Boost your on-camera confidence with these
The lighting is set and clicked [rec] on your camera of choice then... it's impossible to feel more scared. Even when filming something alone the feeling of freezing up, having trouble with your words, or feeling uncomfortable with your cameras is extremely normal.
However, gaining confidence with your camera is key to making an impression in the digital world of video, both on and off screen. "Being confident on camera is a talent that can bleed into every aspect of your life," says the entrepreneur and expert in productivity Ali Abdaal. "I've discovered that having done the training for talking to cameras is really boosting my confidence and self-confidence in the real world and also in my work."
10 ways that have been tested and proven to help you be (and look) more confident in front of the camera
Let's be real - it's totally normal to feel weird about directly addressing a camera. There are, however, numerous techniques and tips that will help you overcome those obstacles and ease your anxiety. Before your next screen debut, check out our guide on how to master your camera presence throughout the entire production process.
Prior to your shoot
1. Get the mood right
When you don't have the energy of others to tap into and you're feeling to be a bit sluggish. A good listen to your favourite pump-up song can give you some nudge that can naturally increase your mood while you are seated to take a picture. Extra points if you join in - it's double duty in letting you loosen to relax and acclimate your voicebox.
While you're at it take the time to clear your environment from distractions. It's astonishing how an accidental Slack message or phone call could cause to sabotage your level. Choose a peaceful spot in your home or office, and set that tech so that it doesn't disturb your work to allow for total focus when recording.
2. Look nice
Make sure your background is put in place. Assess your background for lighting, color, as well as general appearance. Locate a space at your workplace or in your home that's visually interesting, but not visually distracting. There's nothing better than a corner in front of a bookshelf or a similar cozy backdrop that can help give your video some dimension without distracting from the real star: you!
Choose something comfy, but easy. As a general rule, solid colors look best on cameras. However, you must choose outfits make you feel most comfortable. It will help you avoid fidgeting with your collar or bouncing around in your chair.
3. Prep what you're going to be saying.
It's likely that your mileage will depend on the type of preparation you'll need to complete prior to sitting in front of the camera. For certain people, a comprehensive outline is all you need to feel confident when recording. For others, a simple logline is enough to stay on track.
Everyone works differently, but we recommend preparing an outline in bullets of your presentation to permit your speech to flow naturally and without losing your way or hiding your most important elements.
"A majority of YouTubers prefer to create their videos according to a specific format," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over the years, I've realized is the best technique is to use a bullet point technique. It means I'm aware of at a minimum a handful of distinct focal points. And because I can easily see that on my script this makes it much harder for me to get off track."
4. You can practice without the camera on.
For many, the mere act of turning the camera's on may cause the heart rate to increase as well as sweaty palms. For a less uncomfortable experience, run through your outline before your camera prior to clicking record. Not only will this make you more comfortable with the act of recording, it can also assist you to notice any issues with your outline so that you're able to resolve the issue prior to rolling tape.
During your shoot
5. Talk to one person
Anyone who is a speechwriter or public speaker who is worth their salt knows that when preparing to address any group of people It is essential to determine the exact audience you're talking to. Whether you're filming an update to your coworkers or creating content for TikTok having a solid sense of who will be paying attention - and the way you'll address them will give you the best chance of capturing and keeping their attention.
Once you know who your audience is and you know who your audience is, be more specific Confidence trainer Chalene Johnson suggests speaking to only one personwhen making your film. "Whenever I'm making a video it, I do not think of every person that will be watching it, I think of just one person," she says. "It's simple to be authentic and feel comfortable."
6. Try a teleprompter
Even if you're a professional speaking in a manner that doesn't have any sort or cue can be extremely difficult. But using cards or staring at your laptop's display could break your connection with the camera, and can create distractions for both you as well as your listeners. Teleprompters can be a wonderful method to secure your recordings without the need for card-shuffling and rote memorization. This'll help keep your bullet points top of mind, whether you're delivering a polished speech or a simple report for your team.
7. Change your fear into exuberance
However well you prepare, there will be a bit of anxiety during recording is totally normal. In order to harness that energy it is suggested to frame these physical manifestations of anxiety as excitement. Because those sensations - the increased heart rate, and discomfort in your chest and throat - are all associated to both feelings, attempt to tell your body and brain that the feelings you're experiencing occur because you're excited to talk, and rather than being afraid. (You might be surprised at how well it works.)
8. Be aware of your body language, and your eyeline
Like in situations, body language can be crucial to convey confidence. It is important to keep track of these three things when filming for your next film.
Be aware of your line of sight. The act of talking to cameras is somewhat unnatural. Eyes are accustomed to wander about the room, or look down at your fingers. Try, however, to keep eye contact with the camera, so that you maintain your viewer(s) at the forefront of your attention.
Utilize your hands. Particularly when you film from an upright position You can increase your screen presence with your hands moving around the center of your body while you talk. This will help add some dynamism to your final product as well as keep you from looking stiff.
Smile when you speak. One way to kick your on-camera energy up a notch is to increase your lips' corners when delivering your message. This doesn't need to be a full smile, but just having a smile while speaking your message could go a long way. "It appears fake at first," says Ali Abdaal. "But it really does come across as more assertive."
9. Reduce it
It's totally normal to want to get your self-film over quickly. However, this may result in you running through your story or looking stressed on your camera. Remember to breathe (even doing a short breathing exercise prior to recording could help!) Try to talk slow so that you don't overdo it with your message.
After you shoot
10. Give yourself an uncritical review
Just like any skill, developing on-camera confidence is all about practice, practice, repetition. Similar to an athlete looking over the game footage We suggest that you review your video to discover what you may want to change and the things you enjoyed regarding your recent video. It is a good idea to note any verbal ticks or mannerisms which could be distracting to future viewers - but do not forget to be nice to yourself. This is a great opportunity to hone your skills, not beat yourself up!
One final word on camera confidence
Following the steps above will send you well in the direction of confident camera shots Do not worry about not being perfect. Every person has their own distinct screen appearance - figuring out the characteristics of yours (and accept it!) is one of the best strategies to increase your self-confidence for the future. Now get out there and make your next video a success!