STEP 1: Prepare for the Over-the-Top Exercise

Welcome to one of the most transformative exercises for enhancing your on-camera presence. Whether you're scrolling through your news feed or clicking on a YouTube thumbnail, captivating your audience from the get-go is crucial.

Step 1.1: Set Up Your Recording Environment

• Place your phone on a tripod or any stable surface to ensure it's steady and you're hands-free.

This setup is crucial for a distraction-free recording environment.

STEP 2: Execute the Over-the-Top Performance

At its core, the Over-the-Top Exercise is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and discover your on-camera potential.

Step 2.1: Record at Triple Your Normal Energy

• Begin your rehearsal by delivering your content at a level three times your normal energy and enthusiasm. Yes, it will feel ludicrous and overly animated, but that's the point.

If you're not feeling awkward or out of place, you might not be pushing hard enough.

STEP 3: Review and Evaluate Your Performance

After recording, watch the video. You'll likely notice that what felt excessively animated while recording comes across far more engaging on screen.

Step 3.1: Adjust Based on Evaluation

• For Introverts: If your 100% seems reserved, pushing to 300% can bring surprising dynamism to your delivery.
• For Extroverts: If naturally high energy, use this exercise to find the right balance.

Depending on your evaluation, you might need to adjust your energy level up or down.

STEP 4: Establish Your New Normal

Through this process of recording, evaluation, and adjustment, you'll discover the optimal level of on-camera energy that becomes your new standard for engaging presentations.

Step 4.1: Identify Your Optimal Energy Level

• Increase Energy: Try recording at 500% if the previous level wasn't over-the-top enough.
• Scale Back: If 300% was too intense, dial it back to find a balance that's engaging but not overwhelming.

Find this new level to ensure when the camera rolls, you're not just seen—you're remembered.

STEP 5: Understand the Benefits of the Over-the-Top Exercise

Embracing the Over-the-Top Exercise helps you explore and extend your expressive range, making your video content from just another scroll-past to must-watch material.

Step 5.1: Recognize the Value of Self-Awareness and Range

Like vocal training for singers, this exercise helps you understand how to adapt your performance to fit the content, context, and desired impact.

Step 5.2: Break Through Performance Barriers

Many people underestimate the energy required to be genuinely engaging on camera. This exercise expands your expressive capabilities.

Step 5.3: Prepare for Improvisational Content Creation

Knowing how to modulate your on-camera presence allows for more dynamic and responsive content creation.

Step 5.4: Commit to Continuous Practice

Consistent practice of this exercise is key. Watch as your video content transforms, making your mark on the digital landscape.