7 Ways To Get Camera Confident
Camera confidence doesn’t always come naturally. Yes, some people are born confident, but the others need to practice a bit more to get camera confident and to sweep everyone off their feet with their video communication game.
Today we’re going to teach you how to get more comfortable on camera, how to establish strong camera confidence, and hand out some practical tips for speaking on camera. Before we get started, it’s important to note that we’ll be giving our best tips for recording and sending personalized videos using a video email platform. However, most of these tips should help you get confident on camera regardless of the purpose!
1. Bullet points for being bulletproof
If you know what you’re going to talk about in your video, the possibility of camera anxiety is already significantly downsized. Compose yourself before hitting that record button. Draft out some main bullet points or a small script with the most relevant topics you want to say in your video. It doesn’t have to be a massive, fancy scenario: a couple of small post-its with a few bullets will help you a lot. Just summarize all the things you want to pinpoint and emphasize, determine what is your primary message and scribble it down on a piece of paper. You will instantly feel more comfortable and appear more confident in front of the camera.
2. The great pretender
No, we’re not suggesting you should listen to that great Freddie Mercury song before filming a video, but if it might help, go for it! One of the most excellent tips for speaking on camera is pretending that you’re talking to your friend.That’s right – pretend like you’re having a conversation with a person who you feel comfortable with. It might even work better if you imagine that person is behind the lens, recording you. Your imagination will help you to relax and create a more natural environment, even though you’ll most probably be on your own. You will talk more fluently, and more conversational, and your body language on camera will be more natural, clear and positive. Not the worst way to get that camera confidence, right?
3. Practice makes confidence
Even though it sounds like a cliche, the all-known “practice makes perfect” routine will help you best when it comes to trying to master any skill. Getting camera confident isn’t much different. The more you practice, the more confident you will get. Sit every day in front of the camera; say what you’re about to say and repeat it. Record, delete, record again. You can do it as many times as you want. Talking in front of the mirror can also be as useful. The more you practice, the better you will get.
With time, your camera confidence will grow, you’ll get rid that annoying, nervous feeling; it will become natural for you to talk to your camera as genuine as if you’re talking to a real person. Don’t strive for perfection, though. No video is perfect, and no video should be. The authenticity is what makes video communication so ideal.
4. Get your energy up
Let’s be clear – if you’re not inspired or moved in any way while recording that video, how do you expect for others to feel that way? To keep your videos exciting, engaging and inspiring, you need to get your energy on the right level. It’s a fact that the camera can “drain” your energy a bit, so make sure to increase your power a few times. People don’t want to listen to a robotic-like creature that dictates text, and they certainly don’t want to watch it, too. Deliver your video message exactly as you would in person.
This might challenge you to get outside of your comfort zone – be more animated, talk louder (but don’t yell) and amplify the gesticulation. Get rid of that stiff, unnatural body and loosen up, talk with arms. If you’re sitting, sit up straight, but in a casual and comfortable position. If you’re standing, make sure your camera is at eye level, relax your shoulders, and lose that formal, army position. Remember to breathe, don’t be afraid to blink, and of course, smile A warm smile at the beginning and the end will automatically make YOU feel more comfortable and it will also appear that way to the viewer as well.
5. Don’t afraid to be an introvert
Remember those born-confident people we mentioned in the beginning?
The possibility of those people being also camera confident might not be as high as you might feel. Sometimes people who are a natural attention-grabbers in the room, are the same ones who freeze in front of the camera.
Extroverts, who usually have the word in groups of people, are fed from the energy of other people. To be confident, they need to have a real audience, listening, nodding their heads, exclaiming and smiling. When it’s just them and their lens, it can become a struggle.
On the other hand, if you are on the introverted side and don’t feel comfortable on camera in front of a large group of coworkers, find a quiet space and record your videos in there. This will take away another anxious barrier and allow you to be yourself and focus on your message without worrying about your surroundings.
6. Let there be light!
Alright, we’re covered some of the body language, tone and verbal components, so now let’s take care of some technical issues. First up, lighting. Take advantage of the natural light by recording yourself in front of a window orgo outside (but make sure it’s not a loud environment which will dampen your video and muffle your message). You can also invest in some affordable, but useful gear, such as professional flash stands, ring links, or a simple selfie-light online. You’ll be surprised how balanced and professional your video will come out. However, these are definitely not necessary to create your videos!
7. Plan your content
If you plan what you’re going to record next week, you’ll also get more mentally prepared for what is coming. Let’s say you have a thank you video, a partnership proposal video, and one checking in with a client video. If you plan their scripts, timelines, and deadlines for sending at the very beginning of the week, there won’t be much space for that camera anxiety.Create a powerful intro and flesh out a conclusion.If necessary, add a simple Call To Action at the very end, let your recipients know how to reach you, or ask your viewers some questions.
Now that you know how to get more comfortable on camera…
So there you have it – seven simple ways to get confidence on camera. It isn’t always easy to be camera confident, and not everyone can feel like it all the time. The most important part is to find your style, determine what suits you best, and detect what resonates best with your audience.
All of this is possible only if you give it a try – multiple times!Create your content, share it with people that matter and enjoy their feedback. Cherish all your efforts and celebrate all the small victories.What matters the most when trying to get that camera confidence is being consistent and believing in yourself along the way.
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