How to Show Up, Stand Out, and Step Into Leadership on Camera

A Guide for Women in Real Estate Who Are Ready to Be Seen

By Kim Rittberg
Award-Winning Real Estate Video Coach | Keynote Speaker | Fast Company Contributor 

I just returned from leading a workshop at SXSW where I spoke about a topic that always gets people leaning in: How to Not Be Cringey On Camera.

And when I say “cringey,” I don’t mean bad lighting or awkward hand gestures. I mean something deeper. I mean inauthentic.

Because after years of working in media and now coaching professionals, I’ve learned this:
Most people are not struggling with video because they lack strategy.
They’re struggling because they don’t feel comfortable being seen.

And this shows up a lot in the real estate industry.

I meet incredible women, smart, driven, accomplished, who want to grow their business, lead teams, and step onto stages. But after workshops or during those honest conversations at post-event happy hours, they’ll tell me the real reason they’re not showing up on camera.

It’s not a time issue.  It’s not a technology issue.

It’s self-doubt.

“I don’t like how I look.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I don’t want to sound salesy.”

And yet, here’s the reality:

More than 90% of clients want to see you on camera.

They want to feel your presence. They want to hear your perspective. They want you to help them by leveraging video! They want to know who they’re trusting with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

And if your goal is to become a leader, a speaker, or a recognized expert in your market, video is not optional. It’s one of the fastest ways to build trust at scale.

So the question becomes: how do you start?

The Framework That Builds Confidence & Drives Results: Mindset, Skillset, Repetition

When I coach women on becoming confident and compelling on camera, I don’t start with scripts or ring lights.

I start with a three-part framework: Mindset. Skillset. Repetition.

Because confidence on camera isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build.

Learn more about the MSR framework in this video here.

1. Mindset: Shift Out of “Supermodel Mode” and Into “Teacher Mode”

The biggest barrier I see is what I call Supermodel Mode.

This is when your focus is on yourself. How you look. How you sound. How you’re being perceived.

And when your attention is turned inward like that, it creates hesitation and stiffness. That’s the feeling people describe as “cringey.” I have a video of my first job as an on-camera reporter – I was super cringey. Not because I was so visibly awkward – but because I was impersonating someone else. I was in a ‘reporter outfit’ (meaning not what I would actually wear) using a ‘reporter’ voice – and I recognize it as not “Kim.” But since then, I’ve focused on being more authentic on camera and bringing my skills from 20 years of TV and media to myself and other professionals.

But here’s the truth most people don’t realize:

No one is watching you as closely as you think. They’re thinking about their to-do list, their family, or what they’re making for dinner.

So instead of focusing on yourself, shift into Teacher Mode.

Exit Supermodel Mode & Enter Teacher Mode.

Teacher Mode is when your focus is entirely on your audience:
What do they need to know?  What can you help them understand?  What have you experienced that could make their journey easier?

Because your value is not in being polished.  Your value is in being helpful.

And the moment you focus on helping instead of performing, everything changes.

2. Skillset: Confidence Comes From Doing, Not Waiting

Once your mindset shifts, the next step is building the skill. This is great – you are already a leader with a growth mindset – you certainly can learn new skills. So remember, most people were not born ‘amazing on camera’ – it’s a skill you can build!

If talking directly to the camera feels intimidating, start with a conversation. Have a friend or colleague ask you questions. Talk through topics you already know well.

Then gradually move toward speaking directly to the camera.

One simple technique I recommend to almost every client: Put a sticky note over your image on the screen so you’re not distracted by your own face. It sounds small, but it removes one of the biggest confidence blockers.

And remember, your goal is not perfection. Progress is more important than perfection. Your goal is clarity and connection.

That’s what builds trust. That’s what positions you as a leader.

3. Repetition: Visibility Is What Builds Authority

This is the step that transforms everything, and it’s also the one most people avoid. They record one video, feel uncomfortable, and stop. But confidence doesn’t come from one attempt. It comes from repetition.

Every time you show up, your delivery becomes more natural. Your message becomes more focused. Your presence becomes more confident.

And over time, something powerful happens.

People start to recognize you. They start to trust you. They start to associate you with expertise. 

This is how visibility turns into opportunity. That’s how my client, an agent named Judy, went from agent to being invited to speak on panels at her company’s national conference.

It’s how you become known in your market. It’s how you get invited to speak. It’s how you grow into leadership.

Check out this video here: How to Be a Thought Leader in Non Cringey Ways

Why This Matters for Women in Real Estate

If you’re part of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, you’re likely not just focused on transactions.

You’re focused on growth. On leadership. On making a meaningful impact.

And video is one of the most effective ways to support that.

It allows you to show up consistently. To share your voice. To help more people. To connect with your audience before you ever meet them in person.

In a crowded industry, it’s not only about being good at what you do. It’s about being known for it. It’s about helping more people by sharing your voice louder.

Start Before You Feel Ready

Join me live for a free workshop!

You’ll have me, 6x award-winning marketer, real estate coach, former TV news producer, and past WCR speaker, leading this free live workshop on how to use video to attract clients, build your reputation, and become the go-to agent in your market.

Become the Go-To Agent Through Video
Turn Your Content into a Client Machine (without spending hours)

 Wednesday, May 13th | 1PM ET or 8PM ET
 Free — [Register Here]

Spots are limited. Sign up and I’ll see you then!

Even if you don’t have your full strategy ready (I can help with that, let’s connect here), here are some first steps:

Pick one idea. Hit record. Have a friend ask you a question and speak as if you’re talking to one person.

Because you’re not here to perform. You’re here to teach, to share your message.

And leadership starts with being seen. 

Want help getting started?
Grab my free guide: How to Go From Camera Shy to Camera Shine

Learn how I support real estate professionals: https://www.kimrittberg.com/real-estate-video-coach 

Or grab my 7 Day On-Camera Challenge.

Grab a complimentary 1-on-1 session with me to map out your custom video strategy.

 

Kim Rittberg is a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for real estate professionals. She is an award-winning video marketer, on-camera coach, and Fast Company contributor. She helps real estate agents and entrepreneurs grow their visibility and income through video, podcasting, and content strategy.

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Watch Kim Rittberg’s TEDx talks