Boost your on-camera confidence with these 10 tricks
The lighting is set, hit [rec] your preferred camera you've set up your camera, and... it's impossible to be more anxious. Even when filming something alone and freezing, struggling in your speech, or just feeling uncomfortable on the camera can be extremely common.
Building your confidence in camera is crucial to make an impression in the digital world of video, both from the inside and outside. "Being assured on camera is an ability that can bleed into every area of your life," according to entrepreneur and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. "I've certainly noticed that the fact that I've put in the reps for talking to cameras has helped me increase my confidence in real life and also in my work."
Ten stress-tested methods to make you be (and appear) more comfortable on camera
Let's be real - it's completely normal to be nervous when you're directly speaking to a camera. But there are numerous tips and tricks that can reduce those fears and calm your nerves. Ahead of your next onscreen debut, check out our advice on how you can master your camera presence throughout the entire production process.
Before your shooting
1. Get the mood right
If you're lacking others' energy to tap into you can feel a little low-energy. The sound of your favorite tunes can give you an extra boost, and can naturally increase your mood when you sit down to take a picture. Bonus points if you perform a song - it'll serve double duty, helping to loosen up and get warm in your voicebox.
While you're there make sure you clear your space free of any distractions. It's amazing what an errant Slack or phone call could cause to sabotage your level. Find a quiet place at home or in the office to set your technology so that it doesn't disturb your work so that you can focus completely while recording.
2. You can make it look attractive
Get your backdrop put in place. Check your backdrop for color, lighting as well as general appearance. Locate a space in your home or office with a visual appeal, but without being distracting. There's nothing better than a corner in front of a bookshelf or any other comfy backdrop to provide your video with visual interest without obscuring your real focus, which is you!
Wear something comfortable, but easy. In general, the solid color is best for a camera, but prioritize whatever clothes make you feel the most you. It will help you avoid playing with your neck or moving around your seat.
3. Make a list of what you'll be saying.
The mileage you get will likely vary in terms of what type of preparation you'll need to accomplish prior to sitting in front of the camera. For some, a full script is required to be confident recording. For others, a simple logline can be enough to keep on track.
Each person works in a different way, but we suggest creating an outline in bullets of your speech to enable your speech to flow naturally and without straying from your point or burying your key details.
"A number of users prefer to write their video scripts exactly to the letter," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over the years, I've discovered is the most effective approach is a bullet-point method. It means I'm aware of at a minimum, a couple of clear areas of focus, and since I'm able to easily identify them on my script this makes it much harder for me to drift off."
4. Practice with the camera off
The simple act of turning the camera on could cause high heart rates and sweaty palms. To minimize this feeling, run through your outline with your camera before clicking record. This will not only make you more comfortable with the process of recording, but it can also assist you to detect any flaws in the script, so that you are able to solve those problems prior to rolling tape.
During your shooting
5. You can talk to one individual
Anyone who is a speechwriter or public speaker who is worth their salt knows that when preparing to address any crowd, it's important to know precisely who you're speaking to. Whether you're filming an update to your colleagues or capturing content for TikTok being able to have a clear sense of who will be paying attention - and the way you'll talk to them can give you the highest possibility of getting their attention.
When you've identified who your audience is Get even more precise and consult a confidence coach Chalene Johnson recommends speaking to only one personwhen making your film. "Whenever you're filming, I don't think about all of the people who are gonna watch it and I only think about one individual," she says. "It's simply so much more easy to connect and express yourself."
6. Try an Teleprompter
Even for a veteran, speaking without any kind or cue can be extremely challenging. However, using cards or looking at your laptop's display could disrupt your connection to the camera, which can create distractions for both you as well as your listeners. Teleprompters are a fantastic method to secure your recordings without requiring card-shuffling or rote recall. It will help you keep your bullet points top of mind, whether you're delivering a polished speech or just a quick team update.
7. Turn anxiety into excitement
However well you make preparations, the presence of nerves when recording is completely normal. In order to harness that energy it is suggested to frame those physical symptoms of nervousness as exuberance. Since those physical sensations, like the increased heart rate, and discomfort in your chest and throat are connected to both feelings, tell your brain and body that your feelings occur because you're pumped-up to speak, rather than being afraid. (You may be amazed at how well it works.)
8. Mind your body language and eyeline
In real life, body language is key to communicating confidence. We suggest keeping tabs on these three aspects when making for your next film.
Pay attention to the line of your eyes. Talking to a camera is somewhat strange. Your eyes are likely to wander about your room or glance towards your hands. Try, however make sure to maintain eye contact with your camera to keep your viewer(s) at the forefront of your attention.
Utilize your hands. Especially when filming from an upright position to increase the visual impact by moving your hands around the central square of your body when you talk. This will help add some dynamism to your final product and prevent you from appearing unnatural.
Speak with a smile. One way to kick your on-camera energy up a gear is to increase the corners of your mouth while delivering your message. It doesn't have to be a full-on teeth-baring grin, but smiling a bit while delivering your message can make a huge difference. "It appears fake at first," says Ali Abdaal. "But it really seems more assured."
9. Slow it down
It's perfectly normal to finish your film quickly. However, this can result in rushing through your script, or appearing harried on camera. Remember to breathe (even performing a brief breathing exercise prior to recording could assist!) And try speaking slow so that you don't rush through the message.
After you shooting
10. Give yourself an uncritical review
Just like any skill, developing confidence on camera is all about practicing, practicing, and practicing. Just like an athlete reviewing their gameday footage and rewatching your content to see what you may want to alter as well as what you like regarding your recent video. Make sure to record any mannerisms or verbal ticks that could distract future viewers - but don't forget to be kind to yourself. This is an opportunity to hone your skills, do not be a sham!
A final note on on-camera confidence
Following the steps above can get you well in the direction of camera confidence nirvana, don't worry about being perfect. Everyone has their own unique image - understanding which one you are (and acknowledging it!) is one of the best strategies to increase your self-confidence for the future. So, go out and make your next video a success!