The partnership between The Offshoot Foundation and The Confidence Box, founded by Esther Egerton, helps young people develop confidence as they learn how to make their first films at Offshoot filmmaking workshops.
Esther’s unique blend of expertise, drawn from her background in both drama and business, brings a calm, confident and positive approach to learning. Leveraging her understanding of communication, Esther helps young filmmakers articulate their ideas with clarity and conviction. Her business experience lends a practical edge, enabling students to grasp the importance of effective communication in teamworking environments, skills that they can use in everyday life.
At the workshops, Esther contributes to a supportive environment where students feel empowered to express themselves authentically. Whether it’s mastering speaking skills or navigating group dynamics, Esther’s mentorship equips young people with the tools they need to thrive both creatively and professionally.
Framing confidence
Esther explains how to approach confidence “for some young people I think sometimes it’s the small wins that can add up to become a big win. So, there’s a sense of self-efficacy, there’s building up that ‘I can do it’ rather than ‘I can’t’ and when the focus is on something that is outside their own heads, you know, in terms of the less overthinking, you are more likely to get them to recognize what they already have done.
During the Offshoot workshops, I engage in meaningful conversations with the young participants. Although it may seem like casual chatter, my aim is to draw out their strengths and positives. Instead of directly asking about their future, I approach the conversation with open-ended questions like “Tell me about what you’re passionate about” or “What does success look like to you?” This approach encourages them to share their thoughts on their interests, aspirations, and self-perception in a positive light. By focusing on their creativity and perspectives, I aim to foster a sense of positivity and encouragement from the outset.
The trick with confidence boxing is how you navigate it, in terms of getting people to open up in a very short space of time and then pulling out what you think will benefit them even if there’s one or two things, they will walk away, and it might stick with them. Sometimes it’s just about shifting mindset, just starting out small and saying, ‘We’re going to aim for this point and then see how we get on’.”
How to beat nerves and boost your confidence
Esther explains how we deal with and overcome confidence challenges “As a confidence and career coach, individuals often seek my guidance when they feel a lack of confidence, but it’s important to note that confidence is not a constant state. It fluctuates, and many people experience periods of both confidence and self-doubt. I help people understand the physiological aspects of anxiety and stress, increasing their self-awareness regarding these states and the impact of the spotlight effect. Drawing from my background in theatre, I share techniques for managing anxiety, focusing on elements like breath control, posture, and nonverbal communication. While verbal communication is crucial, it’s worth noting that over 50% of all communication is nonverbal, underscoring the importance of mastering nonverbal cues as well.
My top tip is to really understand the nature of your communication, whether it’s a presentation, interview, or speaking on camera. Identify your audience and tailor your message accordingly. Practice extensively, focusing not only on the content but also on managing any anxiety that arises. Symptoms like sweaty armpits, shaky hands, or dry mouth are common manifestations of nervousness. It’s essential to have grounding techniques in place to manage these symptoms and stay focused on your objectives. It’s natural for doubts and insecurities to surface, such as worrying about appearance or boring the audience. However, I provide techniques to address these concerns. Refocusing on your objectives, maintaining a steady pace, and anchoring yourself with sensory cues can help mitigate the effects of adrenaline and keep you on track.”
Having the confidence to try.
For some young people, attending the Offshoot Foundation’s workshops for the first time can be daunting. Mixing with new people, working in teams, and trying out new camera technology for the first time can seem overwhelming for some. Esther offers some valuable advice for parents attending the workshops for the first time.
“I would say, don’t force them if they’re really nervous; obviously, there’s something else going on. If you have a nervous child, suggest to them out of curiosity. ‘Let’s go and meet Paul for ten minutes and have a chat.’ It’s all about helping them make the decision. Once they’re through the door and they get to meet the friendly workshop volunteers, that will help them stay.
But if they’re nervous, I think it’s all about tapping into their curiosity. ‘Let’s just go see. Take the pressure off.’ I think that’s so key because the more it comes from them, the more they’ll engage. They’ll say, ‘You know what, I don’t feel I have to do this. I get to do this.’”
Boost your Confidence at the Offshoot’s Workshops.
The Offshoot Foundation plays a crucial role in improving the confidence of young people through educational and engaging filmmaking workshops. Through practical instruction and mentorship, the foundation equips young students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of filmmaking. The supportive environment and constructive feedback provided by Paul and the facilitator’s help students develop confidence in their abilities. By offering a platform for creative expression and skill development, the Offshoot Foundation empowers young filmmakers to pursue their passions with self-assurance and confidence.
Learn more about the Confidence Box: https://www.theconfidencebox.com/
