Confidence on Camera: Many people don’t want to make videos because they don’t like being on camera.
You can make all kinds of videos without ever having to show your face.
But, if you want to or need to appear on camera, a few simple tips can go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable.
This blog post will show you exactly what to do to get comfortable in front of the camera so you can make social media vids, or professional-looking YouTube videos.
Table of Contents
The Fear Factor
One of the biggest fears people have is that they will get judged if they put themselves on video.
Well, guess what?
You’re already being judged.
So ignore those fears.
People will dislike your videos, click the thumbs down button and leave mean comments.
Get over it.
Worse case, block them and move on.
Next to each comment there are 3 dots.
Click them and you’ll see the options as per the below image.
What’s more, the troll will never know they are blocked 🙂
So, now let’s look at some practical tips to improve your confidence on camera.
How to be More Confident On Camera?
Looking good is key
When you look good, you feel good.
Here are some ways to improve how you look in your videos.
Posture
No one looks good when they are slouching.
The first thing to remember if you want to look good on camera is to stand (or sit) up straight.
Keep your chin up and your shoulders back.
You’ll look more sure of yourself, which will make you feel more sure of yourself in the end.
Body Language
People can tell a lot about how you feel on the inside from how you look.
Turn your back to the camera and let your arms hang at your sides.
If you talk with your hands, it’s fine to move your arms and hands more, as long as you don’t go overboard.
Be Aware of Where to Look
Many of us find it scary to look right at the camera, but that’s the best thing to do.
At least two inches above it, is where you should be looking.
It will look to your audience as if you are looking straight into the camera.
Just like in real life, keeping eye contact with the camera lens shows that you are sure of yourself.
So, don’t miss a chance to look right into the eyes of your audience.
Try to think of the camera lens as your best friend’s eye.
Then, try talking to the camera like it’s your best friend.
But don’t be creepy, please!
If you stare at your audience for a long time, they might feel uncomfortable or even wonder if you are okay.
People often say that you shouldn’t look at someone for more than five seconds.
Use b-roll footage if you must to break things up.
Smile!
A smile tells your audience that you’re happy to be teaching them something, which will make them like you more.
But make sure your smile seems real.
A pasted-on, fake smile can make people feel uncomfortable, which is definitely not what you want.
Understand Your Topic
To speak with confidence, the most important thing you can do is know your topic and main points.
You may get better at winging it as you gain more experience, but there is no substitute for being ready.
Have a Script
You can make sure you say everything you want to say if you have a good script.
If you just go with the flow, you might forget a key point or get off track.
Even a list of your most important points in bullet points is better than nothing.
But do not feel like you must stick to it 100%.
A script should be a guide rather than reading something word for word.
Practice Makes Perfect
Run through your script or list of bullet points a few times.
Make sure there isn’t a phrase that sounds weird and makes you stutter.
Think about pauses and changes in tone so you don’t sound like a robot.
Don’t be afraid to use cue cards or a teleprompter if you have access to one.
Even though I’ve talked about most of the basics of how to be better on camera, there are still a few more things that can help.
Give Yourself Enough Time
Nothing makes you feel more stressed and unprepared than having to rush around because you have a deadline coming up.
Plan your video with enough time to account for things you can’t control.
For example, other people not showing up on time, problems with hardware or software…etc.
Things like social media messages and texts can also get in the way.
So make sure to turn off your phone and keep distractions to a minimum.
Extra Tips
Finally, a few more points that might help you make videos with more confidence.
Forget About Being Perfect
Don’t forget that your video doesn’t have to be perfect to be good.
Your audience will like that you’re not perfect, so stumbling over a word here and there isn’t the end of the world.
Keep going and do your best at the end.
Get Used to You
Use something like audacity to record your voice.
Then play it back multiple times so you get used to hearing yourself.
Over time, you’ll hate your voice less and less.
In addition, record your face too and watch it.
It might seem weird but over time, you’ll get used to that as well.
Then, publishing your first video won’t be that bad.
Confidence on Camera - Final words
Some people naturally have confidence on camera.
Others take times to get it.
One thing is for sure though, it’s something you’ll need to overcome if you want to incorporate video marketing into your business.
Follow the tip outlined in this post and over time, you’ll get more confident on camera.
Nothing to it but to do it!