My first time on stage I absolutely BOMBED. 

I was so deep inside my own head about what the audience was thinking of me, I totally blanked. 

Producing video has often felt the same way - awkwardly standing in front of a camera, feeling ridiculous while staring into the lens shouting rehearsed lines… 

Since then I’ve learned active listening is the best way to take the focus off of ourselves and dial down our own personal judgment. 

When we’re fully present in the moment there’s no room for self-consciousness. 

So how do you get better at active listening? 

By practicing improvisation:

“Every time you learn to be unafraid, your brain changes. Improv is the quickest way to get to the neural pathway change, because it puts you in a situation where you’re facing your fears.”  — The Second City

Watch the short video above I put together with my friend Mike Kilcoyne on how to get more present and comfortable on camera. 

Have you ever tried an improv workshop? Did it help you get out of your own head? We’d love to hear your experience.