Increase your confidence on camera with these
You've set up your lighting and clicked [rec] on the camera you prefer, and... it's impossible to be more anxious. Even when filming something alone the feeling of freezing up, having trouble on your own words or feeling uncomfortable with your the camera can be extremely common.
Building your confidence in camera is key to making an impact in our digital world of video, both from the inside and outside. "Being assured on camera is a talent that can bleed into every part of your life" claims entrepreneur and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. "I've certainly noticed that the fact that I've made the effort to talk to the camera is really boosting my confidence in real life as well."
10 stress-tested ways to feel (and appear) more comfortable on camera
We'll be honest - it's totally normal to feel weird at the thought of directly talking to camera. However, there are plenty of strategies and techniques that could help you overcome those obstacles and calm your nerves. Ahead of your next onscreen debut, check out our advice on how you can make sure you are on camera at every stage of production.
Then, before you shooting
1. Get the mood right
When you don't have others' energy to bounce off of and you're feeling to be a bit sluggish. A good listen to your favourite tunes gives your mood a little nudge, which is sure to boost your energy when you sit down to take a picture. Extra points if you perform a song - it'll serve double duty to loosen you up and warm up that voicebox.
While you're there make sure you clear your space of distracting factors. It's amazing what an errant Slack message or phone call can distract you from your game. Locate a quiet spot within your office or home or office, then set the technology so that it doesn't disturb your work to allow for total focus when recording.
2. You can make it look attractive
Set your background in order. Assess your background for lighting, color, and overall aesthetics. Choose a place at your workplace or in your home with a visual appeal, but without being distracting. It's a pleasure to find a corner near a bookcase or a similar cozy backdrop that can help give your video some texture without distracting from your main focus: YOU!
Choose something comfy, but easy. In general, the solid color is best for a cameras, however you should choose outfits make you feel most comfortable. You won't be fidgeting with your collar or bouncing around in your chair.
3. Make a list of what you'll use to
The mileage you get will likely vary in terms of what kind of prep you'll want to complete prior to sitting down to record. For certain people, a comprehensive outline is all you need to be confident recording. Some people find a straightforward logline is enough to stay focused.
Every person is different, however we suggest creating a bulleted outline of your message to allow your speech to flow naturally and without straying from your point or burying your key details.
"A majority of YouTubers prefer to write their video scripts exactly to the letter," says YouTuber Vanessa Lau. "Over time, I've discovered is the most effective technique is to use a bullet point method. This way, I know at a minimum a handful of distinct focus points, and because I can easily see that in my writing I'm less likely to drift off."
4. Practice with the camera off
Many find that the mere act of turning the camera on can result in heart rate spikes as well as sweaty palms. In order to lessen the discomfort take a walk through the outline in front of your camera before clicking record. It will not only help allow you to feel more comfortable in the process of recording, but it also helps you detect any flaws in your outline so that you're able to solve those problems before you roll tape.
During your shooting
5. You can talk to one individual
Anyone who is a speechwriter or public speaker of any kind will know that prior to preparing to address any crowd is crucial to understand precisely who you're speaking to. When you're recording an update video for your friends or recording content to upload to TikTok being able to have a clear idea of the people who are paying attention - and the way you'll speak to them - can give you the highest possibility of getting their attention.
When you've identified the people who will be watching your video Get even more precise - confidence trainer Chalene Johnson recommends speaking to just one personwhen making the video. "Whenever I'm making a video, I don't think about every person who will watch the video and I only think about one individual," she says. "It's simple to connect and express yourself."
6. You can try a remoteprompter
Even for a veteran talking without the benefit or cue can be extremely difficult. If you use cards, or stare at the laptop's screen could cause a disconnect with your camera and could cause distractions to both you and your audience. Teleprompters are a fantastic way to anchor your recording without requiring card-shuffling or rote memory. This'll help keep your bullet points top in your mind when you're delivering a polished speech or just a quick group update.
7. Turn anxiety into excitement
Whatever you do to prepare, there will be a bit of nerves when recording will be present. In order to channel this energy, it is suggested to frame the physical signs of nerves as excitement. Because those sensations - increased heart rate, discomfort in your chest and throat are connected to both feelings, try telling your body and brain that the feelings you're experiencing are a result of being pumped-up to speak, not being scared. (You might be surprised at how well it works.)
8. Be aware of your body language, and your eyeline
As in real world, body language is crucial to convey confidence. Keep an eye on these three things when filming for your next film.
Pay attention to the line of your eyes. Talking to a camera is quite unnatural. Eyes are accustomed to wander about the room, or gaze towards your hands. Do your best, though you must maintain your eyes in contact with the camera in order to ensure that your viewer(s) at the forefront of your attention.
Utilize your hands. When filming in an upright position You can increase the impact of your film with your hands moving around the central square of your body while you speak. This can add energy to the final film as well as keep you from looking unnatural.
Speak with a smile. A great way to take your energy on camera up a notch is to raise the corners of your mouth while delivering your message. This doesn't need to be a full-on smile, but just smiling a bit while delivering the message will make a huge difference. "It feels really fake initially," says Ali Abdaal. "But it actually appears more assured."
9. Slow it down
It's perfectly normal to finish your film in the shortest time possible. But that impulse could lead to you rushing through your story or looking harried on film. Be sure to take a breath (even performing a brief breathing exercise prior to recording could assist!) Try to talk in a slow pace so you don't overdo it with the message.
After you shooting
10. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a non-critical assessment
As with any other skill, gaining confidence in your camera takes practicing, practicing, and repetition. Like an athlete who reviews their gameday footage We suggest that you review your footage to determine what you might want to change and the things you enjoyed in your most recent recording. Make sure to record any verbal ticks or mannerisms that could distract the future viewers. But make sure you are kind towards yourself. This is a great opportunity to improve your abilities, don't beat yourself up!
The final point is about on-camera confidence
Following the steps above will send you well in the direction of camera confidence nirvana Don't stress about not being the perfect photographer. Everyone has a unique screen appearance - figuring out what yours is (and accept the fact that it's unique!) is one of the best strategies to increase your self-confidence for the future. Now get out there and crush your next video!