You need to know how to look confident

Nov 22, 2023

If you're working on video content, here's how to gain more confidence when it comes to cameras. Our tips will give you the confidence in your camera that you require for killer videos.

You position yourself on the camera.

After completing your final audio review then you're ready to press record.

Then, the body gets tighter and you freeze.

    Why are you so self-conscious?    

All of a sudden, you feel strange being facing a camera.

Don't worry. A lot of people -- confident people, even -- freeze before the camera's lens when it comes time to hit record.

However, it's certainly not the first time to make videos.

This is the reason we offer you our tips today on how to be confident when you are on camera.

Let's keep it straightforward and get right to our tips.

5 ways to be more confident before cameras.

#1. Look your best

One of the first tips to increase your camera confidence is to look the part. Dress to impress, so you're confident when you are ready to hit record.

If you think this is an insignificant detail, this is a worthy indulgence.

Why? Not only will your viewers subconsciously take you more seriously considering that an individual can earn 5% more just by wearing professional clothes as well, but you'll become more focused.

Indeed an study of 54 people found that wearing more formal clothes promotes global processing in the brain. Casual clothes encourage the local process.

The how you dress influences the way you focus on a task.

If you're looking to get a good video performance Dress up instead of down.

It goes without saying that your attire should be in line with the brand you represent, therefore don't go overboard and dress to the nines If your brand is entirely casual.

However, Minessa exudes confidence when she's on camera. So it's about wearing clothes that make you be confident.

In addition, looking the most professional (and in line with your brand) when you are in front of the camera includes your background also.

Every camera's shot counts, meaning both good lighting and good arrangement.

For a setting that has adequate lighting, you should consider a decent set of lights. Ring lights Neewer's 18-inch light for ring as well as the UBeesize ring light, which measures 8 inches , are two popular choices for filmmakers who should do the trick.

The most important thing to remember about lighting is to ensure that the subject (a.k.a. your camera's view) is properly lit and also to avoid backlighting, which means that your background is brighter than your subject.

As in this image with a backlightas well as other typical lighting problems like.

If you want to create a cohesive composition, try using the iconic rule of Thirds  that is, when frames your subjects with gridlines which divide the frame into three parts, either vertically or horizontally.

Like in the Rule of Thirds illustration  that shows Jim faces the camera during the (amazing) The Office scene.

Summarized:

Lean toward dressing up in front of cameras. It'll help you focus better and feel more confident. Remember that your whole image should also be suited with good lighting and the composition.

In order to enhance the visual impact of your video shot to enhance the visual appeal, pair it with proper body languagethis is our second tip.

#2. Leverage your body language

If you're a shy person making your first film, using the appropriate body language could be the key to increasing your confidence in camera.

Your body language is such a big deal that most experts suggest that 70-93% of communication are non-verbal.

Therefore, first, try to be animated when presenting your work to the camera lens.

While it might feel exaggerated at first animation can be a bit exaggerated at first, it makes you appear energetic and enthusiastic which are two crucial characteristics, given that 32% of webinar attendees find themselves most engaged when the presenter is enthusiastic and passionate.

You're probably not conducting in a webinar, however the aim of engaging your customers with the video content is the same.

See how YouTube superstar and successful entrepreneur, Vanessa Lau  entertains her fans by using animated body language.

Or how renowned coach, Marie Forleo, uses animated body language to create MarieTV videos.

If you're looking to enhance your body language on camera look into these types of non-verbal ways to communicate :

Vocal tone Check if your tone is placed at the correct places for you for you to look confident.

Facial expressions - show enthusiasm and positive attitude; smiling often can be helpful.

Hand gestures when done properly These can give energy to your spoken points.

Body posture Standing or sitting proudly tall helps you portray confidence.

It's worthwhile to mention that in these forms of communicating facial expressions are a great example of power that is not readily apparent.

Research tells us we have 21 emotions which are expressed the same way by nearly everyone, so pay close at your delicate facial expressions as well.

Beyond facial expressions the most important thing to remember is pay attention to your body language and non-verbal communication in front of the camera. Also, be animated in your presentation, so you appear enthusiastic and excited.

The most vibrant presentation won't go very far if you don't have the proper focus. This next section will to seal the deal and complement the body language you use.

#3. Focus on serving your audience members

The third tip for confidence in your camera for today is to be focused on serving your audience, which is the whole reason for creating video content in the first place, right?

In lieu of focusing on your camera nerves concentrate on providing value to your viewers.

It may sound odd, but imagine yourself engaging in eye contact with someone in the audience.

Similar to how you'd make eye contact with your audience during a public speaking gig take care to treat your camera as a live person in the audience. Heck, treat your camera lens like it's your best friend.

The benefit here is it's more authentic to deliver your videos in a more authentic manner.

And, of course appearing authentic has become a big deal nowadays, especially considering the huge 90% of customers say authenticity is essential when they decide which brands they will like and support.

If you're looking for an eye contact percentage to follow, word on the street is the ideal amount of eye contact for developing an emotional connection is between 60-70% .

"When I see the camera's gaze, I'm smiling because . . . I connect with my community even when I'm alone in a space."

In the case of someone who's garnered more than 2.8 million YouTube subscribers in just a few short years, I'd say that it's safe to follow her guide.

Find out the ways Gibi is able to get close to her viewers by connecting with people via her camera.

It's true that the nature of ASMR allows it to treat the camera lens like an observer, but you can definitely glean some insights on how she makes eye contact in her videos.

The point here is, when you focus on delivering videos for your particular audience this puts you into the correct mindset of making videos to improve the lives of your target audience. Another benefit is that you become more assured.

Additionally, you'll be perceived more genuine when you share your video content.

Not to say that's all is required for an effective presentation. Having a plan makes the world of difference also.

#4. Make sure you thoroughly plan your video content

If you are using bullet points to stay in the right direction or you read an elaborate script that you have written on your teleprompter of choice A clear strategy that you have laid out for your videos is a big deal.

If you don't take this process, it could result in overshooting your footage, and adding an additional hour of editing time, to trim out every video clip you don't would like to keep.

Pro-video editor and co-founder of Primal Video , Justin Brown  advises you to be aware of the footage you're taking and to consider how the footage is aligned with the purpose of your video to avoid overshooting.

(Notice that he's in eye contact with "us"?)

If you want to use scripts, think about writing like you're explaining your topic to a person you know, using simple language, and avoiding the jargon.

Jargon is a common way to stifle the interest of people, as per an investigation , even if it's on topics like science and politics, where jargon needs to be defined.

Therefore, try to aim for somewhere between grade level 6 and grade 8 when speaking in your videos. This is the majority of top speakers can do in a wide range of sectors.

Really. These are big names in the public eye all the way including Taylor Swift to Katie Couric and Katie Couric, all of whom speak in the grade range of this, so it's worth following the same pattern.

If you're looking for bullet points, try creating a outline of your video content in order to have a clear direction with three to four key elements laid out.

When Buffer started using video outlines that included three to four important factors, they increased their watch duration by 61 percent .

If you're using a script or bullet points If you're in search of an outlining structure to adhere to, you can use this HICC format :

H (hook) (hook) - Attracting your viewers with something that is captivating within a few seconds

I (intro) In brief, note the topics you'll be covering in the video, and what viewers should take away

C (content) - Your main video content that should be able to cover the most important issues

C (call-to-action) C (call-to-action) - Where your visitors should be next and the best way to reach them

The HICC video format (plus an additional bonus prior to calling-to-action) is what Justin Brown follows to attract more than 724,000 YouTube users .

A structure outline that's worth adhering to when creating videos, no?

The essence of the matter is:

Map out what you're going to tell the camera before hitting record. An outline that is clear using bullet points or an outline written in simple language helps you stick to the end goal and present your message with confidence in the camera.

Plus, you avoid adding extra editing time.

If you're struggling to remember the words each time you hit record It's not a bad idea to do a little more practice beforehand -- our final tip today.

#5. Practice (a lot)

While our previous four tips will help you build confidence in your camera, there's no real magic to acing your demeanor before the camera, other than to get yourself immersed in the experience through repetition and practice.

Similar to any skill you learn as you learn it, the more time you spend on it, learn about it and then practice it and improve it, the more proficient you'll be.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to practicing how to be more comfortable in front of cameras.

You can try it out on a mirror. You can practice your video script or comb through your bullets, and then check your own performance while you are presenting to yourself.

Then, of course, make adjustments and improvements as you see fit.

Another alternative is to look at the video you've recorded and identify areas you can enhance your performance.

This is exactly what Nate of channel Makers saw after he watched footage of himself on camera over the course of 5 hours .

Nate made a lot of notes. He noted issues he'd like to correct, but also things he did well in front of cameras, all of which improved the confidence of his camera.

If you're making your own video and making your own cuts then you'll look over your edited footage anyway as you edit the content of your video.

Why? It's because your brain isn't adept at watching your unmirrored self. Therefore, you'll prefer to see a reversed facial image of you.

An old UW-Milwaukee research discovered that most people like to look at their mirrors because a mirror image of yourself is the way you're used to seeing yourself, so don't be swayed by the opposition towards the slightly different version of yourself on camera.

Another option to improve your on-camera chops is to watch other people using cameras. The ideal is to watch people who you like and wish to emulate.

TED Talks are a great source of charismatic, on-cameraand stage studs.

My top picks are:

Brene Brown's The power of vulnerability

Simon Sinek's How great leaders can inspire others to take action

Mel Robbins' Tips for avoiding getting yourself into trouble

While these public speakers might not be facing directly and speaking to the camera, there's something we can learn from their appearance on stage in their cadence of speaking, as well as their body expression.

Of course, you can also check out online videos and additional YouTube videos of amazing speakers that you'd like to emulate.

The idea is that the more you know about the camera and how to practice- being on camera, the better you will build confidence with your camera.

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Develop your business and expand it with camera confidence

There are probably countless methods to boost the confidence of your camera will help your marketing effort.

From short video clips on social media, or lengthy explainer video tutorials, increased camera confidence is sure to increase your profit margins.

Use our five suggestions to improve your confidence front of the camera:

#1. For better focus try dressing in a professional manner in your video recording sessions. Couple it with well-lit lighting and an excellent arrangement, and you (and your scene) are sure to impress.

#3. Be mindful of your body language while you are in front of the camera. Be (authentically) lively, animated and enthusiastic to draw the attention of your viewers.

3. Clearly outline your video's content with bullet points or a fleshed-out script before hitting record. Just be sure to stick to a few key points that you explain in plain terms.

#4. Focus on the content you're delivering and whom you're providing your content via video and even trying to appear as if you're making eye contact with an audience person in the camera.

5. Practice makes perfect and, at a minimum, close to it. The more time you spend in recording video content, watching pre-recorded footage of your own, and learning from the greats, the better you'll appear before a camera.

Let's grow your business by delivering better video and greater camera confidence.