How to Be More Comfortable on Camera (Even if You Hate It)
Most people hate seeing themselves on video. They overanalyze their voice. They think they look awkward. They psych themselves out. They freeze up… and then they never post anything.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Confidence on camera isn’t something you’re born with — it’s a skill you can nurture. Here’s how:
Accept imperfection. The more you overthink and analyze every little detail, the more reasons you’ll find to give up. Even the best Hollywood films have mistakes. Just hit record and say what’s on your heart. You’ll get better the more you do it.
Talk to one person. Instead of imagining a Super Bowl stadium-sized audience, pretend you’re talking to just one client or friend who needs your advice. (After all, it only takes one person being helped for a video to be meaningful).
Rewatch what you filmed. If you find yourself cringing at yourself, sit with that feeling. We’re all alike in that we typically only cringe at ourselves — so understand that others won’t see it the same way you do. Plus, you can always delete something if you come to realize it doesn’t serve your brand.
Your first videos will probably suck. My first videos sucked so bad that I ended up deleting them, the YouTube channel they were uploaded to, and smashed the computer which stored the original video files, with a sledgehammer.
…which is a common shared experience, if we’re being real with each other. It takes guts to expose yourself on camera and publish yourself so publicly, where others can pick you apart as they please. That’s okay. You aren’t meant for everyone (quick: think of an online creator whose videos you don’t like). But others will like what you have to share.
Everyone’s first videos suck. The ones who eventually prevail with great videos — meaning a positively-impacted audience — are the ones who cared more about expressing with the world what’d been burning on their hearts more than they cared about preserving themselves from the ridicule of those who inevitably wouldn’t like it.
Confidence comes from creating the evidence that you can do it, and it compounds the more you find success. Keep showing up until you find the approach that uniquely works for you.
