Chad Reid quote graphic with hands holding smartphone, text reads "Before I post anything, I ask: Does this feel like me showing up to help, or me trying to perform?" - inspirational content creator advice about authentic video presence

How I Actually Use the 3 A's Framework (Not Just Theory)

July 01, 20254 min read

How I Actually Use the 3 A's Framework (Not Just Theory)

I'm going to show you the exact steps I use to apply authenticity, attention, and action on camera. You'll see my specific questions, my daily process, and the one filter that changed everything about my content. Most creators get stuck because they know the theory but don't know what it looks like in real life.

The 3 A's Aren't Just Buzzwords - They're Daily Practices

Key Takeaways

Authenticity = Alignment (not unfiltered oversharing) • Attention = Recognition (not entertainment or performance) • Action = Sustainable rhythm (not posting more content)

In-Depth Breakdown

Takeaway #1: Authenticity = Alignment

Most people think authentic means sharing everything without a filter. I used to think that too. I'd overshare thinking that was "being real." But my content felt messy and unfocused.

Here's how I define authenticity now: it's alignment between who you are off camera and who you are on camera. Same values, same way of thinking, same tone you'd use explaining this to a friend.

When I'm preparing content, I ask myself three questions:

"Would I actually say this to someone I'm trying to help?" Not in a formal coaching session, but in a real conversation.

"Am I using words I actually use, or words I think I should use?" I catch myself trying to sound more polished than I am.

"If someone met me after watching this video, would they feel like they already know me?"

Quick tip: Film a test version where you talk like you're leaving a voice message for a friend. Then notice what changes when you try to make it "YouTube ready." Usually, what changes is exactly what you need to keep.

Takeaway #2: Attention = Recognition

I used to think getting attention meant being the most interesting person in the room. Big energy, bold statements, hooks that made people stop scrolling. Sometimes it worked. But the attention felt empty because it wasn't for me - it was for this character I was playing.

Now I think about attention as recognition. How do I help someone recognize themselves in what I'm sharing? The best compliment I get isn't "that was entertaining." It's "I felt like you were talking directly to me."

I start with something specific that my audience has felt but might not have put into words yet. Like "I used to film the same 30-second video twelve times and still feel like I was pretending to be someone else." If you've been there, you know exactly what I mean.

I share moments, not just lessons. Instead of saying "consistency is important," I'll say "I had thirty days of content scheduled and still felt behind." The moment makes the lesson stick.

Try this: When writing content, think about one specific person who needs to hear this. Write for them, not for "your audience" generally.

Takeaway #3: Action = Sustainable Rhythm

Action used to mean posting more for me. More platforms, more frequency, more content types. If I wasn't seeing results, clearly I needed to do more. What actually happened: I burned out trying to maintain a pace that felt nothing like my natural rhythm.

Action isn't about quantity. It's about building a practice that you can actually sustain and that helps you get better over time.

My actual process: I batch my filming because that's when I do my best work. I write everything out first - some people can just turn on a camera and go, but that's not me. I film multiple takes until I get one that feels like conversation, not performance.

Before I post anything, I ask: "Does this feel like me showing up to help, or me trying to perform?" If it's the second one, I either rework it or don't post it.

Start here: Focus on getting comfortable being yourself on camera, not trying to become someone else. Give yourself permission to have videos that are just okay while you're learning.

Summary

The 3 A's work together: when you're authentic, you naturally attract the right kind of attention. When you have the right kind of attention, your actions feel purposeful instead of desperate.

Which of these three feels like your biggest challenge right now? Hit reply and let me know - I read every response and often turn them into future content ideas.

If you want to go deeper on building camera confidence that actually feels sustainable, grab my free TRUST Lens Mini Course at chadreid.me.

Chad Reid is a visibility coach and founder of Legacy Media Group. He helps solo entrepreneurs build presence without performance, confidence without polish, and rhythm that actually sticks. His work is rooted in emotional safety, self-leadership, and lived truth.

Chad Reid

Chad Reid is a visibility coach and founder of Legacy Media Group. He helps solo entrepreneurs build presence without performance, confidence without polish, and rhythm that actually sticks. His work is rooted in emotional safety, self-leadership, and lived truth.

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