Hi I'm Elissa...
I love being on camera. But it wasn't always that way.
Back when I first started taking "Acting for the Camera" classes during my theatre degree, I felt stiff and wooden in front of the lens. Kinda like I was a robot. 🤖
And give a presentation? I'd overdo it with my enthusiasm. I could play a character, sure, but being myself in front of other people was scary. 😱
Then I started learning about the human nervous system, and how it can be re-wired. I started re-wiring mine. Now I love being on camera. And I want to show you how to love it too. 💗📹
GET ON THE WAITLIST FOR CLASSSuccess Stories
“I needed to move my business forward, and I realized videos were my most important tool. However, even though I was doing them, I knew there were so many things that weren't right. I just had no idea how to fix them. I thought I had to record a lot, and it would all get better. But I had great days and not so good days, so it was kind of a rollercoaster ride.
Now after taking the course, I feel like I'm in control. I actually prepare myself (I've never done that before!). I review the script and I prepare my mind and my body. For instance, I had the huge task to do an open-cart video. So I got my act together and applied all I had learned in the course in one afternoon... I wrote my script (5.5 mins), memorized using course techniques, and did 2 trials with my mobile phone.
I prepared my body, my mind and looked for the best tone. I wanted to record all at once, but I kept losing pace or energy. So I recorded in 5 pieces, one minute each. I did about 4 takes on each part. The whole process from script writing to finish recording took less than 2 hours. And given that this was probably my most important video of the whole year, I couldn't be happier!!”
- Eszter, Founder of Jump Start Your School, Spain
Since taking class, I have so much more ease on camera. I've worked on my eye contact, my gestures, and being able to explain things with more vocal inflection. That last one especially is huge for me.... It’s so easy to get stuck in monotone.
Overall I've just become more comfortable. Through all the exercises and everything we’ve done for home-play, I've established better boundaries. I have the tools to record my own videos, and to have confident conversations online!
- Steve, Contractor and Online Course Creator, Idaho
Before taking this course I was struggling with recording teachings without a live audience. Now I can do so with more ease and a greater understanding of presence. It helped me get started and I look forward to what the future holds. Thank you!
- Joelle, Pastor, Colorado
How It Works
Authentic Voice Academy is the public speaking class where you'll actually learn how to change your habits and your confidence.
In most public speaking classes, you're simply given a few notes like "Slow down" or "Smile more," and then told to practice over and over.
This isn't effective. Tips and tricks are just going to make you feel more uncomfortable if you don't know how to implement them authentically.
The key to authenticity is understanding how to transform your nervous system. When you do, you can develop a powerfully magnetic presence.
In this class, you’ll learn how to build your presence, and you’ll have the tools to maintain your confidence and charisma into the future.
Class schedule:
Class happens once a year from September to December.
The next round of class starts in September 2021.
If you cannot attend classes live, you're still welcome to enroll. You can participate by watching the class recordings and engaging in the facebook group.
Bonus:
Once you take the class, you can repeat it for free in future years! (Class is offered once a year each fall).
Class Access
Access to class is in our online portal on Kajabi and on Zoom. The relevant links will be sent to you upon registration. Your access to the class recordings never expires... as long as we've got the internet, they're yours to keep!
Will there be homework?
Yes, you'll be held accountable to put yourself on camera! But in fairness, the assignments are called “home-play.” This is not busy work... in fact, many of the exercises and reflections will be things you can integrate into your daily schedule. All assignments will significantly improve your presence and confidence.
Weekly Curriculum
Here’s the 2020 weekly curriculum:
| Week/Date | Module & Details |
|---|---|
| ✪ WEEK 1 Wed Sept 30 |
The habits that are keeping you stuck > What are your individual nervous system habits? We’ll go over a checklist to observe your eye focus, body language, breathing, vocal inflections, and ability to listen and connect. |
| ✪ WEEK 2 Wed Oct 7 |
Your nerves aren’t wrong > We'll discuss poly-vagal theory as a lens for understanding our human nervous system, and practice mindfulness and breathing techniques to be sure that we know how to find our way back to a regulated state before we turn on the camera. |
| ✪ WEEK 3 Wed Oct 14 |
Shift the paradigm > Today's lesson will blow your mind. We'll explore new way of understanding presence, and how to achieve it at any time. Plus you'll get to know your audience better by naming your camera based on a favorite customer so that you've always got a sense of who you're connecting to. |
| ✪ WEEK 4 Wed Oct 21 |
Free your body language > Your body is your voice and your voice is your body. So we'll focus on how to be fully embodied every time you share your voice. You'll learn powerful, repeatable exercises and how to be sure you're using intentional gestures. |
| ✪ WEEK 5 Wed Oct 28 |
Free your voice > We run into trouble when we're stuck in a vocal pattern. The antidote? To let every thought have its own energy. We'll do some ridiculously fun exercises to help you understand how. |
| ✪ WEEK 6 Wed Nov 4 |
Clarify your message > If your audience doesn't get your message, there's no point in having spoken at all. So today we'll focus on content... what are you saying, and how can you be sure that it lands? |
| ✪ WEEK 7 Wed Nov 11 |
What’s your project? > This is where we start to bring it all together. What is the impact you want to have in the world? We'll choose the first (or next) step of your big mission as the project for the rest of class. |
| ✪ WEEK 8 Wed Nov 18 |
Memorize without turning into a robot > Ooh this can be the hard part! How do you memorize what you're saying without turning into a zombie robot? We'll explore more neuroscience to hack how you can keep yourself fully present while remembering what you want to say. |
| ✪ WEEK 9 Wed Dec 2 |
Final review > A day for peer rehearsal and individual coaching on the final projects! |
| ✪ WEEK 10 Wed Dec 9 |
Celebration and sharing day > Our final presentations! 🎉 |
How much does it cost?
One payment of $799, or 3 monthly payments of $299.
Option: For an additional $199, add on office hours and you'll get private coaching and feedback from Elissa.
CLICK HERE TO GET ON THE WAITLIST
