I just recorded my first Facebook Live video the other day- to give people a preview of some of the social media tips that I’ll be sharing at my workshop next week, and I have to say that to my surprise it was a lot of fun! The reason I say that is that in general, I’m not really that comfortable being recorded on video, and I was a bit nervous about the whole thing. Exhibit one would be the crowdfunding pitch video that I made a couple of years ago. I just feel so self-conscious when I know that I’m being recorded.

That’s probably why I still haven’t caught on to Snapchat. But Facebook Live makes it so much fun and interactive since you are seeing live who’s joining in on your broadcast and watching. It is really a social experience! It was really amazing to see which of my friends and family from around the world were tuning in, liking and loving my video, and commenting live.

I think that also having the camera (my iPhone) turned towards me like a mirror and being able to see myself during the broadcast helped too. I was getting constant feedback on how I looked during the broadcast. This reminds me of a common piece of advice I’ve heard- to rehearse a speech by looking at yourself in the mirror and smiling as you practice. But what really made me smile was all the feedback and interaction that I was getting from people during the broadcast.

And come to think of it that’s probably what’s made things worse- when I have to “memorize my lines" and say something scripted on video.

This whole experience with Facebook Live was all very surprising to me because, I am more naturally an introvert. As I’ve said before, I’m an introvert masquerading as an extrovert. You probably won’t catch me snapping on Snapchat or doing a vlog anytime soon, but never say never.

In case you're wondering about the Social Media for Business Tips Workshop that gave me an excuse to do a Facebook Live broadcast, it’s going to be held next week on Tuesday, October 11, 6-8 pm at the Open Center (22 East 30th Street, Room 3-C, New York, NY 10016). Register for it by clicking here.