What Happened When I Recorded Myself Speaking Every Single Day
It was awful — until it wasn’t
I sat down on my couch, switched my phone to selfie mode, and hit record. Then I started answering the dreaded interview question: “Tell me about yourself.”
After what felt like the most awkward four minutes of all time, I played back the recording. It was painful to watch. My body was stiff and my eyes darted all over the place. I clenched up in some parts, and rambled on in others. I said “like” about 4 billion times. Tell me I don’t really sound like that, I pleaded to an audience of zero in my empty living room.
In my head, I cursed my business coach for recommending this exercise after I’d mentioned I was nervous about possible upcoming job interviews. I’d always been anxious when it came to speaking with new people — as a kid, I grew up with a severe speech impediment. My coach had suggested that I record myself answering common interview questions every day, and see what happens. After that first sweaty episode, I wondered if there was another way to improve my speaking skills — one that didn’t involve having to stare straight at my mug, growing increasingly uncomfortable while watching myself be uncomfortable (it was all very meta). It turned out that sure, there are tons of ways to become a better speaker, but this one allows…
