are very, very
reserved and very self-conscious.
So for you being in front of a camera or I was one of those
(12:39):
little girls who was doing performances for my family's
dinner parties, you know, when Iwas 5.
But for people who find it excruciating?
And who? The reminder is that in this
virtual age that we're in and let's face it, whether you're
back at work, you're still having to do components of your
meetings virtually. I teach and train and speak in
(13:01):
several countries and the reality is not one single
company isn't using virtual platforms for some of their
meetings. It's just how it is so by.
Really fine tuning these skills,understanding them, demystifying
them. Everybody has the ability to
come across better. So for you, I I mean, it's
(13:24):
fairly effortless, but hopefullyand I love the work you're
doing, you're saying to people who are watching, just remember
little things like you said yourlaugh mic, we're to get it.
That'll make you sound so much better.
My feeling is COVID started in March of 2020.
We are now well into 2023. I mean, Can you imagine such a
thing? September 2023 and you should be
(13:49):
able to turn on a webcam, every single person and know the
basics. And what are the basics?
Look into camera, middle of youreye, parallel to camera.
Now I don't know what you're using now.
You said you're using your iPhone.
Yes, and. Very good.
But you're somehow knowing, OK, you're placing your iPhones in
the middle of the ice camera andthen backgrounds, because we
(14:10):
were using a new platform. I don't have my fancy
backgrounds or my blurred background, but white is OK and
you've got a hotel background, but you're seeing us this much.
So those are the things. And then lighting, as you said,
find a light in front of your face, you know, you know,
because as a television producer, how important that is.
Tell you how often I still go onto zoom sessions, zoom meetings,
(14:31):
or Webex teams, whatever you're using.
And people still look like they are a cardboard cut out because
the light is behind them. I have had one person who looks
like they're in the witness protection program.
So it's that can enhance your overall confidence.
And most important is when that camera goes on you are
(14:53):
projecting. A confident, comfortable stuff.
So that's that is I think our goal even in doing this session
is to say you don't have to be aJamie or an idea to be impactful
when you're being interviewed. There's certain things every
single person can do. Exactly.
And just so people can visually see.
(15:13):
Like if I were to move this way,look how dark I get.
You know you don't want to have your back to a window.
As Nadia is saying, like you definitely want to make sure
that you're framing yourself up.You don't want to have a crooked
looking background. You want to have it centered and
you want to have it look as crisp and clean as possible.
You know that door behind me is a bathroom.
(15:35):
You don't want the door open, you know, You just want to be
thinking of all the little details like a producer.
And that is what I keep saying. It's like if you just tap into
the mindset of a television newsproducer.
Think like a producer. You will make every on camera
moment. Through the count.
And that's what I love about allthe things that you've been
(15:57):
doing. And I also want to tap into the
fact that we worked at CNN together.
You were an anchor before you also anchored at CNNI mean you
have such a wealth of knowledge to share and we've already
talked about a few techniques that you've used.
So I I was just wondering what is it about Nadia?
(16:19):
That put Nadia out there on camera.
Like, was it something you grew up like, a like a interest in
being in front of the camera, a desire to just educate people or
show people the world? Like what drove you to become
who you are? I started my career doing
acting. In fact, a friend of mine's kid
(16:41):
pulled up a clip and I don't know if we can play it.
But I'll send it to you of me being Plot by Gary Busey.
Oh no, I think I shoot Gary Busey on the island of Skiatos
in Greece. It was my first movie, so I did
a dual degree in English and acting.
It was the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
(17:02):
And for about a year I did a whole lot of movies.
And in fact, I was being interviewed for one of the
movies and I sat there being interviewed and I thought, I
really don't want to be interviewed.
I want to be the interviewer. Well, South Africa television
was relatively new in the late 1980s, unlike UN America.
And in 1989 I landed a job at a television station in South
(17:25):
Africa called M Net and I started being a television
anchor. So it really came through
learning on the job and going back route so.
I've had to reinvent myself likeyou have Jamie, in a variety of
a multitude of times. But I was very fortunate because
(17:47):
when we left South Africa in 1997, by then I had had my own
talk show in South Africa and I'd interviewed many, many, many
high profile people. So when I came to CNN, I already
had a great demo reel and I started anchoring at CNN at the
airport network. That was my first gig.
And then things always change, don't they?
(18:08):
You know, airport network changes.
And then I start working at CNN International and hosting a
couple of shows there on the runway showbiz around the world
inside Africa. Well then that changed and they
decided to get their main anchors to do those shows and.
And I landed up working as a bookings producer.
So it's interesting because a lot of people go from behind the
scenes to in front of the camera.
(18:30):
I went from in front of the camera to behind the scenes.
Yeah, you know, my 1 tip to everyone and I am speaking about
this at a big, big keynote this week, is relationships are
everything, right? Because you change and things
change, and you change and you have to constantly say.
Am I going to accept the change and expand my sphere of
(18:52):
influence or am I going to just feel absolutely terrified by the
change? And I think COVID was just
another period of change, certainly for me as an in person
speaker because my CN life, I landed up hosting a lot of
segments for the weekend, so doing all kinds of fun things
and then that changed. But as a speaker, I do speak a
(19:14):
lot about aid. Dealing with change and not
letting change terrify you, and not letting change really render
you inert, which it does. I mean, look at you.
You're doing a podcast, you're learning all kinds of new
things, and I know you're technically proficient and
that's your background. So my advice to people, let's
say, who are less technically proficient than you Jamie, and
(19:35):
also my age group, I'm a whole decade, maybe even more.
Older than you are is for those of us who find technology
daunting. It's just which we do because,
you know, some of your audience is going, oh, this is easy, So
I'm using Riverside, I'm using this, but they're people who are
going. How does Jamie do it?
And and that's what I'm hoping to to really get at with all the
(19:59):
vlogging around the video podcasting, because so many
people come to me and ask how doyou video podcast?
How do you even podcast? You know, I've put together like
a PDF to help people think through their development
process and also try to really think about all the questions as
producers we'd be thinking before we put a segment on the
(20:20):
air. You know, what are you going to
call it? Who's your audience?
What? What's the hook on your show and
how are you going to maintain itover time?
So, you know, I've definitely put together this PDF that I'm
going to. I'm hoping people will help
people as well. But yeah, I mean, the the
technology does seem to be daunting for so many and it's so
much simpler. And I'm just trying to, through
(20:42):
conversations like this, show people that it isn't that hard.
You know, I'm on a phone, I'm ina hotel, I'm in New York,
Nadia's at home. It's just like during COVID,
right? I mean, but we need to up our
game. And that's the point at this
point. We have now had years in front
of a camera forcibly because of COVID, and now professionals
(21:04):
need to up their game on social media.
And you know, even at work, right?
Because I still go into meetingswhere people are looking at me
like, hi, and I'm like, whoa. Or swinging on the Internet or
everything. So you say so then the point is
for you. There are also great people out
(21:27):
there. You know, if you're going to
LinkedIn, who and are you? You're not producing for other
people, right, Jamie? You're only producing for
yourself at this point. Or are you open?
For example, if somebody's watching this going, I want to
do what Jamie's doing, I could hire her as a producer.
Are you available to do that? Yeah.
OK, that's good. Because, you know, I think that
(21:47):
then my other advice to us boomer exes, I'm on the cast is
hire a Jamie. You know, I think if we feel you
know all the great motivational speakers with John Maxwell,
Stephen Covey, Tony Robinson, ifyou really find something very
daunting and you can't do it allthe way Jamie's doing it, hire
her. I mean, there's people who who
(22:11):
do it. So you know, I do my streaming
slightly differently because I go on to stream yard and my
stream yard. I sound like I really know what
I'm talking about, but I really have gone through trial and
error. My Stream Yard allows me to go
live onto LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, so I do that.
(22:32):
But when it comes to the editingpiece and all of that, Jamie, I
outsource that because I don't have your skills.
I think that's the other thing to people who are watching.
It doesn't have to be. There are people like you who
are consultants in this area. Don't let that be the thing that
stops you, is what I'm saying. No, that's a great point and
outsourcing can also be very affordable, but to the point of
(22:55):
Stream Yard. I'll make sure there's a link
down below on the YouTube as well as in the podcast version
of this conversation, but StreamYard is a great way to make it
look like a live TV feeling conversation.
You can stream across a multitude of platforms as well
as load it with your own branding and look, and that's
(23:17):
what's great, especially if you're someone who wants to have
that additional added value element.
You can even add graphics that you create, which is wonderful.
But again, to Nadia's point, if you have trouble with that type
of technology, you just got to do your research before you
invest in the platform. You know, Right now we're using
a Riverside platform that is also something you can stream
(23:38):
on. However, it is more for video
and audio podcasting, editing than it is for live streaming,
right? So when you are having your
conversations with your clients and they're coming to you and
they're like, I have this interview and I really need your
help, what are maybe the three things that you find yourself
(23:58):
having to repeat over and over again to people to help them?
Prepare. So the most important thing, and
this is if I'm preparing someonefor an on camera interview, a
radio interview, a print interview or a live presentation
or a meeting. So basic it's.
Who is my audience? What do I want them to think,
(24:21):
feel, do as a result of this conversation?
And then I add in one what is the benefit to that?
So you did a good preparation ofsaying our audience is pretty
broad because it's your network,my network.
We want them to feel as a resultof this conversation that if
they want to do this kind of interview or podcasting that
(24:42):
it's it's accessible to them. What we want them to think is
that it's actually good for business.
And what do we want them to do? Well, either, Jamie, I think you
are such a great producer in this and this was not a plug.
We didn't discuss this, but hireSomeone Like You to help them
with the technology. Thank you.
What's the benefit? OK, so we always have to think,
(25:03):
what's the benefit? So if I'm going in for an
interview, who's my audience? What I want them to think, feel,
do, What's the benefit? Well, the benefit is greater
exposure for them. The benefit is ultimately more
profitability. So it's the why, you know, Simon
Sanek, famous speaker, speaks about the why.
So that is basic. I recently coached somebody who
sells the most magnificent ice cream.
(25:24):
Okay. She's got a factory.
Beautiful ice cream, all kinds of flavors.
So now who's her audience? Like if she's speaking to
industry people, they want to know about numbers and bottom
line of investors. It's different if she's speaking
to Jamie and Maddie who want to know about lavender infused ice
cream, who's your audience? And and we sometimes I mean
surely you've watched interviewswhere I go.
(25:44):
Why is that person giving us so much detail and so much
scientific fact when we're a layer audience?
Or conversely, why is that person speaking down to us?
So it's always, it always startsoutside of yourself.
Who is my audience? And that's the thing I start
every preparation, coaching session or keynotes or in person
(26:05):
or group session around is who'syour audience?
So guys, stay with us. I am going to continue this
conversation with Nanny. We're just going to take a
really quick break, but we're going to give you the best 3
tips so you are on Cam ready forthat next opportunity or your
social media feed. Stay with us.
I hope you're enjoying this conversation with Nadia
Belichick. Be sure to check out her website
(26:27):
nadiaspeaks.com and if you want more information on on Cam ready
visit the website on camready.com.
I'm doing this all alone and I do appreciate the support, so
feel free to leave a review or subscribe to this channel.
I really do appreciate all your love that you give, so keep it
coming. Thanks again for listening.
(26:49):
And on Cam, Ready is filled withexperts, so be sure to check out
the other episodes. Our goal is to help you really
promote your brand, hone in on your story and secure earned
media. If you have a story to tell and
you are an expert, you can weighin on the news.
Putting yourself out there is the first step.
I always suggest leaning into your social feeds, and we'll
(27:11):
talk more about that in the nexthalf of this conversation with
Nadia Belchak. Thanks again for listening.
And now let's return to the conversation.
OK, guys, we're back with Nadia.Nadia, I am loving this
conversation. Before we get into, you know,
the best tips that we can give people so that they are on
camera ready for every moment that they're trying to seize, I
(27:33):
really want to tap into our background at CNN.
You were the guest Booker and always so wonderful working with
all the guests at CNN. But having worked with so many
guests at CNN as well as across your career, how many of them
really, truly become the consistent staples of a network?
(27:57):
So many people come to me and say I really want to be that
contributor. I really want to be that
constant voice and it's a lot harder than people think.
So we just. Want to start there?
And then we can kind of break down why.
That is so interesting. I went to my doctor the other
day and he was going well, why can't I be the next Sanjay
(28:18):
Gupta, right? Why can't I be?
It's it's really so interesting because at CNN, and I'm not
speaking on behalf of CNN, I'm really going to just do
disclaimer there, let's say for myself who has worked as what we
call an editorial bookings producer, which is we look for
resources and guests who can addinsight and guidance.
(28:40):
So that really is across the board, but the process of
becoming, let's say a full time contributor, and this is only
from my point of view, right, Jamie, of course that it really
depends on the need at the moment.
So let's take the election between Barack Obama and Donald
Trump. We needed at CNN at the time, we
(29:03):
needed voices who were pro Trumpand pro Obama, OK, let's say.
And we needed a handful that we could come to over and over and
over again. So at that time, that was our
need. And should someone be
tremendously articulate in that area and also be designated by
(29:23):
the various campaigns as a spokesperson, that person might
become irregular. But in my opinion, you could
tell I've been in news for too long.
It's not something that is very set out and it is not something
that it's a little random insofar as what is the news of
the day? What is needed?
So let's take something more generic and not political.
(29:45):
Let's say airplane crashes at CNN.
There's a handful of people who are on standby who are.
Experts, NTSB experts, etcetera in the area of crashes and they
will be called on the contributors anytime there's
anything related to whether it'sa crash or an incident or an
(30:09):
air, an air flight attendant. So they'll be called on.
So that's really how and it's not.
It really isn't always dependenton how good you are on
television. So sometimes someone will come.
For example, let's say we're talking about.
Patrick Swayze dying of pancreatic cancer and I'll never
forget that day because my brother is a colon pancreatic
(30:30):
cancer specialist and Anderson Cooper show called me and went
do you know anybody? I remember chatting and I said
yes, I can get you a pancreatic Dr. in LA, so I'm not sure how
that worked, if they called me or I called them, but my brother
who is in LA went to the LA Bureau and.
A couple of things happened during that interview that I
want to share. But let's say he's really good
(30:51):
on pancreatic cancer and very articulate.
That doesn't mean that he's going to become the full time go
to doctor because a lot depends on availability and how broad
his spectrum of other knowledge is, et cetera.
So it's. It's not something that one
person has say over, and it's certainly not for us as
editorial producers. And you know, Jamie, it's it's
(31:12):
not your call. So as you were a producer, you
might think someone's excellent,but that doesn't mean it's a
whole vetting process and various other things and a
collective decision. But I do want to share what
happened with my brother when hedid that, because here's someone
who's hasn't been to Jamie and Nadia's.
Podcast on what to do in a camera.
(31:32):
So there he is, and the camera is there.
Like where I am there, but there's a monitor below where
Jamie is right, Patrick Swayze and Patrick Swayze.
Patrick Swayze and Fortune get passed away and Anderson Cooper
is down there because he's on the monitor now.
If you're a novice and you don'tknow that, you should look into
(31:53):
the camera. Where are you going to look
down? Down at Anderson Cooper.
So my brilliant, rather very articulate whole interview with
Anderson Cooper talking about Patrick Swayze is like this
because he's looking at the monitor thinking he's talking to
Patrick Swayze. Now if he'd listened to us know
that he's got to look into the camera like we are now.
(32:16):
So when I look into the camera, I can't see Jamie's expression,
can only see it out of the corner of my eye.
So hence how important this is. You know, that really does go
into some of the best tips that I have.
You know, having worked in the field and with anchors over
time, one of the pieces of device I always give people is
(32:38):
if you are going to be on socialmedia, for instance, and you're
recording yourself, you want to actually lean in, OK?
You don't want to be standing back like this with your
shoulders rolled back in your head because of what?
Start getting the chin. When you when you actually lean
(33:00):
in, you, you start to make your face a bit more engaging as
well. And so I always tell people,
when you're talking, you always want to lean in.
And even as a singer, you'll find people that are singing
will start to lean forward because they're trying to get
all of their breath out. So that's one of my top tips.
(33:21):
What are you? Which one of your top tips?
Oh no, I love that tip. Jamie is so, so helpful.
So as I mentioned earlier, for the minutes the camera goes on,
one thing, take a photograph of yourself or get somebody to.
So for example, if you and I were doing it, just snap a photo
and say, oh, I didn't realize I was doing that.
So I love the top tip around that.
(33:43):
If you've got notes top tip, make it as close to your camera
as possible. If your notes are for example on
your computer, I will glance down at my notes.
But then every now and again, don't forget to look back into
the camera. So you give another tip and then
I'll give another tip. The other thing I would say is,
(34:03):
you know Nadia talks about this in her Ted X, but when you are
prepared it comes. So I always suggest that you
think about all the questions that you would imagine someone
asking you on the topic you're discussing and try to make sure
that you answer them ahead of time.
So what you're going to do is say, OK, I am going to be on
(34:26):
camera talking about pancreatic cancer.
What are all the questions that I could imagine being asked
about this and what would I say?Now, once you start thinking
about what you would say, you have to think about, but what do
I want to say and start thinkingabout how do I pivot to the
(34:46):
points that I really want to make sure I make, even if they
don't ask me the question that teased me up for that answer.
So you really want to think about it all, write it all out,
or just think it through. But you really want to have it
all prepared so that when that camera goes on, you're ready.
I'm going to add to that becauseI love that and I like that you
(35:08):
use the word pivot. Because we do want to be
authentic, so nothing worse. If you get asked a question and
you completely don't answer, butremember and this is you know
more about your subject, you arethe expert then your interviewer
does, so it is perfectly acceptable.
If they ask you something you can say I understand, but I
(35:33):
think the point here is or what?I think it's really important to
understand is, and that's a Segway or Jamie says, a pivot
to. So let's say Jamie asks me a
question about lighting and it's, I can say, Jamie, I think
the real issue here, the thing that people really will make a
(35:56):
difference is and then I'll go to my piece of knowledge.
So pivot or segue without not answering the question.
But sometimes the interviewer needs guidance as to what the
really important things are and to that point when you are
having. So say, here's the point that
I'm going to make, and this is really, really important if you
(36:19):
want to actually get a like you want the media's attention and
then you want to keep their attention.
OK. If you are an expert and you're
you're an expert in law and there's all these litigations
and indictments taking place andthere's stories in the media
(36:40):
that you have an opinion on or you have some expertise on, you
need to be looking at those headlines and using those
headlines as your hook on socialmedia and then talking about it.
So Trump's indicted. OK, hop on your social media and
explain what that means, becausethose basics are what people
really want. And when the media is looking
(37:03):
for a expert on indictments and they're searching by those
hashtags, they're going to come across your video.
And then what you're going to dowhen you get that interview on
TV or you get that interview in the article is you're then going
to have facts to back it up. So you're not going to just say,
OK, this is what an indictment is.
You're going to say, oh, and this is how many presidents have
(37:25):
been indicted? And this is you need to have
those supporting elements to make you stand out.
Those are two. Those are some other thoughts.
What do you think? Excellent, excellent tip,
excellent tip, and a bridge as to what we were going to
discuss. Which is the difference between
a press release and a pitch. Yeah, so.
Often people experts. So if you are one of those
(37:45):
people and you go, I want more media exposure and you send
Jamie, who's the producer or Nadia, who's the bookings
producer. I am a lawyer in da da, da da
da. OK, that is a press release.
But if you say I'm a lawyer who is an expert and can discuss
Trump's indictment for the following reasons.
So when I get asked this becausepeople say, oh, you know, I'm a.
(38:09):
Hematologist and I really want television exposure because I'm
so articulate that is a press release.
But if you say so and so and they say a very famous person
has some rare blood disorder, soand so can explain what it is.
So to Jamie's point, it's takingnews, current affairs and
explaining why your expertise isgoing to add value to that, and
(38:34):
that's what a pitch is. And you have to be very specific
and very timely because the newsare always looking for great
resources, experts on various topics.
And you can make it easy for them by explaining why you are
the person who can further explain what is currently going
on. And if you're actually on your
social media talking about it, you're then reinforcing that by
(38:56):
showing them that you can actually sell it on TV.
Because if you can look into a phone and you can talk about it
and foot grade on camera doing it, that doesn't mean you're
looking attractive, it means confidence.
If you're looking confident and you're adding value on camera,
that just adds to the pitch. So then when they look you up
(39:17):
online, they're like, Oh my. Gosh, she's she's such a nice
play. Exactly.
And another mess. I think out there.
Another great tip we promised you lots of tips is.
You know, people want to be on mainstream TV, they want to be
on major networks, but we're living in an area where you
don't look at all the YouTube stars, they are on all the
TikTok stars. So you can say I have got deep
(39:38):
expertise in this area and develop your own content around
it, which is what you're helpingpeople do once you develop your
own content around it. Then at some point you can be,
but one doesn't have to. You know it's not 30-40, fifty
years ago with the only way of getting exposure is if you were
on a platform like an NBC and ABC or CNN, things are very
(40:03):
different. So thank you for raising that.
I think the point of all of thisand the one I have for every
single person is use your socialmedia and use your platforms to
add value. And that's something you're big
on. Like, right now, Jamie's going,
Nadia, let's do this. And we're doing it so that we
can help you get better. We are offering advice,
(40:26):
guidance, resources and that should always be the intention
to become a subject matter expert, to become an authority
or a thought leader, which is what we are encouraging you to
do. You want to add value versus
It's all about me. It's how can my expertise, how
can my knowledge, wisdom, guidance help you?
(40:50):
Social media is an opportunity for you to truly make your own
media channel. And you don't have to be on
every day just talking about thelaw.
If you're a lawyer, you can actually use it as a way to kind
of build out your own show. Because if you think about a
show, it starts off with the hard news, right?
So you can do that one video a week where you are talking about
(41:15):
the news and how you can add value to that.
Then you can have your B block. You know, your second block of
the show. That's maybe a little about the
culture. You know, maybe you are someone
who wants to weigh in on cultureand lifestyle and have a little
personality do that. It could be a post or it could
(41:35):
be a video again. But as you look at ATV show, you
have layers and you can use the same formula on your social
media. You know after you add that
value you can maybe have a gueston.
And interview someone yourself on your story, in your stories,
on Instagram or in a video that you put together for a real You
don't have to have a podcast to interview somebody.
(41:58):
And then you can also offer lifestyle Who are you?
What do you like to do? What's your hobbies?
And then when the media comes across you, they're not going to
just see someone who is hungry for the press, They're going to
see someone who's a full bodied person offering value into the
world and is a thought leader and that.
Makes you look better than if you're just out there hammering
(42:20):
home every day on social media giving an opinion.
In my in my opinion, I think to your point, and I like this
quote, my husband actually quotecoined it and I'll quote him.
So Steve is my husband. He actually runs my speaking
business and he's so much betterat negotiation than I am.
So he does the business side. I just have to show up and add
(42:41):
value. But he always says visibility is
credibility and credibility leads to profitability.
Now I like that visibility is credit, credibility, but I think
it has to be deliberate thought about quality visibility that
leads to credibility and I think.
(43:03):
We're living on an age where people are doing lots of things
online. And I mean some of the videos
and some of the things. I urge you, whoever is listening
to us, if you want visibility, make purposeful visibility,
purposeful visibility with thought, intention leads to
(43:24):
credibility. And the reality is credibility
ultimately, why I'm certainly why am I spending the afternoon
with Jamie having this conversation is I have a
business, Jamie has a business. So we want people to come to us
for what we offer. But we understand that in order
for people to want to do business with us, they must
first trust us. And social media, done right, is
(43:47):
an excellent way of contributingto your trustworthiness.
Know like and trust Nadia. Know like and trust.
So before we go, any final thoughts you want to share?
Well, I really love this Viktor Frankel quote that I just came
across that I'm going to incorporate in my big talk.
(44:08):
I'm speaking to 500 people tomorrow and the topic of my
talk is called Own Your Brand, Maximize your influence during
times of Change. And I just love this quote and
it says if we cannot change the situation, Victor Frankel, it
was Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist.
He says we are challenged to change ourselves.
And the fact is, there's so muchchange going on right now, and
(44:33):
all I'm saying is adapt, learn it and demystify it for yourself
and make it work for you. Great guys, if you're looking
for information on Nadia, just make sure to check down below on
YouTube and also on your podcastplatforms description.
I'll put links to everything that she which she and I have
(44:53):
been talking about her books. Her website You can connect how
you can connect with her, so just make sure that you look at
the description so you can get to know Nadia a little bit
better. And then be sure to subscribe to
this YouTube channel if you're listening on YouTube.
And if you're listening on a podcast platform, be sure to
follow it and download the video.
Guys, find me on Instagram at Jamie under score, the producer.
(45:15):
Nadia, thank you so much for being with us.
Jamie, I look so forward to having you on my live stream
stream. Thanks so much for watching and
do check out the links in our description so you can get a
better sense of what On Cam ready has to offer as well as
learn more about Nadia. Thanks again for listening or
(45:36):
watching on YouTube and reach out to me if you have any guest
ideas. My e-mail is Jamie at on
camready.com and I'll see you online.
Be sure to find me on Instagram,Jamie, under Score, the
Producer, or at on Cam Ready A.
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