HOW TO BE CONFIDENT ON CAMERA
With everyone having a access to a camera, more and more people are looking to create their own content. This may include speaking on camera, which can be intimidating. In addition to producing and working behind the scenes, I have been a host for a very long time and I could speak on this topic for ages. Expect this to be the first of many posts about being confident on camera.
Pick a topic you are passionate about!
If you are creating your own content, you have the luxury of picking any topic you want! Why not pick something you are passionate about. If you are speaking about something you already know you enjoy, speaking on camera confidently will come naturally.
Find a way to connect
You may find yourself in situations where you do NOT get to choose the topic. As a professional host, sometimes I am hired to speak about things that I may not be so passionate about. If this is the case, find a way to connect. Find SOMETHING within their topic that you do connect with and go from there.
Prepare yourself
Do some research on whatever it is you are talking about, may it be something you are passionate about or a topic you are not. When you feel like you know what you are talking about you will automatically feel more confident.
Have a script or outline
Depending on the style of video I am shooting, I like to have a script or outline. If there are hard facts or specific steps that I need to make sure get across, I will absolutely have a script. If there is just basic information that needs to be conveyed, I use an outline to make sure everything is addressed in a concise and logical order.
Its not about you!
Anytime that I have gotten bits of nerves about speaking on camera or in front of an audience, I know I can attribute it to focusing too much on myself. Too many thoughts about how I might fail. If I fail or not is not really the point of whatever I am speaking about. Are you sharing information? Are you entertaining an audience? Are you motivating a crowd? THAT is what is about. What can you provide to your audience? How can you be of service to your viewers? Come from a place of “I've got something great to share with YOU and I am SO excited to tell YOU all about it!” and your confidence will follow.
Don't take yourself so seriously
Have fun with it! As you learn, you will mess up. As you get better, you will still mess up. I mess up all the time but I don't take myself so seriously. If its taped, I can edit out any flubs. If I am live streaming, I can address the flub and continue the conversation. Just as with any aspect of life, anything can happen. Be ready for anything and just keep rolling.
I hope that you find these tips helpful. If you have specific questions about speaking on camera or producing digital content, let me know! I am here for ya!
