How to Be Yourself on Camera and in Life: The Beginner's Journey to Authentic Connection
Show your quirks freely, provide value without expectation.
S0-V2-EP2
It's time to tell you a story....
Recently, I was asked about how to 'be yourself on camera' by a budding content creator. The question humbled me, though I wondered why they thought I'd have a good answer. I'm still getting used to staring at a lens without feeling like an idiot or coming across as 'fake'.
I gave it some thought, and the spoken word piece above was my response.
The takeaway: Being yourself on camera isn't about perfect lighting or flawless delivery - it's about showing your quirks and giving value without expecting anything in return.
This lesson extends far beyond content creation. It's about how we show up authentically in all our interactions, whether on camera or off.
The Authenticity Advantage - Why Your Quirks Are Your Content Gold
People can sense performance from a mile away, and this effect is amplified on camera.
The moment you start performing what you think your audience wants to see, you risk losing them entirely. That inauthentic energy becomes a turn-off faster than any technical imperfection.
But here's the trade-off most creators miss: your quirks aren't flaws to hide - they're features that make you irreplaceable.
In the emerging age of AI, where creators are automating 'slop-like' content to boost engagement, your humanity, imperfections, and contradictions will set you apart over the long run.
That unusual hobby you're embarrassed to mention? That unconventional perspective you think is too niche? Those contradictions that make you feel like you don't fit in a box?
They're your authentic advantages.
In my story, I referenced my genuine love of comic books (in particular Marvel), which became the bridge to a real connection. When you share what actually matters to you, you attract people who resonate with your authentic self, not just your content.
Try to identify three unique interests or perspectives you've been hiding from your work. Start incorporating one authentic element into each piece you create this week.
The people who connect with your genuine quirks will become your most engaged audience - they're not just consuming content, they're connecting with you as a whole person.
Vulnerable Value - The Post-it Note Principle
The second lesson from my verse: stop trying to get something and start thinking about what you could give.
Most content creators lead with desperate "look at me" energy, essentially asking for validation, followers, and purchases. I fell into this trap myself. But there's a better way.
Ask yourself: "What valuable insight, story, or resource can I share without asking for anything in return?"
This is what I call 'vulnerable value' - being authentic enough to help others while showing you don't have all the answers. It requires leading with faith and shifting from "look at me" to "how can I serve you."
It’s one of the reasons I call this verse the beginner’s journey. It’s what I’m learning as a newbie.
The Post-it note in my story represents this principle: meaningful connection doesn't require expensive equipment or viral reach. It requires thoughtful, personal touches that show you care about your audience as real people.
So, why did I mention Captain Marvel #27 in the verse? For context and to bring those of you who don’t care about comic stories up to speed….
Captain Marvel is one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel comic universe. However, in this issue, she is still reeling from a break-up with War Machine and can’t seem to get back into her groove. As a result, she is grouchy. But her friends work to cheer her up, and the story ends with her moving on emotionally and the possibility of a new romance.
The story is not the typical action-packed roller coaster packed with fight scenes as you would expect. It was more of a human story - and my post-it note principle is about tying together nuance and being vulnerable enough to ‘show your quirks’.
In your next video or post, include one small detail that only you can share - a story from your experience, an insight from your unique perspective, or a moment of vulnerability that reveals something genuine about who you are.
These authentic touches transform generic content into memorable experiences that people actually want to share.
Your Authentic Presence
You might be hesitating to show your true self, worried that your authentic personality isn't "content-worthy" or professional enough.
I've spent years performing to fit in, and the truth is: you feel depleted after a while because authenticity isn't about being perfect - it's about being real.
Here's what's happening in our current moment: people are getting incredibly good at detecting those who are "projecting an image online."
The general obsession with AI and manufactured content is creating space for authentic humans brave enough to show up whole.
Start small: Share one genuine quirk, offer one piece of value without asking for anything back, and add one personal touch that shows you see your audience as real people.
Whether through a camera, writing, or any other medium, this is your opportunity to share who you truly are with people who need to hear your unique voice.
My approach moving forward: show up consistently, embrace my authentic interests, and share my creative work in progress. If I develop my craft while staying true to myself, I know the energy will return eventually.
I'm practising what I'm preaching. We'll see how it unfolds over time.
Show your quirks freely. Provide value without expectation. Who knows? You might create something that truly matters.
Or not. (That's okay too.)
Just be you.
Peace