Improve your camera confidence by using these 10 tips
You've set up your lighting and clicked [rec] on your preferred camera, and... you could not be more anxious. Even when filming something alone the feeling of freezing up, having trouble with your words, or just feeling uncomfortable on the camera can be extremely common.
However, gaining confidence with your camera is crucial to make an impact on our video-forward world, both on and off screen. "Being assured on camera is an ability that will be useful in any aspect of your life," says entrepreneur and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. "I've certainly noticed that the fact that I've done the training to talk to the camera has really leveled up my confidence in real life and also in my work."
10 stress-tested ways to make you feel (and appear) more comfortable on camera
We'll be honest - it's perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable at the thought of directly talking to camera. However, there are plenty of strategies and techniques that could break down those barriers and lessen your nerves. Ahead of your next onscreen performance, make sure to read our advice on how you can make sure you are on camera in every phase of film production.
Prior to your shooting
1. Get the mood right
If you're lacking other people's energy to bounce off of, it's easy to seem somewhat apathetic. Listening to your favorite pump-up song can give you a little nudge, which can naturally increase your mood when you sit down to make a recording. It's a bonus if you can sing along - this'll do double duty, helping to loosen up and warm up that vocal box.
While you're there make sure you clear your space free of any distracting factors. It's astonishing how an accidental Slack or phone call could cause to sabotage your game. Locate a quiet spot in your home or office to set your technology so that it doesn't disturb your work in order to ensure that your focus is completely during recording.
2. Look nice
Get your backdrop put in place. Check your backdrop for lighting, color, and general aesthetics. Find a spot within your office or home which is visually appealing, yet not distractions. We love finding a nook in front of a bookshelf or a similar cozy backdrop that can add texture without distracting from your real focus, which is you!
Choose something comfy, but easy. As a general rule, solid colors look best on camera, but prioritize whatever clothing makes you feel the most you. It will help you avoid playing with your neck or bouncing around in your chair.
3. Prep what you're going to be saying.
It's likely that your mileage will differ in 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 be confident recording. Others, a basic logline can be enough to keep on track.
Each person works in a different way, but we recommend preparing an outline in bullets of your speech to enable you to speak naturally without wandering off or hiding your most important elements.
"A number of users prefer to write their video scripts according to a specific format," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over time, what I've realized is the best technique is to use a bullet point technique. It means I'm aware of at least a few clear focus points, and because I'm able to see them on my script this makes it much harder for me to get off track."
4. Make sure you practice with your camera off
The simple act of turning the camera on could cause heart rate spikes as well as sweaty palms. To minimize this feeling take a walk through the outline in front of the camera prior to pressing record. Not only will this allow you to feel more comfortable in the act of recording, it will also help you identify any problems with your outline so that you're able to fix the issues prior to rolling tape.
During your shoot
5. Speak to one person
Every speech writer and public speaker worth their salt is aware that before speaking to any type of audience, it's important to know the exact audience you're talking to. If you're making a video update for your friends or recording content to upload to TikTok, having a strong sense of who will be paying attention - and the way you'll address them gives you the greatest possibility of getting the attention of your audience.
Once you know whom your target audience is and you know who your audience is, be more specific Confidence trainer Chalene Johnson suggests speaking to just one individualwhen recording your video. "Whenever you're filming and I'm not thinking about everyone who are gonna watch it but I focus on just one individual," she says. "It's just so much easier to relate and be yourself."
6. Try using a Teleprompter
Even if you're a professional talking without the benefit or cue can be extremely challenging. But using cards or staring at the laptop's screen could cause a disconnect with your camera and could be distracting both to you as well as your listeners. Teleprompters can be a wonderful option to ensure that your recording is secure without the need for card-shuffling and rote recall. This will keep your bullet point in the forefront in your mind when you're delivering a polished speech or a simple team update.
7. Turn anxiety into exuberance
No matter how well you prepare, there will be a bit of nerves when recording will be present. To channel that energy, we suggest reframing these physical manifestations of anxiety as excitement. Since those physical sensations, like higher heart rate, tension in the chest, and throat - are associated to both feelings, try telling your body and mind that the feelings you're experiencing can be attributed to being pumped-up to speak, not scared. (You could be shocked by the effectiveness of this technique.)
8. Mind your body language and your eyeline
Like in life, body language is essential to communicate confidence. It is important to keep track of these three aspects when making your next video.
Be aware of the line of your eyes. When you're talking to your camera, it's quite unnatural. Your eyes are likely to wander about the room, or gaze towards your hands. Try, however make sure to maintain eye contact with the camera to keep your viewer(s) engaged.
Use your hands. When filming in a seated position, you can boost your screen presence by moving your hands around the middle of your body when you are speaking. This can add dynamism to your final product and keep you from looking unnatural.
Smile when you speak. An excellent way to bring your on-camera energy up a gear is to raise your lips' corners when delivering your message. This doesn't need to be a complete teeth-baring grin, but smile a little while you deliver your message can be a big help. "It seems fake in the beginning," says Ali Abdaal. "But it actually seems more confident."
9. Slow it down
It's perfectly normal to complete your own film in the shortest time possible. But that impulse can result in rushing through your script or seeming anxious when you're on the camera. Be sure to take a breath (even doing a short breathing practice before recording can be helpful!) and try to speak slow so that you don't rush through the message.
After your shoot
10. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a non-critical assessment
Just like any skill, developing confidence on camera is all about practice, practice, practicing. Like an athlete who reviews their gameday footage, we suggest watching back your footage to determine what you may want to alter as well as what you liked about your latest recording effort. It is a good idea to note any verbal ticks or mannerisms that might be distracting for potential viewers. However, don't forget to be kind towards yourself. This is a great opportunity to hone your skills, not beat yourself up!
One final word on camera confidence
While following the tips above will send you well in the direction of camera confidence nirvana Do not worry about not being perfect. Every person has their own distinct screen presence - learning what yours is (and acknowledging it!) is one of the best strategies to increase your self-confidence for the future. Now get out there and smash your next video!