Boost your on-camera confidence with these 10 tricks
The lighting is set, hit [rec] your camera of choice then... it's impossible to be more anxious. If you're filming something on your own, freezing up, fumbling in your speech, or just feeling uncomfortable on cameras is extremely normal.
Building your confidence in camera is key to making an impact in our video-forward world, both on and off screen. "Being confident on camera is a talent which can be a factor in every aspect of your life," claims entrepreneur and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. "I've certainly noticed that the fact that I've done the training in front of the camera has helped me increase my confidence in real life as well."
10 ways that have been tested and proven to help you feel (and appear) more comfortable on camera
We'll be honest - it's perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable when you're directly speaking to a camera. There are, however, numerous strategies and techniques that could reduce those fears and lessen your nerves. Ahead of your next onscreen appearance, read our advice on how you can master your camera presence at every stage of production.
Prior to your shoot
1. Create the atmosphere
If you're not surrounded by other people's energy to bounce off of, it's easy to seem somewhat apathetic. A good listen to your favourite pump-up song will give your mood some nudge that will naturally boost your vibe as you settle down to make a recording. Extra points if you perform a song - it'll serve double duty, helping to loosen up and get warm in your voicebox.
When you're done take the time to clear your environment of distracting factors. It's astonishing how an accidental Slack or phone call can cause to sabotage your game. Find a quiet place within your office or home to set your technology so that it doesn't disturb your work to allow for total focus while recording.
2. Look nice
Make sure your background is put in place. Examine your backdrop for color, lighting as well as general appearance. Locate a space in your home or office which is visually appealing, yet without being distracting. We love finding a nook near a bookcase or any other comfy backdrop to help give your video some texture without distracting from your main focus: YOU!
Choose something comfy, but basic. It is a rule of thumb that strong colors work best on cameras. However, you must choose outfits make you feel most comfortable. It will help you avoid twitching about with your collar, or moving around your seat.
3. Make a list of what you'll be saying.
Your mileage will probably differ in the kind of prep you'll want to accomplish prior to sitting in front of the camera. Some people believe that a complete script is required to ensure you're comfortable recording. For others, a simple logline will keep you on track.
Every person is different, however we suggest creating a bulleted outline of your message to allow your speech to flow naturally and without losing your way or forgetting your main elements.
"A number of users prefer to write their video scripts to a T," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over time, what I've realized is the best technique is to use a bullet point technique. This way, I know at a minimum a handful of distinct focus points, and because I'm able to see them on my paper this makes it much 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 could cause high heart rates and sweaty palms. In order to lessen the discomfort make sure you run your outline before the camera prior to pressing record. Not only will this ease you into the actual act of recording, it also helps you notice any issues with your outline so that you're able to fix the issues before you roll tape.
During your shoot
5. Talk to one person
Every speech writer and public speaker of any kind is aware that before planning to speak to any kind of crowd is crucial to understand the exact audience you're talking to. If you're making an update video for your friends or recording videos for TikTok, having a strong sense of who will be paying attention - and the way you'll address them gives you the greatest chances of keeping their attention.
If you're aware of whom your target audience is Get even more precise Confidence trainer Chalene Johnson suggests speaking to just one personwhen recording your film. "Whenever you're filming, I don't think about all of the people who will watch the video but I focus on just one person," she says. "It's simply so much more easy to connect and express yourself."
6. Use an Teleprompter
Even as a seasoned pro speaking in a manner that doesn't have any sort of cueing is incredibly challenging. If you use cards, or stare at your laptop screen might break your connection with the camera, which can be distracting both to you as well as your listeners. Teleprompters are a fantastic option to ensure that your recording is secure and not require card shuffling or recall. It will help you keep your bullet point in the forefront of mind whether you're giving a flawless speech or a simple group update.
7. Turn anxiety into excitement
However well you prepare, there will be a bit of nerves when recording is completely normal. In order to channel this energy, we suggest reframing the physical signs of nerves as exuberance. Since those physical sensations, like increased heart rate, discomfort in your chest and throat - are all associated to both feelings, tell your body and mind that the feelings you're experiencing are a result of being exuberant to speak and rather than being afraid. (You could be shocked by how well it works.)
8. Be aware of your body language, and your eyeline
As in real life, body language is key to communicating confidence. It is important to keep track of the three elements listed above when you film for your next film.
Watch the line of your eyes. The act of talking to cameras is, well, a little odd. It's normal for your eyes to wander about your room or glance down at your hands. Try, however make sure to maintain eye contact with the camera to ensure that your viewer(s) engaged.
Utilize your hands. Particularly when you film from a seated position to increase your screen presence by moving your hands about the central square of your body when you are speaking. This can add energy to the final film as well as keep you from looking unnatural.
Make sure you smile when speaking. One way to kick your energy on camera up a gear is to increase your smile's corners while delivering your message. The smile doesn't have to be a complete tooth-bearing grin. However, having a smile while speaking the message will be a big help. "It appears fake at first," says Ali Abdaal. "But it actually appears more assertive."
9. Slow it down
It's totally normal to want to complete your own film in the shortest time possible. This may result in you running through your story or looking stressed on camera. Remind yourself to breathe (even taking a breath exercise prior to recording could help!) Try to talk slow so that you don't rush through your message.
After you shooting
10. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a non-critical assessment
As with any other skill, gaining on-camera confidence is all about practice, practice, practice. Similar to an athlete looking over their games and rewatching your content to see the things you could alter as well as what you liked about your latest recording effort. Make sure to record any mannerisms or verbal ticks that might be distracting for future viewers - but don't forget to be kind to yourself. It's a chance to improve your abilities, not beat yourself up!
One final word on camera confidence
Following the steps above will send you well towards confident camera shots Don't stress about not being perfect. Everyone has a unique screen presence - learning the characteristics of yours (and accepting the fact that it's unique!) is one of the best methods to boost your confidence for the future. Get out and make your next video a success!