Speaking to the Camera: A Strong Example to Study

One area I consistently focus on is the art of speaking and teaching, particularly when it comes to addressing an audience on camera.

Improving your ability to speak clearly and confidently is one of the fastest ways to enhance the quality of your martial arts classes or presentations.

In a standout example, Victoria Payne from Smithville, MS, demonstrates excellent speaking technique while discussing her journey from teaching self-defense without a formal facility to running a structured program with COBRA.

This video highlights several essential public speaking skills that can make all the difference when delivering a message.

Here’s what Victoria does exceptionally well:

  • Maintains Eye Contact: She never breaks eye contact with the camera, establishing a strong connection with her audience.

  • Body Language: Leaning into the camera adds energy and engagement. Notice that her back never touches the chair—a sign of confident posture.

  • No Reliance on Notes: While referencing notes is sometimes necessary, Victoria delivers her message without them, showing preparation and mastery of her material.

  • Avoiding Filler Words: You won’t hear her say “um” or “and um.” She also avoids filler words like “like” or “ok,” which can undermine the impact of a presentation.

  • Strong Openings: Each paragraph starts with a clear and confident statement. For example, “We’re not martial artists. We’re not…” is a powerful way to begin, showing control over her message.

The only suggestion I would offer to enhance her performance is to incorporate a small smile. Cameras tend to drain some of the liveliness from a speaker’s face, and even a slight smile can brighten your appearance, making you seem more approachable and engaged—especially when discussing serious topics.

You’ll notice that news anchors often maintain a slight smile for this very reason.

Victoria’s delivery is a prime example of how to effectively engage an audience, and I’m excited to include her performance as a teaching point in my upcoming book and course on speaking skills for martial arts instructors.