Leading Through
The Lens

Ironically, my stutter became one of my greatest teachers. It forced me to slow down, to be intentional, and to connect on a deeper level—skills that are now essential for any leader who wants to communicate effectively on camera. So if you’ve ever felt unsure, awkward, or hesitant to show up on video… you’re not alone. But you don’t have to stay there.

When you’re on video, it’s easy to fall into the trap of delivering data-heavy presentations or updates. You might think that if you just share enough numbers, charts, or bullet points, your message will stick. But the truth is, people remember how you made them feel more than what you said. Data informs the mind, but connection touches the heart.

Studies show up to 70% of communication is non-verbal—and a huge part of that lives right in your face. That’s one reason why you need to properly light your face when you are on camera. Because people want to SEE and FEEL what you are really saying, not just hear the words coming out of your mouth.

For many of us, we were taught that being on camera meant being more formal, more structured, more “on.” But what actually builds trust today is the exact opposite. It’s being more human, more present, more real.