Afraid of the Camera? That’s Not the Problem (Kerry Barrett)
- Episode #159
Emmy Award winner Kerry Barrett reveals how to transform camera-shyness into confidence. Drawing from her broadcast career, she uncovers why imperfection builds connection, explores the roots of people’s fear of public speaking, and offers key actionable steps for having an authentic video presence.
Kerry Barrett an Emmy Award-winning network news anchor, PR coach, corporate media trainer, and keynote speaker.
In this episode, Melinda and Kerry talk about:
- Overcoming the fear of public speaking and being on camera
- The psychological roots and physical manifestations of stage fright
- Kerry’s journey from fear to Emmy Award-winning news anchor and coach
- The differences and similarities between speaking on stage and on camera
- Exposure therapy and practical steps for building on-camera confidence
- Embracing imperfection to create authentic and relatable video content
- Strategies for increasing vocal variety, physical presence, and energy on camera
- Her MVP framework (Mindset, Vocal Variety, Physical Performance) for video success
- Common excuses and mental barriers coaches face regarding video, and ways to overcome them
- The importance of connecting with an audience of one and focusing on service over perfection
“Mindset is understanding the audience and recognizing that you are always talking to an audience of one.”— Kerry Barrett
Kerry Barrett is the preeminent on-camera media, public speaking and video trainer for lawyers and executives. She teaches virtual & video presence and on-camera readiness for a broad spectrum of situations ranging from formal talks, video content & social media & media interviews to everyday sales pitches over Zoom.
As an Emmy Award-winning network news anchor who overcame a debilitating fear of public speaking, Kerry offers a unique perspective as someone who has 25 years of experience in front of the camera. Kerry’s specialty is teaching people how they can become relatable to their audiences and make that genuine connection. She offers a variety of keynotes, workshops and corporate trainings, digital programs, 1:1 and group coaching, VIP Days, and intensives. These help her students and clients feel confident, sincere, and energetic, yet relaxed on-screen. This allows them to better create marketing and sales content, close more deals, create a more engaged workforce, and prepare for media opportunities.
Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:
Mirasee
Coaches Console
Melinda’s books: The Confident Coach and The Professional Coach
Kerry’s website: KerryBarrett.com
Credits:
Host: Melinda Cohan
Producer and Editor: Michi Lantz
Executive Producer: Danny Iny
Music Soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely
Making our hosts sound great: Home Brew Audio
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Music credits:
Track Title: Clouds
Artist Name: Acreage
Writer Name: Marshall Usinger
Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS
Track Title: Coastline Dream
Artist Name: Wild Sky
Writer Name: Adam Simons
Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS
Track Title: Coo Coos
Artist Name: Dresden, The Flamingo
Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
Track Title: Stars & Trees
Artist Name: Outside The Sky
Writer Name: Dustin Ransom
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION
Special effects credits:
24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.
Episode transcript: Afraid of the Camera? That’s Not the Problem (Kerry Barrett).

Just Between Coaches
This show is like Oprah’s couch, where conversations cut straight to the heart of the topic, but... it’s only for coaches! Melinda Cohan of the Coaches Console explores the tough questions coaches face on a regular basis. With a new guest host each episode, Melinda provides tactical advice and strategies to address issues like “How do I deal with price resistance?” and “Should I fire my client?”