How to Start Talking on Instagram Stories

Do you want to show up with confidence for your business? In this blog, I explore how to start talking on Instagram Stories.

One of the most powerful things you can do if you want to build a community on Instagram is to show up and talk on Instagram Stories. I genuinely don't think I'd have been able to have built either of my businesses, Martha Brook or Business Secrets Club, or certainly driven as many sales or investments in my brands without people being able to see me talk.

Something magic happens when you talk face-to-face with someone, even over the internet, and that is due to that wonderful thing of non-verbal communication. As humans, we take so much from eye contact, someone's expressions and their tone of voice. All of those can build trust so much more than words in a caption ever could.

That glorious quote by Maya Angelou is so true, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

Talking Instagram Stories are a brilliant shortcut to making people feel something about you, building instant connection and credibility with your brand.

But I know from talking to so many of my followers that talking Instagram Stories can be genuinely terrifying. I get messages all the time from people saying, 'I know I should do it, but I have a crisis of confidence every time.' and also 'I find the idea soooo scary, but also, what do I talk about?'

And, honestly, I get it.

It feels like peeling back a layer, doesn't it?! It's so easy to hide behind perfect photos, but talking in a video feels like showing the real you, and all sorts of insecurities race through your mind. I'm not going to diminish any of those because I've been there, but I want to help you work through them. I want to inspire you that it is absolutely possible to show up just as you are, talk to camera and see the difference this will make for your business.

In this blog, I explore exactly how to start talking on Instagram Stories if you are new to it, with lots of tips to boost your confidence and get you to try it for the first time.

I've written this blog as part of my Showing up on Stories Challenge. You can also get a handy challenge guide, which includes some topic ideas for talking Instagram stories and 'story starters' to help you find the right words to get talking HERE.

Ok, let's get stuck in, here's how to start talking on Instagram Stories...

Firstly, why bother with talking Instagram Stories?

For me, there are four big reasons, especially as a business owner:

1. They help engagement and growth. Those accounts that post original Instagram Stories lose fewer followers than those that don't help you grow your business. Plus, when you talk directly to your audience, they are more likely to respond and interact, boosting your reach and the reach of future feed posts.
2. Talking Instagram Stories humanise your brand. People don't listen to businesses, but they do listen to people talking about businesses. You create a more personal brand by showing your face and speaking directly to your audience. This also builds trust and a deeper connection with your business, making people much more likely to buy from you.
3. They help you build a brand community. For your account to feel like a true community, your audience needs to feel a part of something. Talking on Instagram Stories lets you have direct and personal conversations with your audience and helps them build a relationship with you.
4. It showcases authenticity and authority. Talking Instagram Stories are a great way to stand out in your industry, demonstrate knowledge, and show a more relatable side to your brand.

Hopefully, I've convinced you! Now, let's move on to how to actually do it!

How to start talking on Instagram Stories

If you are new to talking Instagram stories, here are three steps to get you started. These are the same steps I follow for talking Reels, but Instagram stories are a much less scary place to start as they disappear after 24 hours!

1. Plan and prepare

Firstly, I want you to remind yourself that everyone feels nervous before filming and posting one of their first Instagram stories. Those are good nerves, a sign that you are about to step out of your comfort zone and do something that helps you learn and grow.

Work out the one point you want to get across in your Instagram story. You only have 60 seconds, and you don't need to use them all!

Then, write out the rough bullet points for what you are actually going to say, and importantly, write down your first line. Your first line is known as the 'verbal hook' or 'talking hook'. It's essential to start by straight away getting to the point as people tap through stories fast!

You are not going to start a talking Instagram story by:

❌ Doing a few seconds pause before you start talking. This is known as a 'millennial pause' because those of us in our thirties or early 40s are apparently much more likely to do this! You need to start talking as soon as you press record!

❌ Wasting time saying hello, or 'I'm just popping on'. I hate to break it to you, but we can all see you are popping on, and this is such a pet peeve of many people!

Instead, that first sentence will make someone stay, and knowing what it is before you start talking will make you feel more confident to get going.

If you are learning how to start talking on Instagram stories and want some verbal hooks to start you off, download my free Showing up on Stories Challenge guide here.

2. Get yourself set up

Find somewhere quiet to film, and do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable. At this point, remember that Instagram Stories are meant to be imperfect and authentic. I guarantee you look better than you think you do! (I was talking to someone the other day and confessed that I was convinced everyone watching my stories that day must have thought how tired I looked. And she replied that all she had noticed was that she loved my jumper. So honestly, no one will even care about that thing you are worried about!)

Now, I never use filters. I think they reduce the authenticity of the video. Instead, I move my phone around the room with my light source (usually my window) in different places until I think the light is most flattering or I am most comfortable.

I find it easier to record Instagram stories looking at myself as I can imagine I am just talking to myself (lol) and not the internet, but if you prefer the back camera, that is totally fine!

Ideally, you want to look at the camera, which is the green light at the top of the screen, as the person watching will feel like you are making eye contact with them. Don't keep moving your eyes around and you will look more trustworthy.

3. Start recording

I always record my Instagram Stories in Instagram Stories itself so I don't overrun the minute limit and so I can do multiple takes without them saving to my camera roll!

A top tip here is to press the 'Hands-free' feature on the bottom of the menu options so you don't need to keep the record button held down. Here you can see it on mine below the Layout option:

Don't stress about your first take! It often can take two or three attempts to get your words around what you want to say. If you stumble, just press the cross in the top left and try your next take immediately.

Imagine you are talking to yourself or a friend, and forget about the internet! You want to use the word 'you' so the viewer feels you are speaking directly to them and not a whole group, which makes it feel impersonal. Oh, and remember to smile! Not only will it relax you, but it will help you connect more when you start.

4. Add features before posting

Once you are happy with your Story, there are a few features to add to it to increase engagement:

1. Captions. Many users watch Instagram Stories without sound, so adding captions improves accessibility.
2. A text hook at the top of the screen. This helps people stop to watch and listen.
3. Story Stickers. Using any of the interactive features Instagram provides, such as the poll button, encourages audience engagement.

Here's an example of one of my Instagram Stories with the captions and text hook added:

Don't forget, if you want some topic ideas for talking Instagram stories together with the text hooks and verbal hooks to start you off, download my free Showing up on Stories Challenge guide here.

In conclusion, talking Instagram Stories are a powerful tool that you can use to connect with your audience, build trust, and establish authority. While it may feel scary at first, like anything else, it gets so much easier with practice (I promise)!

Come let me know in the comments whether this has inspired you to start talking on Instagram Stories, and I challenge you to post your first talking Story today. I know you will feel so proud of yourself. Good luck!