Increase your confidence on camera with these 10 tricks
You've put up your lighting, hit [rec] the camera you prefer, and... you could not be more nervous. When you're filming on your own and freezing, struggling with your words, or just feeling uncomfortable on cameras is extremely normal.
But building your confidence on camera is crucial to make an impact on our video-forward world, both from the inside and outside. "Being comfortable in front of the camera is a talent that will be useful in any part of your life" according to entrepreneur and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. "I've discovered that the fact that I've put in the reps in front of the camera has really leveled up 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 appear) more confident in front of the camera
Let's be real - it's perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable about directly addressing a camera. There are, however, plenty of techniques and tips that will help you overcome those obstacles and lessen your nerves. Before your next screen performance, make sure to read our tips on how to make sure you are on camera throughout the entire production process.
Then, before you shooting
1. Set the mood
When you don't have other people's energy to tap into and you're feeling to be a bit sluggish. The sound of your favorite tunes can give you some nudge that will naturally boost your vibe while you are seated to record. Extra points if you perform a song - it'll serve double duty in letting you loosen to relax and acclimate your vocal box.
When you're done make sure you clear your space free of any distractions. It's astonishing how an accidental Slack message or phone call could cause to sabotage your game. Choose a peaceful spot at home or in the office, and set that tech so that it doesn't disturb your work so that you can focus completely when filming.
2. Look nice
Make sure your background is put in place. Check your backdrop for lighting, color, and overall aesthetics. Find a spot in your home or office which is visually appealing, yet isn't distractions. There's nothing better than a corner behind a bookshelf or any other comfy backdrop to help give your video some visual interest without obscuring your real focus, which is you!
Wear something comfortable, but easy. It is a rule of thumb that the solid color is best for a camera, but prioritize whatever clothes make you feel the most you. It will help you avoid fidgeting with your collar or bouncing around in your chair.
3. Make a list of what you'll be saying.
It's likely that your mileage will differ in the kind of prep you'll want to accomplish prior to sitting in front of the camera. For certain people, a comprehensive outline is all you need to be confident recording. For others, a simple logline can be enough to keep in the right direction.
Everyone works differently, but we recommend preparing a bulleted outline of your presentation to permit your speech to flow naturally and without straying from your point or hiding your most important elements.
"A majority of YouTubers prefer to create their videos exactly to the letter," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over time, what I've realized is the best approach is a bullet-point technique. It means I'm aware of at a minimum, a couple of clear focus points, and because I can easily see that in my writing, it's harder for me to wander off course."
4. Practice with the camera off
The easy act of turning your camera on could cause high heart rates and sweaty palms. To minimize this feeling take a walk through the outline with your camera prior to hitting record. Not only will this make you more comfortable with the act of recording, it can also assist you to identify any problems with your outline so that you're able to solve those problems before you roll tape.
During your shoot
5. Talk to one person
Every speech writer and public speaker worth their salt is aware that before 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 content for TikTok having a solid awareness of who is looking at your video - as well as how you'd speak to them - can give you the highest chances of keeping their attention.
Once you know who your audience is, get even more specific Confidence trainer Chalene Johnson suggests speaking to only one personwhen filming your film. "Whenever I'm making a video and I'm not thinking about everyone who will watch the video and I only think about one person," she says. "It's simply so much more easy to relate and be yourself."
6. You can try a remoteprompter
Even as a seasoned pro talking without the benefit of cueing is incredibly challenging. But using cards or staring at your laptop's display could break your connection with the camera, which 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. It will help you to keep your bullet points at the forefront of mind whether you're giving a flawless speech or just a quick report for your team.
7. Turn anxiety into excitement
No matter how well you make preparations, the presence of anxiety during recording is completely normal. In order to channel this energy, try to reframe the physical signs of nerves as excitement. Because those sensations - higher heart rate, discomfort in your chest and throat - are associated with emotions of both, you can attempt to tell your brain and body that your feelings can be attributed to being pumped-up to speak, rather than being afraid. (You could be shocked by how well it works.)
8. Mind your body language and eyeline
In real situations, body language can be crucial to convey confidence. Keep an eye on the three elements listed above when you film for your next film.
Pay attention to the line of your eyes. When you're talking to your camera, it's quite unnatural. Eyes are accustomed wander around in your room or glance down at your hands. Make sure, however, to keep your eyes in contact with the camera, so that you maintain your viewer(s) interested.
Utilize your hands. Especially when filming from an upright position, you can boost the visual impact by moving your hands about the center of your body while you speak. This adds excitement to the finished product and prevent you from appearing rigid.
Smile when you speak. A great way to take your energy on camera up a gear is to turn up the corners of your mouth as you deliver your message. It doesn't have to be a full tooth-bearing grin. However, having a smile while speaking your message could make a huge difference. "It feels really fake initially," says Ali Abdaal. "But it really seems more assured."
9. Slow it down
It's totally normal to want to finish your film quickly. However, this could lead to you rushing through your script, or appearing anxious when you're on the camera. Be sure to take a breath (even performing a brief breathing practice before recording can be helpful!) And try speaking slow so that you don't feel like rushing through your words.
After your shooting
10. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a non-critical assessment
Just like any skill, developing on-camera confidence is all about practice, practice, practice. Like an athlete who reviews the game footage, we suggest watching back your video to discover what you might want to alter and what you like in your most recent recording. Make sure to record any verbal ticks or mannerisms which could be distracting to the future viewers. But do not forget to be nice to yourself. This is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and not beat yourself up!
The final point is about on-camera confidence
If you follow the above tips, it will send you well in the direction of confident camera shots, don't worry about being flawless. Everyone has their own unique screen appearance - figuring out which one you are (and accepting the fact that it's unique!) is one of the best ways to bolster your self-assurance in the future. So, go out and smash your next video!