We hear the word “live” and something goes off inside of us that says “be nervous.”

What if I told you that going live is easier than producing a recorded video?

For almost a year, I have produced live streams nearly every weekday. I also produce my fair share of recorded videos that are produced and published at a later date. Regardless of the subject’s experience, the live videos almost always come across more authentic, conversational and natural.

When we know something is being recorded, we know we have multiple tries to get something right. So, naturally, at the first slip up, we think we need to do it again. Going live forces us to just keep going, just like we would in a conversation with a friend or colleague.

And that’s the kind of experience your customers likely want. When they interact with your business, they want to feel like they’re dealing with a friend. Live streaming can help evoke that kind of emotion.

Here are a few ways to get a little more comfortable going live if you’re still hesitant:

Use Help

There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself some help during the live stream. I’m not saying you should memorize everything you want to say. Use notes. Refer to them while on air. No one minds if you need to look off camera once in a while. Again, it’s more natural. Reading a script word for word is not.

Call on an Expert

You also don’t always have to go live alone. Bring on a guest to add another layer of conversation. It’s much easier to be conversational when you’re talking to someone else. Use a subject matter expert to help you.

Practice Makes Perfect

Yes, it’s cliche. But it’s so true, especially when it comes to streaming. Most folks that regularly stream and speak on camera will readily admit that their first few attempts were less than stellar. It’s okay! You’ll only get better as you do more.

Related video clip: Content marketer Christoph Trappe, Switcher Studio VP of Sales and Development Marc Gawith and I talk about authenticity and audience connection with live video. Full video here. Full podcast here.