Have you ever thought about how to show pp as an authority on video to grow your business, only to stop yourself because you feel like you’re not expert enough?
Maybe you think you need more experience, more credentials, or a bigger following before people will take you seriously. Maybe you worry that you don’t have the same level of success as other leaders in your industry, so why would anyone listen to you?
If any of that sounds familiar, here’s the truth:
You don’t have to be the top expert in your industry to be the go-to person for your audience.
In fact, sometimes being just a few steps ahead of your ideal clients makes you more relatable and easier to learn from.
Let’s break down why you’re already qualified to show up on video, how to present yourself confidently, and small tweaks that will instantly boost your authority on camera.
You Don’t Need to Be the Best To Be An Authority on Video
—You Just Need to Be a Few Steps Ahead
Let me tell you a quick story.
My mother was a schoolteacher. And like most industries, education has trends—things that go in and out of fashion.
When my mom was a student herself, grammar was out of fashion. It wasn’t something she was taught deeply in school. But years later, when she was teaching grade seven English, grammar was back. And suddenly, she was expected to teach things she hadn’t fully learned herself.
So, what did she do?
Every night, she’d teach herself grammar. And the next day, she’d teach her students.
And here’s what’s wild—she told me it was some of the best teaching she ever did.
Because the material was new to her, she knew exactly where her students would struggle. She could explain things in a way that actually made sense to beginners—because she had just figured it out herself.
The same is true for you and your videos.
If you’re too far ahead of your audience, sometimes it actually makes it harder for them to relate to you.
Think about this:
Who would feel more approachable to someone who’s just trying to make their first $1,000 online?
- A coach who says, “I made $10 million last year, and I’ll show you how to do it too!”
- Or someone who says, “Last year, I made $25,000 online, and I can help you make your first $1,000.”
To someone just starting out, $10 million feels impossible. There must be some magic trick or special skill required to reach that level.
But $1,000 feels doable.
That person feels more relatable, more accessible, and more like someone they can learn from.
That’s why you don’t need to be the top expert—you just need to be the right guide.
How to Show Up as an Authority on Video
Now that you know you’re already qualified to help your audience, let’s talk about how to look and sound more confident and professional in your videos.
1. Talk About What You Know Best
If you’ve ever been in a networking meeting and someone asked you to speak on the spot, chances are, you picked a topic you were comfortable with.
Do the same thing with your videos.
Your early videos should focus on topics you could talk about for 10-15 minutes with zero preparation. These are the things you know inside and out.
And yes, still prepare—have a structure, think of examples and stories in advance—but choose topics that already feel natural to you.
2. Prepare, But Don’t Memorize
You don’t need a word-for-word script. But knowing your main points, key examples, and how you’ll end your video will help you feel more confident and in control.
One trick? Have a plan for how you’ll wrap up your video.
Nothing makes you look less confident than an awkward ending. Know exactly what you want people to do next—whether it’s commenting, subscribing, downloading a resource, or reaching out.
3. Use Your Body Language to Show Confidence
Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions play a huge role in how people perceive you.
Imagine watching a video of someone who is slouching, mumbling, and avoiding eye contact. Would you think of them as an authority? Probably not.
Instead:
- Sit up straight or, even better, stand up when recording (it naturally makes you look more energized).
- Make eye contact with the camera (more on that below).
- Use your hands when you talk—it makes you seem more engaged and natural.
- Smile! Smiling makes you seem approachable and also changes the way your voice sounds, making you more engaging.
4. Make Eye Contact with the Camera
One of the biggest mistakes I see? Not looking at the camera.
If you’re reading from a script or watching yourself on screen, it’s easy to forget where to look. But when you’re filming, the lens is your audience.
Quick Tip: Put a sticky note with an arrow next to your camera lens to remind yourself where to look!
5. Keep It Simple & Relatable
Your videos don’t need to be long or complicated. Some of the most effective videos are just 5-15 minutes long, covering one clear topic with three main points and a simple call to action.
And don’t be afraid to share personal stories! People connect with stories way more than they connect with just facts.
You’re Already Enough—Now It’s Time to Show Up
If you’ve been holding back from making videos because you feel like you’re not “expert enough,” I hope this gave you a new perspective.
Your audience doesn’t need a guru. They need someone who understands them, who’s just a few steps ahead, and who can help them get where they want to go.
So stop waiting for permission, stop comparing yourself to the biggest names in your industry, and start showing up.
Because your people are out there waiting for you.
What’s the biggest thing holding you back from making videos? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
