My gosh, is it true what they say? The older you get, the faster time flies? It’s already time for the end-of-the-week gratitude post!
One of the advantages of having a blog is that when you tell your readers that you will do something, you’re making yourself accountable. If a number of your readers (or clients or associates, etc.) tell you that they are looking forward to whatever it is that you said you’d do, then the pressure is on you to meet their expectations. At that point, it becomes a priority to make sure you get the job done because it’s now a matter of integrity. If you say you’re going to do something but you put it off or not do it at all, sooner or later others will start to say, “Yeah, right, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Last week I purposefully told you a few times that I was going to make my first video this week because I knew if I did that, I’d find a way to work through my techno-phobia and make it happen.
It was no small feat, trust me, but the funniest thing is that making this video (with subtitles to boot!) turned out to be a lot easier than I thought. I’m so grateful I took the necessary steps to take our level of communication to a whole new level.
After a week of looking around for a camcorder, I purchased one on Sunday, February 10, 2008. The very next day, I practiced playing around with it, read the instruction manual and charged up the internal battery. So far, so good.
On Tuesday, I took a deep breath and began taping myself. I must have gone through 10 retakes before finally settling on the one you’re about to see. It’s only 2 minutes and it’s pure, raw footage because I have yet learned the fine art of editing. One step at a time, right?
It was strange talking to a small camcorder instead of a live person. That took getting used to. Then I had to learn how to begin and stop recording, a challenge because all the buttons were located at the back. That meant my fingers had to feel its way around to the start and stop buttons. For some reason, it took several clicks to start recording and another several clicks to get it to stop. That was rather annoying - I may return it if I continue to experience this inconvenience.
But the nice thing about this camcorder (and one of the reasons why I bought it) was because of its rotatable viewfinder. I was able to flip the viewfinder 180 degrees so that I could see myself throughout the recording process. That made things considerably easier compared to the flip camera that was made famous on the Oprah show.
Once I was finished, the video file was easily transferred to my hard drive through the use of a CD and USB cables that came with the camcorder. After that, I had to find a way to subtitle it so that everyone on the planet could be included. Eventually, I was led to a free do-it-yourself captioning website. It took me over 2 hours to subtitle a 2 minute video - I’m not kidding - but it was nothing I couldn’t master. In fact, it was a lot of fun and the next time I do it, it’ll be considerably easier.
Here’s the subtitled video (NOTE: If you are an RSS or email subscriber, please click on the title of this post to see it because this video won’t show up in your feed):
Update a/o February 20, 2008: Due to maintenance and other issues at Overstream, my subtitled video is temporarily unavailable until further notice. You can still see the video without subtitles at YouTube.
Well, what did you think? Feel free to leave comments and tell me what you thought of it. I know it’s not perfect because for one thing, the video ended a bit abruptly. I probably could have relaxed and smiled a little more. But the fact that I finally did it makes me very proud. If I can do this, so can you!
If you’re interested in a full step-by-step article about my experience, I will write one up over the weekend. Once again, even if you’re scared of technology, you can do this. You really can. Trust me, you’ll be so proud of yourself, because you won’t believe you could have mastered something like this!
While I was experiencing some of the challenges associated with the making of this video, a new subscriber sent me an email reminding me of a very familiar phrase. Can you guess what it was? Look at the very top of this page - what does it say?
Transform Adversity into Success!
And now for some gratitude:
- I am grateful that I finally pushed through my fears despite my technically challenged nature. I ended up having a ball and can’t wait to make another video. In fact, long-time subscriber (Sharmaine Hobbs) alerted me to a video contest that I will be entering in hopes of winning a prize! That would have been unimaginable a month ago!
- Thanks to Karen Putz and Mike McConnell, I was made aware of Overstream, a do-it-yourself-subtitling website. While the learning curve was definitely present, due to Overstream’s easy-to-follow tutorial, I was able to add subtitles on my first attempt!
- While the jury is out on this one, I am grateful I made this video with SONY’s MPEG4 Net Sharing Cam. I say the jury is still out deliberating because I had trouble getting it to start and stop. At least I have another 27 days to play with it and decide whether I want to keep it or get something else.
- I am very grateful to Michael Werner for teaching me how to create some space around images in my posts. Until now, I had no clue how to do that. Here’s what he told me: 1) go to the editor for your WP post, 2) select the image, 3) click on the green tree button on the visual editor menu, 4) a popup box will appear, showing you a horizontal field - put a value of 10 in there. Voila! You’ve got some space around your images. Thank you Michael!
- I’m grateful that the store that I bought the camcorder from has a liberal return policy. Because of that, I am free to play with this camcorder for a little while longer.
- And of course, I’m grateful for YOU because you continue to keep this community vibrant through your value-added comments. I’ve made many new connections through the world of blogging and it’s given me opportunities that might not have come to me otherwise.
Food for thought: What are you grateful for this week?
If you liked this post and you want to be notified of the next one, subscribe via Email or Full Text RSS Feed. I would love to have you as part of the community!
Welcome! I'm the founder and professor of Adversity University specializing in personal development for spiritual beings having a human experience. To see a speaking demo tape and other information, please click 
11:30 pm on February 14th, 2008 1
Ohhhh MAN, I loved your enthusiasm. It felt like your spirit was just JUMPING right through the monitor and speaking RIGHT TO ME !!!!!!!
You nailed that.
Holy mackerel Andy……
I just realized who you remind me of….
A younger Patrick Stewart, Jon luc Picard the Captain from the Star Trek shows !!!!!!! - SEE photos here:
http://tinyurl.com/2guojw
As for the volume, I had my computer volume at full crank. I turned the volume down just a little and it was perfect. I would MUCH prefer something loud and to be able to turn it down, than having to STRAIN to hear.
I watched the video TWICE, just because I was so excited to SEE IT. :))))
Stephen…….. your blog readers, who have not had the chance to see you speak in person are going to LOVE to see videos of you. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It will ONLY take watching a few videos and hearing you speak, to be able to follow your speech.
The captioning is excellent and it’s amazing how it follows perfect to your speaking.
I LOVE THE VIDEO of you Stephen, it’s difficult to exactly put into words, but the only thing that keeps coming to my mind is
YOUR enthusiasm… OKAY… I just found other words..
YOUR gusto !!!!
YOUR zest !!!!
YOUR exuberance !!!!
I will be looking forward to more !!!
XO XO XO
Deb
Deb Estep’s last blog post..Blessing Shared ~ #1
11:48 pm on February 14th, 2008 2
Stephen,
I wanted to drop this link to your main
site where there is a short video of you
in action at a speaking engagement.
I just saw this a couple of days ago and
it’s great. !!!
If you are ever speaking in the Ohio area,
maybe I can sneak in. LOL
http://www.sjhopson.com/meeting-planners.htm
xo xo
Deb
Deb Estep’s last blog post..My Valentine’s Flower
1:47 am on February 15th, 2008 3
Hi Stephen!
Just wanted to leave you a short note saying thank you so much for taking your time to put in captions! You did an awesome job! I really enjoyed chatting with you going back and forth through e-mails in past couple of days and I look forward to meet you one of these days.
You will see me more on here and hopefully to see you on mine as well.
-SG
7:13 am on February 15th, 2008 4
Deb:
WOW. What an enthuasistic, loving response from you!
I know that people who aren’t familiar with me might need to hear the video a couple of times (without looking at the captions) to get used to my speech.
Creating this video was definitely an interesting experience, especially the subtitling part - it was really a lot of fun. It made me feel like an expert while I was doing it. I think I’ll a video post once a week. Then see what happens.
So you really think I look like Patrick Stewart from Star Trek? LOL. That’s cute.
Thank you for your bubbly support - it is absolutely incredible to have people like you in the Adversity University community. It’s one reason why this community continues to thrive!
9:07 am on February 15th, 2008 5
Love the captions! You did a great job on this first video. I’m sure your tutorial will be a great resource for others who are looking to caption their videos.
Videos are on my “list of things to do someday in the future.” LOL
9:49 am on February 15th, 2008 6
Bravo Stephen! Bravo!!! You did a phenomenal job with this! Your spirit comes right through the screen and we are immediately engaged with what you are saying. It’s wonderful that you have added another dimension of communicating on the blog (and the captions). It’s a good move and a smart move. It allows us to see you and it feels like I’ve known you longer than I have because I have now have your face + your heart + your voice to go along with all of the stories and articles that I’ve read by you over the months since I subscribed. This video made me feel like I’d “known you” for a long time.
I think you’ll win the contest!
Keep pushing the envelope!
Sharmaine
10:00 am on February 15th, 2008 7
Sharmaine:
You have become another one of my long time supporters, believing in my ability to go to the next level, which I greatly appreciate!
I am humbled by the outpouring of your support while I make my way in this life, seeking to make a difference in some way, form or shape. Your support, love and light is simply incredible.
Never in my life have I imagined I’d get virtual cheerleaders like yourself and others who see the value of what I have to offer the world. Thanks!
10:58 am on February 15th, 2008 8
Stephen,
That was simply fantastic! I could feel you being YOU. I smile as I am recalling it in my memory (I watched it in the middle of the night, I couldn’t sleep). Endearing is a good word for what I felt while watching your video. I’d love to see you in action for an hour. You have a very contagious nature and the videos you do will certainly capture it.
I have a tip for you. Once you find how to edit, this will be very simple. When I record I wait about 5 seconds at the beginning and end. Once you upload you can start from the rest position. If this is not clear, email me and I’ll share more.
Technically, your Vlog is the first “spoken” vlog I have watched. Just personal preference and habit I’d like to see more of you in the frame. Just zoom out just a tad not much.
It was simply wonderful. The captions were spot on and I can’t wait to check it out for my own vlogs.
Thanks for all that you do!
11:04 am on February 15th, 2008 9
Stephen - just loved it!! The visual, sound of your voice and subtitles, connects in such a way that I feel you come alive in spirit and enthusiasm, not just in written words. It really adds to your message and to your site. You’re such an encouragement to me in demonstrating how to push through those fears. I love what you do!!! Keep sharing and keep video posting.
Pat R’s last blog post..Love – A Deeper Connection - Part 2 of 5
11:12 am on February 15th, 2008 10
Lisa:
I am extremely grateful for your suggestions - constructive critcism I call it - because it’s exactly what I need to have on this blog.
While most of the comments I’ve gotten in the past have been incredibly supporitve, uplifting and generally agreeable in nature, I am also appreciative of those who have different ideas, thoughts and beliefs and expressing them as such. It helps to have a healthy debate and foster a conversation.
So, thanks for giving me your suggestions. They have been duly noted!
11:15 am on February 15th, 2008 11
Pat:
I’m a work in progress, LOL. I’m glad to know that this post uplifted and inspired you. Isn’t that why we blog? To reach and touch people and maybe make a difference.
You inspire me too - you know why? Because I know there are people like you whose lives are being impacted simply because of what I decide to do with this blog. That’s a cool feeling, you know?
I appreciate you being a “regular” commentator here.
12:48 pm on February 15th, 2008 12
The exhuberance with which you did this first video made up for any techincal suggestions!
It was a thrill to see you and hear you at last.
Congratulations! Looking forward to more!
1:34 pm on February 15th, 2008 13
Stephen, I had a big smile on my face while I was watching the video. Your enthusiasm for life is contagious. I have a small hearing loss myself so I do some lip reading. The captions were helpful even though I had no problem understanding anything that you said. You have a wonderful speaking voice. I can’t imagine the task that learning to speak must have been for you. You truly are an inspiration to all of us. I think I would miss my hearing much more than my sight since music is such a part of my being. I love listening and singing. I look forward to your tutorial on how you did the video.
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker’s last blog post..My Mom—The Silent Parent
1:48 pm on February 15th, 2008 14
I second Patricia, I smiled the entire time I watched the video - you lit up camera and had such enthusiasm! I can’t wait to see the next few videos you make - they can only keep getting better and better!
Adrian @ Path to Your Destiny’s last blog post..Lackluster Days
2:20 pm on February 15th, 2008 15
Stephen, You are inspiring. You are a motivational speaker right there where you are. I believe you are living Your Divine Purpose.
I too hope we meet soon.
Great job. I’ll check out the captioning.
2:45 pm on February 15th, 2008 16
MichelleVan:
I’d like to think I’m living my Divine Purpose too - thanks for confirming it. Yes, check out the captioning - it’s really easy - trust me. You’ll fall in love with it. I want to start a movement in the blogging world where bloggers routinely caption their videos for EVERYONE’S BENEFIT. Why not?
2:49 pm on February 15th, 2008 17
@Adrian: I look forward to making my next video even better! Thanks.
@Patricia: You’re one of several people who have told me this week that they realize how fortunate they are to have their hearing because I came into their life. That’s exactly what I think MichelleVan was trying to say when she said I was living my Divine Purpose. I guess God wanted me to give people an opportunity to recognize what they have versus what they don’t have.
2:51 pm on February 15th, 2008 18
Corinne:
While I thank you for your kindness, I actually want you to feel free to express your suggestions so that I can do better the next time. I realize my enthuasism over-rides any glaring technical deficiencies but I also want people to realize they are welcome to share their opinion about how it could be made better. If I recall correctly, you sent me a private email regarding your thoughts.
Please feel free to share them with the world so that people know I’m open to other thoughts, comments and so forth as long as everyone remains respectful and honors one another. So, if you’re inclined to do so, feel free to share what you wrote in an email. If not, that’s okay - you can do it next time.
4:11 pm on February 15th, 2008 19
Stephen, all I can say is BRAVO!
6:19 pm on February 15th, 2008 20
Michael:
Thanks and you had a big part of how this happened!
9:00 pm on February 15th, 2008 21
This is what I wrote to you in my email. Not too different than what I said here. But, no secrets!
Dear Stephen
CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT.
It was a thrill to see you in person.
Your speech is very clear. A little too loud in the beginning. Then you kind of got into the swing of it.
The only words that were not clear were when you said I am a deaf person. You kind of swallowed those words.
Just wonderful!
LU
C
9:05 pm on February 15th, 2008 22
Hello there Corinne:
There you go! Just perfect - I love getting feedback from all sides - it’s a healthy way to encourage conversation and help me get better. Thanks for sharing your input - they were duly noted for the next time I do a video.
7:43 am on February 16th, 2008 23
Haha, this was awesome Stephen! I could hear you pretty well, it wasn’t a problem at all. You are so funny, I hope you were going for funny… hehe seriously though, I love the video, I want to see more!
9:45 am on February 16th, 2008 24
(HOPPING up and down)!!! Excellent, Stephen!!! I read your lips while reading the subtitles. Perfect sychronization!!! Good job, Hoppy!
Btw, I would say your voice is “neutral”
Nita
9:49 am on February 16th, 2008 25
Alex:
Hello there - I’m glad you thought it was funny. Well, I can certainly vouch over the fact that I was NOT reading a script! Haha. Thanks for letting me know you liked it - yes, of course, I plan to have more in the future. It’s a way to connect with the community and any new visitors.
9:50 am on February 16th, 2008 26
Nita:
I thought you’d like it. I’m pretty excited about it myself. I kept putting it off for a long time but finally I did it and I’m proud of having pushed through my technical fears. I am looking forward to doing another one in the near future. Perhaps once a week or something.
The subtitling was a lot easier than I thought. I just had to pay very close attention to what I was saying, in essence reading my own lips, while doing the subtitling. In future videos if I move further away from the camera, it’ll be a little harder to lip read myself but I think I’ll manage it somehow.
Thanks for your bubbly enthuisam!
10:05 am on February 16th, 2008 27
Nice to finally see you finally vlogging or putting up a video post - especially with subtitles. They’re terrific!
Keep ‘em coming (and subtitled)! =)
-Kevin
10:10 am on February 16th, 2008 28
Kevin:
Yes, thank you sir. I plan to keep doing this. You were one of those who encouraged me to look into doing a video and I’m so glad I finally did it. Glad you stopped by - it made my day.
12:12 pm on February 16th, 2008 29
Hi Stephen,
Thanks to the subtitles, I was able to understand all that you said perfectly fine. Out of curiosity, I watched the video again but scrolled my browser window so the subtitles were hidden from view. After doing this, I noticed that I couldn’t understand the word “professor,” and I misunderstood “caption your videos” as “capture your videos.” For the most part, though, the volume and clarity of your voice was easy listening.
As for the distance between you and the camera, I actually like how close you seem. The seemingly short distance between us as you speak to me parallels your enthusiasm! Congratulations on your first video!
1:09 pm on February 16th, 2008 30
Hi there Shaun:
Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it. Glad to know the volume and clarity of my voice was easy listening. I know sometimes the words I choose, especially if you’ve never heard me before, can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. I think as I do more videos, I’ll be a lot clearer since I’ll be more used to it - I think. It was a little weird talking to a camera like that.
1:35 pm on February 16th, 2008 31
Stephen,
As being a deaf person myself, I could figure out what areas in my speech I needed to improve, when people could not understand the specific words I spoke. That’s the only way we could have our own “speech therapy”, through feedbacks. Video blogging is one excellent way!
Just my opinion.
Nita
1:57 pm on February 16th, 2008 32
Nita:
Interesting point. I get it. I just got a couple of people letting me know which words they didn’t understand. Now I know for future reference that those words either need to be better spoken or altogether left out.
Good point!
8:37 pm on February 16th, 2008 33
Hi Stephen
Congratulations!! It was a great first video. Your energy and authenticity definitely came across. And you succeeded in your goal of wanting to make it feel like you were talking directly to the viewer and not a camera. The sound level was perfect. The subtitles are definitely a good idea.
I’m so impressed - I’ve been intimidated to do a vlog or a podcast because of worrying how I would look or sound - thanks for jumping in and making it look fun!!
Liz
Liz Fuller’s last blog post..Feedback: The Breakfast of Champions
4:44 pm on February 17th, 2008 34
[...] Video Podcast of friend Stephen Hopson. Stephen is deaf from birth and makes his living as a motivational speaker. He has a blog Adversity University with some interesting articles. [...]
9:30 pm on February 17th, 2008 35
Thanks for sharing this Stephen.
You are just amazing!
Best,
Raj
10:30 pm on February 17th, 2008 36
Raj:
Hey, it’s good to hear from you my friend. Thanks! You’re pretty amazing yourself.
8:34 am on February 18th, 2008 37
Stephen,
I thought your video was wonderful. Do you know what makes it the best? It is your enthusiasm. You can tell that you are enjoying it so that automatically helps me to enjoy it.
I have had the privilege of hearing you speak on a couple of occasions. Anyone who hires you is in for a treat.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Gary Miller
8:52 am on February 18th, 2008 38
Gary:
Wow, my gosh, that was an awesome compliment you just paid me about my speaking services. Thank you for sharing your sentiments and letting the world know that they’d be in for a treat if they hired me to speak to their group(s).
I’m so grateful for your powerful testimony. THANK YOU GARY.
10:32 am on February 18th, 2008 39
Well done Stephen! Very clear, very energetic, and wonderful! Thanks for this sneak peak into you!
Phil Gerbyshak’s last blog post..Meet me in Chicago May 2, 3, 4
2:04 pm on February 18th, 2008 40
Hey, nicely done! I was able to get an “ear” for you about midway through and didn’t really need the subtitles past that point. Your volume and cadence were good so I encourage you to keep going with the videos! Great tip on adding subtitles. I’ll have to go check out overstream when I (before too long) get some videos up as well. Thanks for the tip!
Laura
Laura Young’s last blog post..Creative Writing Exercise
2:54 pm on February 18th, 2008 41
Hi Laura:
Yes, hearing me speak does have an “acquired sense of hearing.” Thanks for your encouraging feedback. I knew that if I kept trying to get it perfect, I would never have put it up for public viewing, so I’m glad I did it.
I’ve been invited to write a guest article on Problogger on this experience in the very near future. I’m excited about sharing my vision of a more accessible blogosphere with the rest of the world! Stay tuned for an announcement on this.
2:54 pm on February 18th, 2008 42
Phil:
As always, I apprciate your comments. Can’t wait for our interview to air this Wednesday! I’m really excited.
1:10 pm on February 19th, 2008 43
Thanks for doing this! It was great to see and hear you in an intimate setting. I’m looking forward to more!
Lyman from Creating a Better Life’s last blog post..The Last Lecture
1:19 pm on February 19th, 2008 44
Lyman:
Hey there, it’s great to see you back here, thanks for stopping by. Yes, having a video has a tendency to bring the blogger and his/her readers closer (hopefully).
I plan to do one a week - just have to figure out what part of the week I want to do it.
2:34 pm on February 20th, 2008 45
Congrats, Stephen!
Turn your “adversity” into success! Didn’t hurt, eh?
3:52 pm on February 20th, 2008 46
Mike:
Right, it “didn’t hurt” and I have you to thank for encouraging me while I went through the process of doing my first subtitled video. Thanks!
10:54 am on March 2nd, 2008 47
[...] Stephen over on Adversity University put up several videos. When I’m moved to tears I know that my heart has been touched by someone living their purpose. Watch the video, then leave Stephen a comment and come back here and let me know if you were touched as I was. [...]
12:23 am on March 4th, 2008 48
The video is pretty good balance of sound and picture. Your loud enough etc. As far as relaxing and smiling well we could all do more of that but we also need to be true to ourselves.
7:53 am on March 4th, 2008 49
Hi Lawrence:
Yes, it’s important that we remain true to ourselves and that’s exactly what I tried to do here. Each experience is a step up the ladder toward mastery of whatever you’re trying to do. Thanks for your feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
7:57 am on March 12th, 2008 50
[...] really inspired by Stephen Hopson of Adversity University and watching his journey of creating his first few video posts. I thought I’d give it a whirl, and talk to you in person for a change. I welcome your [...]
7:27 pm on May 8th, 2008 51
[...] Stephen Hopson with Adversity University [...]