If you’re shy around cameras and don’t like being in a video camera is frightening. Here are some simple techniques to make you comfortable on video.
We’re all watching video more than ever before, regardless of whether we’re comfortable with it. It can be difficult to transition into this new world and discover how to become at ease with video.
Video is all over today’s companies, such as video conferencing and webinar panels, to the ability to share and shoot videos for social media and corporate productions that feature employees.
It’s a problem if you’re shy about cameras, an introvert, or just plain uncomfortable regarding video. But it doesn’t need to be.
Doing simple actions to become comfortable and even confident on camera is possible.
Being comfortable in the video isn’t just a good talent for actors.
In the age of video, we are using it more throughout our professional and personal lives, from sales and marketing as well to internal communication and even education in front of the camera is a trend that we all need to know how to do to take advantage of the power of video.
How can your YouTube video become popular? YouTube trending tool lets you discover what is popular on YouTube in various countries in seconds.
Tips for Being Comfortable on Video
To help you overcome your anxieties, we have compiled the best tips we have learned from our own experience and industry experts’ tips.
1. Understand Where Your Fear Comes From
Before we get started, remember that you’re not alone. It’s common to feel uncomfortable watching videos (and the underlying anxieties that fuel them). However, that’s a good thing (yes, in fact). This means many others have beaten their fears, and you, too, can.
Understanding why you are scared can be the first stage to make it easier to accept video discomfort.
Being uncomfortable in the video is a natural occurrence of many common fears: camera shyness, anxiety about public speaking, and stage fear.
Camera shyness concerns image. Public anxiety over speaking concerns the voice. The stage fright issue is about actions.
The video combines the three elements: image, action, and voice. It’s the perfect mix that can cause social anxiety.
Recording your voice, image, and movements can spotlight your self-consciousness. It’s possible that you don’t enjoy the way you appear or sound. It could be a sign of nervous ticks you weren’t aware you had.
Understanding what aspect of being on video frightens will allow you to identify steps to make you feel more comfortable in that space.
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Learn From the Pros
Sales and performance expert Julie Hansen shares the techniques actors employ to become more comfortable, enthralling, and effective in the video. The goal is to assist you in building relationships with customers and boost sales. The video is not for actors. (or determination) is needed! This video is designed for sales reps who want to elevate their camera presence to the next level, so you can dominate every Zoom call, Vidyard, TikTok, and whatever’s coming up next!
2. Know What You Want to Say
Making yourself film (or being recorded) is much less frightening if you’re not coming up with your idea of what you’d like to say immediately.
If you intend to record yourself for the first time, you should set aside some time to figure out the message you want to convey. Write down your key conversation topics. Take notes.
If you’re participating in a scripted production, request the script beforehand to go over and become familiar with your lines.
Whatever the circumstance or situation, it’s always simpler to know what you’re trying to communicate.
It’s not about your appearance but your personality and your words.
3. Rehearse Your Message
Once you have a clear idea of what you will say, Practice it. Practice it again.
If you’re anxious about being in front of cameras, reading your message a couple of times before speaking it out loud can aid in preparing. The preparedness will help ease the anxiety.
Don’t stress about exact words. Concentrate on understanding your message rather than memorizing the phrases. This way, it won’t faff you off as often if you misplace something.
It will also stop your voice from sounding robotic reading from the off-screen paper. This is a crucial first step to becoming comfortable with the video.
4. Choose Good Lighting
Lighting is another simple method to ensure you look your best on film.
The most pleasing lighting is one that is front-facing and even. This means that you shouldn’t have your principal source of light to be over you.
A simple way to accomplish this is to place the fixture on the window facing. This should provide an even amount of natural light. If you cannot find a window, set up a light source or similar light source behind the screen (slightly higher or slightly off to the side).
5. Choose a Flattering Angle for Your Camera
Most people look their best when the camera is at or over their eyes. Believing you look the best in the camera will ease anxiety.
The producer handles this if you’re part of an entire video production. It’s also possible to do it yourself if you’re recording your own.
If you’re shooting with mobile devices, set your phone up to the correct level, and make sure you have something to stop your phone from sliding (a mobile tripod can help however, it doesn’t have to work).
If you’re making webcam footage, position your computer on a box, a stack of books, or anything else that will give you the ideal angle.
6. Dress for Success
If you’re thinking about what you can do to feel comfortable with video, consider your comfort zone with your surroundings in general.
Consider what it would be like to go to an event dressed in blue jeans. A bit off-putting, isn’t it? Dressing in the “right” outfit makes people more at ease in different situations, and video clips aren’t any different.
Consider your audience and the goal of the video, and dress according to the purpose of your video. If it’s a presentation for business, Dress as if you were speaking in the presence of a group. Wearing it more casually may be appropriate if it’s a single-person video to a friend.
Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and make you feel comfortable. Be yourself when it comes to dressing. Select clothes that reflect your true self in a particular situation.
Some other points to keep in mind A few things to remember: Solid colors can be recorded well; therefore, choose them whenever feasible. Avoid black-and-white outfits that are all-white, as they can upset your white balance. Be aware of patterns, as thin lines may cause an illusion of distortion that appears strange on cameras.
7. Stage Your Background
This ensures that your background doesn’t annoy you (or your viewers).
If you’re not concerned about something that could be embarrassing that’s in your background (say, a bed that’s not made when you’re working at home), it will be easier to concentrate on the message.
Make sure you have a transparent background that has an element of attraction (a plant, an example) which helps create a balanced shot and provides visually attractive.
8. Make sure you have a glass of water on hand
Nerves can make your mouth go dry. Speaking while your mouth is dry can be uncomfortable on its own and cause you to feel more anxious.
Take care to drink some water before beginning. Have a glass in your bag and use it if you require a sip halfway throughout.
9. Talk Slower Than Usual
If we’re stressed when we’re anxious, we tend to speak faster and speed faster (likely thinking that the more quickly we accomplish this task, the quicker it’ll get completed).
Be careful not to rush. There is no need to express every thought in a flash. Try to talk a bit slower than you usually do. Pause between your thoughts.
Slowing down can help you feel more relaxed (oddly). Also, it gives confidence to the person watching you since you don’t emit the nervous energy associated with talking fast.
If you feel like your video is stretched out as you record, keep in mind that viewers can utilize speed controls to make the video more efficient if they wish (another advantage of speaking slowly is it gives you the possibility of this).
Additionally, pauses between thoughts can have the additional benefit of making your video more editable (if required). Finding the cut points is very difficult when you only stop to breathe. Try to make it easier for you (or an editor for your videos) and attempt to make things go more slowly.
It’s not as difficult as you might believe. If you’re in the field of sales or service and feel comfortable talking all day long, all you need to do is switch off the cam. It’s much simpler to comprehend by video than by email or other written communication.
10. Begin by using Screen Share Videos
If the thought of being on camera causes anxiety, start sharing screen-sharing videos. This lets you test the audio part of making videos. (Doing voice-overs may also be useful.)
When more confident, test an alternative combining screen recording and webcam video.
This reduces anxiety because it makes you feel as if you’re not the video’s main focus or even a small aspect of it. Making these videos will help you feel comfortable with the idea of being recorded and make it less frightening.
Once you’re at a point, you can move into full-on video production once you’ve become comfortable with video.
11. Be Expressive and Use Hand Gestures
If you’ve ever looked at an image through a lens and wondered, “But what do I do with my hands? !” this is for you. (And who doesn’t?)
Think of the last time you were talking to your friend. When you engage with people, they change their facial expressions. Your hands move around to emphasize specific points. Body language can aid in communicating your message.
It’s a habit to perform the task without even thinking about it. However, you feel like you’re in a trance once you look at that lens. When you’re stressed, doing things as you do naturally is difficult. You can make “eye contact” with the lens, Smile (if appropriate), and make hand gestures.
These actions are a part of human nature and make people easier to get connected with us. It might feel strange initially however, it’s actually doing things that you’ve always done and getting used to performing them in a different environment.
12. Don’t Worry About Little Mistakes
A mistake can be one of people’s main concerns when making videos, but it’s not as threatening as it can be.
Minor mistakes, like falling over the word or two you’ve missed, make you appear more authentic and cause people to feel more comfortable around you.
It adds authenticity to your videos.
Make sure your video is natural and conversational. If you stumble, who cares? People are enthralled when you’re authentically yourself.
13. Don’t Do a Million Takes
A popular saying is doing rounds in virtual Vidard: “End it and send it!”
If you’re making a video (rather than streaming it live), it’s tempting to do it until you’ve got your technique “right.”
It’s perfectly acceptable to try a couple of takes. Imagine the first shot like a pancake you’ve just made. You’re totally allowed to throw it out. This can help you let all your anxiety out so that you can feel calmer and assured for the next time. (After all, did you not realize you took this shot, and the world didn’t stop?)
When you’re learning the basics, taking a couple of attempts is a common aspect of learning. It lets you choose the method you’re most comfortable with. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to practice.
It is best to avoid making five, 10, or even 15 shots. The goal is to get it completed when it comes down to video. Take a few videos, pick the most impressive, and then make it official.
14. Practice By Sending Videos to ‘Friendlies’
It is an excellent method to familiarize yourself with any situation (especially things that scare you). One of the best ways to test your camera skills is to practice creating videos aimed at just one audience.
Pick a family member or a friend you are comfortable with. Consider who would be most qualified to give you helpful feedback in a kind and respectful manner.
Create videos for the person. Make them as often as necessary until they feel less fearful.
If creating videos to be viewed by an external public is your primary target (and the one that makes you sweat), begin with your internal audience. Make asynchronous videos for your coworkers. They’ll be a willing audience. As a bonus, collaborating and communicating with your colleagues is an excellent opportunity. Being comfortable with video is a great team-building exercise!
15. Edit Your Own Videos
Do you want to edit your videos (as opposed to fast videos that shoot and share)?
You can edit them yourself, suggests Vidyard’s social media manager Charlie Rogers. This will make it easier for you to become comfortable with yourself in the video and makes the concept somewhat less daunting.
16. Keep Making Videos
Learning to feel comfortable with video involves a lot of finding a way to get over your fears. It is important not to think about it too much and continue to do it until it no longer feels strange (or, at a minimum, it’s less strange).
