Tips

How to get comfortable on camera

  • Relax
  • You’re not speaking live to the whole world. It’s just you and your ideal customer. One one one. Make it a conversation.
  • Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in. Not black or white, and not fine detailed patterns. Try subtle colors, greens, blues, roses, violets. Think of what you’re wearing when you get the most compliments. You want to feel good about yourself.
  • It’s a good idea to bring a second shirt, so you can get some feedback and make a quick change if necessary. There’s also a chance you could spill coffee on it.
  • Keep hair, jewelry, and makeup simple.
  • Sit up straight.
  • Be energetic. It isn’t just your words that convey your message, it’s your tone, and your body language.
  • Nothing sells like enthusiasm. It’s ok to talk with your hands. But if you normally don’t, now’s not the time to start.
  • Your goal is to come across on the video like you do in real life.
  • Smile With Your Eyes. They matter more than your teeth.
  • Use Your Natural Voice, no Ron Burgundy or your Scottish brogue, or your Johnny Carson impersonation.
  • Keep a bottle of water handy.
  • Take a deep breath.
  • Know what you want to say. Don’t focus on saying a memorized speech perfectly word for word. As a matter of fact, forget perfection.
  • The way to a good delivery is practice, practice, practice.
  • Practice is the best way to eliminate ums, and uhs, and all the things that are difficult to edit out.
  • Don’t rush.
  • If you lose your train of thought, stop, regain it, and continue. If you’re calm and don’t make a big deal out of it, we can just keep rolling and cut it out.
  • Focus on how you deliver your words. Pacing matters.
  • No slang, no fancy words. Keep it simple and brief.
  • Build a connection, be present and say what you feel.
  • The best way to hold your audience’s attention is to have fun with it. Humor is a powerful tool.