Boost your on-camera confidence with these tips for 10
The lighting is set you've hit the [rec] button on your preferred camera then... you could not be more anxious. Even when filming something alone the feeling of freezing up, having trouble on your own words or feeling uncomfortable with your cameras is extremely normal.
Building your confidence in camera is key to making an impact in our digital world of video, both in and out of the screen. "Being confident on camera is a talent which can be a factor in every part of your life" according to entrepreneur and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. "I've certainly noticed that having put in the reps in front of the camera is really boosting my confidence in real life and also in my work."
Ten stress-tested methods to make you make you feel (and appear) more confident in front of the camera
We'll be honest - it's totally normal to feel weird at the thought of directly talking to camera. But there are plenty of tips and tricks that can break down those barriers and ease your anxiety. In the lead up to your next debut, check out our advice on how you can master your camera presence throughout the entire production process.
Before your shoot
1. Create the atmosphere
If you're lacking other people's energy to tap into you can feel somewhat apathetic. The sound of your favorite music that pumps you up can give you an extra boost, and can naturally increase your mood while you are seated to record. Extra points if you join in - it's double duty in letting you loosen up and warm up that vocal box.
While you're at it make sure you clear your space free of any distracting factors. It's incredible how an unintentional Slack message or phone call can cause to sabotage your game. Locate a quiet spot in your home or office or office, then set the technology so that it doesn't disturb your work so that you can focus completely during recording.
2. Make it look nice
Make sure your background is put in place. Assess your background for lighting, color, as well as general appearance. Locate a space within your office or home with a visual appeal, but not distractions. We love finding a nook near a bookcase or other cozy backdrop to help give your video some texture without distracting from your real focus, which is you!
Dress comfortably, but keep it basic. As a general rule, solid colors look best on camera, but prioritize whatever clothing makes you feel the most you. You won't be playing with your neck or shifting in your seat.
3. Make a list of what you'll say
It's likely that your mileage will depend on the type of preparation you'll need to do before you sit in front of the camera. Some people believe that a complete script is the only way to feel confident when recording. For others, a simple logline can be enough to keep in the right direction.
Everyone works differently, but we suggest creating an outline in bullets of your message to allow your speech to flow naturally and without losing your way or burying your key details.
"A number of users prefer to create their videos exactly to the letter," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over the years, I've come to realize is that the best method is a bullet point method. This way, I know at a minimum, a couple of clear areas of focus, and since I'm able to see them on my paper, it's harder for me to drift off."
4. Make sure you practice with your camera off
For many, the mere act of turning the camera on can result in high heart rates as well as sweaty palms. For a less uncomfortable experience make sure you run your outline before your camera prior to pressing record. It will not only help make you more comfortable with the action of recording but it will also help you notice any issues with the script, so that you are able to fix the issues prior to rolling tape.
During your shooting
5. Speak to one person
Every speech writer and public speaker who is worth their salt will know that prior to planning to speak to any kind of crowd, it's important to know precisely who you're speaking to. Whether you're filming an update video for your coworkers or creating videos for TikTok having a solid sense of who will be looking at your video - as well as how you'd address them can give you the highest possibility of getting the attention of your audience.
Once you know whom your target audience is Get even more precise - confidence coach Chalene Johnson advises talking to just one individualwhen making your video. "Whenever you're filming it, I do not think of everyone who are gonna watch it, I think of just one person," she says. "It's just so much easier to be authentic and feel comfortable."
6. Try using a Teleprompter
Even for a veteran, speaking without any kind or cue can be extremely challenging. But using cards or staring at your laptop's display could disrupt your connection to the camera, which can create distractions for both you as well as your listeners. A teleprompter is a great option to ensure that your recording is secure and not require card shuffling or memorization. It will help you keep your bullet points top in your mind when you're giving a flawless speech or a simple report for your team.
7. Make fear into excitement
However well you prep, a certain amount of nerves when recording is completely normal. In order to harness that energy try to reframe those physical symptoms of nervousness as excitement. As those feelings - like an higher heart rate, tension in the chest, and throat are connected to both feelings, tell your body and mind that your feelings can be attributed to being pumped-up to speak, rather than being afraid. (You could be shocked by how effective it is.)
8. Mind your body language and look at your eyesline
Like in world, body language is key to communicating confidence. We suggest keeping tabs on these three aspects when making your next video.
Watch your line of sight. The act of talking to cameras is, well, a little strange. Eyes are accustomed wander around in your room or glance towards your hands. Try, however you must maintain your eyes in contact with the camera, so that you ensure that your viewer(s) engaged.
Utilize the hands. Especially when filming from sitting down to increase your screen presence by moving your hands about the central square of your body while you speak. This will help add some energy to the final film and prevent you from appearing unnatural.
Make sure you smile when speaking. An excellent way to bring your energy on camera up a notch is to turn up your smile's corners as you deliver your message. It doesn't have to be a full-on smile, but just smiling a bit while delivering your message can make a huge difference. "It seems fake in the beginning," says Ali Abdaal. "But it really seems more confident."
9. Reduce it
It's normal to finish your film quickly. However, this can result in rushing through your script or seeming stressed on camera. Remind yourself to breathe (even taking a breath exercise prior to recording could help!) Try to talk slowly so you don't rush through your words.
After you shooting
10. Review your work in a non-critical manner.
Like any skill, building on-camera confidence is all about practicing, practicing, and practicing. Just like an athlete reviewing their games, we suggest watching back your video to discover what you may want to modify as well as the things you enjoyed about your latest recording effort. Take a moment to clock any mannerisms or verbal ticks that might be distracting for future viewers - but make sure you are kind to yourself. This is an opportunity to hone your skills, not beat yourself up!
One final word on camera confidence
If you follow the above tips, it will send you well in the direction of the state of confidence in your camera Do not worry about being perfect. Every person has their own distinct screen appearance - figuring out the characteristics of yours (and accepting it!) is among the best ways to bolster your self-assurance in the future. Now get out there and crush your next video!