Ep 57. Show Up Confidently On Camera and On Stage: TV Anchor Valonda Calloway on Presence, Perfectionism and Communication

We're not going for perfection. We're going for authenticity. Do it scared.

In this practical conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir speaks with Valonda Calloway, also known as the TV Lady, a former television anchor who now helps professionals show up confidently on camera and on stage. Valonda shares her philosophy of "accept it or fix it" and breaks down tactical skills for presenting with confidence, from making eye contact through the camera lens to using powerful pauses instead of filler words, which she calls vocal graffiti. She shares insider tips on body language, intentional movement on stage, and why recording yourself regularly is the only way to improve. Valonda opens up about how perfectionism shows up in her clients who wait years to get on stage because they're waiting for everything to be perfect. She redefines success through her own career pivot, sharing how disappointments led her to a life with more freedom, joy and impact than she ever imagined.

Episode Takeaways

Why authentic presence beats perfection and how to "accept it or fix it" when it comes to your insecurities about presentingHow to make eye contact on camera by looking into the lens instead of the screenThe power of pausing instead of using filler words (vocal graffiti) and how to practice concise communicationWhy recording yourself regularly and watching it back is the only way to identify distracting habitsHow to stop waiting for perfect and start doing it scared because your message matters more than your imperfections

About Our Guest Valonda Calloway

Valonda Calloway is a celebrated TV Host, Spokesperson, and a go-to Presentation and Media Coach, dedicated to helping others communicate with power and confidence. A cum laude graduate of Winston-Salem State University, she built a dynamic media career from Voice of America radio to high-profile roles as a news anchor (WRAL-TV) and host of the popular lifestyle show My Carolina Today, where she put a spotlight on local businesses, interviewed stars and danced with The Rockettes. Adding to her impressive background, Valonda is a former NFL cheerleader (Washington Football Team), currently shares her passion for dance as a beginner jazz instructor at North Carolina Dance Institute, and was named a 2025 Woman to Know in North Carolina. She is the author of Tips From The TV Lady®: A Guide For Making A Great Impression In Person And On Camera and continues to work on camera as a spokesperson, TV host and actor.

Connect with  Valonda Calloway

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valondacalloway/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ValCalTV

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valcaltv/ 

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ValondaCalloway

About the Host

Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.

Connect with Dr. Shabbir

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/

📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk

Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s  

🌍 Want to Book Dr. Shabbir to Speak at your event or organization?

Reach out at: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking 

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Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dramnashabbir/strategy  

❌ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.

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