As we’ve discussed in the previous article, video format, be it in the form of TikTok videos, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, is having a major moment right now. It’s become increasingly crucial for businesses to be willing to show the people behind to show their faces on camera. Not only because doing so is great to increase your brand recognition and generate more engagement, but showing up on camera is also great for connecting with your audience.

Of course, there are always options to create video content without having to show your face, but nowadays, your audience wants to know more about the actual human beings who run the accounts they’re following and businesses are competing to interact with their audience at a more personal level. In a recent survey of social media connection, a massive 70% of consumers surveyed feel more connected to brands with CEOs that are active on social, and 57% of consumers are more likely to increase their purchasing intentions with brands they feel connected to. With this in mind, the likelihood of you showing up on camera, sooner or later, is very likely.

Even with knowing all that, getting comfortable on camera can be difficult and a real nightmare if you feel awkward about filming yourself and putting it out on the internet. We’ve all been there. In fact, you can bet there is rarely a single video uploaded on the internet without being taken multiple times because many people are camera shy. But the good news is, being shy on camera doesn’t last forever! Sure, it takes practice just like everything else. But once you master the skill of speaking on camera, you’ll be glad you did.

To get you started, these ten simple tips can go a long way to making you get more comfortable on camera for social media. 

1. Know what you want to say

What you say in a video is just as powerful as the visual. If you want to impress your audience, you need to put your best foot forward to attract and hold the attention of your audience as quickly as possible. And that's where scriptwriting comes into play. But you don't need to write a word-for-word script, let alone memorize it. All you need to do is write a loose one and make the conversation flow more naturally. Because no matter how interesting the concept, topic, and editing of your video content is, you'll lose your audience if you sound like a robot. 

2. Set aside time for filming

Nothing can make you feel more nervous than having to rush around because you don’t set enough time for filming. Once you plan a certain day to shoot video content, make sure you also plan enough time to cover the topics you want to discuss and all the technical problems that are out of your control.

3. Wear something you feel good in

When it comes to making an appearance on camera, what you wear and how you look play critical roles in the success of your video. So, be sure to wear something that will make you feel comfortable and most like yourself.

4. Stay hydrated

It’s always important to stay hydrated, especially when you know you’re going to talk a lot because you can’t perform your best with a dry mouth. You can also keep some water nearby so you can take a sip between shootings to take breaks and help you slow down.

5. Pretend like you’re talking to a friend

Maintaining eye contact with the camera is important to make it seems like you’re talking eye-to-eye with your audience. But it can feel awkward if you’re still not used to it. Our tips? To make your video looks natural, imagine yourself telling the story you’re sharing to a friend or whoever you feel most comfortable with. This way, you will look more confident and it sure will leave a good impression on your audience.

6. Smile

They said you're never fully dressed without a smile, and that couldn't be more true when you're filming yourself on camera. Smiling is the simplest way you can do to help boost your confidence. But more than that, when you’re genuinely smiling throughout your video, you’re projecting a positive presence which will make you look more competent.

7. Slow down

You may not notice you are doing it, but many people tend to talk too fast when they are on camera because they get nervous. When you realize it, try your best to slow down and let yourself pause between thoughts. 

8. Watch yourself talking to the camera

Are you maintaining eye contact? Do you like your angle? Are you trying to be someone you’re not? As much as you hate watching yourself on video, you will only get the answer the moment you do. If you want to deliver your best and win with videos, you can’t afford to be in the dark about how others perceive you on their screen. By doing this self-evaluation, you will be able to take notes on what you did well and what needs improvement.

9. Remember that editing is always an option

Don’t take yourself too seriously and beat yourself up for making mistakes because you can always edit. You can even include some bloopers in your video to show your audience that moment you stumbled over a word or two or acted a little clumsy due to anxiety. Trust us, they want to connect and relate to that authentic side of you.

10. Practice, practice, practice

Whether you’re filming for a short or long-form video, speaking on camera will be a nerve-wracking experience at first. But like we said, it does get better with time! Take your script and run through it a few times, ask for helpful feedback from the people you trust, and just keep making videos. Because at the end of the day, practicing is the only way to improve and be more comfortable in speaking on camera. So, take that camera and press that record button!