Shay Thompson was another amazing guest on Samantha Béart’s It Takes A Village, appearing on the seventh episode. Most of Béart’s guests have shared that their love of gaming came from personal interests rather than a conventional or educational route. Thompson’s journey was no different.
The talented speaker and gamer has forged a career as a host and presenter, spanning across gaming and news media, narrating and highlighting a long list of major shows and conventions in her already esteemed career. Her notable collaborations include BAFTA, McLaren, X-Box, and Ubisoft, among others. She credits starting as a small-time YouTube creator as the foundation for shaping her confidence to present professionally, serving as a springboard for both a solid community and as a long-term opportunity for growing her career.
Building Confidence
One of the highlights of the conversation included the experience of being underestimated. The moment someone realizes you know a lot more about something you’re passionate about than they initially realize is gratifying. Surprising others with your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially as a marginalized person in the games industry, holds a level of personal satisfaction that few experiences can rival.
I recall in early September, I received a private e-mail about my writing from someone I didn’t expect who was reading my private blog. I was always a little shy about sharing it openly, because I was unabashedly honest, introspective and reflective enough that I didn’t want others to actually see it. She gave me so much praise, saying that she did not know I could actually write.
She wrote, “you are so quiet in person and in voice comms, I didn’t know you had it in you to write so much, let alone so well. You should consider writing a memoir once this is all over.” She even wanted more reflective writing from me and encouraged me to attempt to write this way about things I am passionate about.
It was one thing to receive praise (I adore it, let’s be honest), but it was a whole ‘nother ballgame to get this kind of message from the caliber of the person it came from. It was an instant confidence boost, and I’m pleased to say my memoir is currently in revision phase, and my editor (another close friend who is an actual professional editor — I’m in awe) is asking about it often.
Thompson also developed confidence by pretending to know everything. This may sound superficial, but the ability to research and discuss a topic with confidence as if you have a long-term relationship with it is crucial for presenting the potential multitude of topics that’s requested of a presenter and speaker. It isn’t a ploy for more clout; rather, it is a valid method of learning on the fly, showcasing the ability to switch gears in fast-paced environments at a moment’s notice.
She also noted that talking to oneself, practicing speaking in front of a mirror, and seeking feedback from friends can significantly boost confidence as a host. Actors must train their voices and become comfortable with their sound to effectively convey information and overcome the fear of their own voice. Over time, this practice will can alleviate anxiety and enhance performance in front of a camera, contrary to the misconception that it is effortless.
This practice of speaking in the mirror was suggested to me in therapy. We were told this in high school – “speak in front of the mirror! It builds confidence in debates!” I used to blow it off, because it felt dorky. The truth is, I didn’t have the confidence to look myself in the eyes when I looked in the mirror. If anything, due to my circumstances, there was a sense of shame. I gave it a shot anyway, and started speaking by reading a David Sedaris book to myself, which always garnered chuckles from me, if not outright laughter. Over time, I was able to look at myself and speak with relative ease. Speaking was already easy, and because of the mirror technique, speaking to others with confidence became easier over time. In customer service (my hourly job), this skill is a major aspect of my job, which has become easier simply because I can speak confidently.
Building Community
Thompson’s generous nature and willingness to help others has fostered a strong sense of community in the gaming industry, with guests feeling comfortable and open on her shows. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and recognizing the arts as crucial for personal and career growth. Acknowledging mistakes, embracing community support, and managing social media use are vital for personal and professional development, navigating career challenges, and building confidence.
As a member of and moderator for a 1,100+ member community that spans several games and creative interests and features a streamer who is on Twitch’s front page often, I know the importance of building, fostering, and maintaining a positive and supportive community. Our streamer supports and is active in her community, and the members help each other out while also providing valuable feedback for the streamer — something Thompson also brought up in the chat in regards to her role as a presenter and content creator.
Building Authentic Connections
Thompson’s approach to relationships is grounded in creating genuine, supportive bonds. Her interactions in the gaming industry, especially at events like the London Games Festival, often feel more like forming real connections rather than surface-level networking. This approach has been transformative, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections over mere professional interactions.
I, too, aim for genuine, deeper connections, and am less swayed by superficialities. I used to lament not having a lot of close friends and associations, but realized over time that the ones I have made have been the long-suffering kind and is comprised a list of people willing to weather storms that come along with daring to be vulnerable to one another. Professionally, due to how I met my closest friends, they are providing active encouragement and honest feedback, as well as willing avenues and experienced advice for my ability to publish some projects I currently have going on in the background. Which is longform for “I met all my closest friends at work.”
Balancing personal and professional relationships, particularly when navigating online fame, is also important. Thompson highlights stepping back from constant online engagement and finding validation outside of social media. This practice fosters healthier relationships with her audience and herself, maintaining authenticity and personal well-being in the process.
The conversation was so much more than what I’ve highlighted here — I encourage you to check it out for yourself!
It Takes a Village Episode 7 – Shay Thompson
Samantha Béart can be found at:
Twitter/X
Bluesky/bsky
Twitch
YouTube
Shay Thompson can be found at:
Twitter/X
Bluesky/bsky
Instagram