If you knew me a few years ago I was so hesitant to be on camera. I may look comfortable now, but I was just like you, not wanting to “put myself” out there online.
I saw every flaw.
I was spending too much time shooting multiple takes of my video blogs and doing way too many retakes. I remember one video specifically—it took me 12 takes to get one to make it right. I almost gave up on video blogging because it was too stressful and I was spending too much time just trying to get a 2 minute video done.
I quit for a few months and regrouped and I knew I had to do things differently, I knew if I had to train people on how to create videos, I had to be on camera and there was no more hiding behind a microphone and screen capture software. So I squared my shoulders and got the courage and faced the proverbial “Wizard of Oz,” which was the camera and microphone.
You Can Do it Too
It may seem hard and trust me, it is, but you can get over your fear of being on camera by following a few simple tips I have outlined in this video.
When you try to make things complicated it just makes things harder. There is nothing more intimidating than having a page full of notes and knowing you need to cover everything in detail and once you miss something you have to start over. I've been there. It’s hard, but by breaking the video down into the most important points (bullet points work well) you can make your life so much easier.
2. Speak from your heart.
This is is so important, if you know your material and passionate about what you are talking about this will be very easy. Your visitors can spot a fake a mile away. I had a video mentor tell me that, “you are the best you, you can be.” That comment helped me so much, because I was trying to be someone who I’m not, so be yourself and speak on what you know.
3. Keep it short.
When you are first starting out don’t try to cram everything into one video. It’s okay if you have to record a five part series, actually I encourage that more than a 15 minute video because you can annotate and link to each video with YouTube cards. Create YouTube playlists that will help you take your viewers on a journey and keep them engaged with your content.
4. Always maintain eye contact with the camera.
This is an essential part of a video blog, you have to look at the camera. It’s so basic, but I see many people looking off camera and I am wondering who are they talking to. One tip is that I imagine I am talking to a good friend and that I am helping her with her videos so even if I have a room full of people watching me film, I’m über focused on that lens.
5. Don’t focus on perfection.
It’s hard to see every flaw in your video, your hair, weight and more. There are some things we can change in post production, but often times you will do 15 takes to try to get a two minute video. I've been there, but you can do what I did even in the video above, share outtakes and keep it light, that way you can show another side of you that your audience may never see. It’s amazing how bloopers and outtakes can help you connect with your audience. Hey, I’m taking my own advice in this blog so I hope you are too!
Overcoming my fear of being on camera was one of the best decisions I have made in growing my site and brand. I’m invited to speak for seminars and workshops more often and looked to as an expert. What’s holding you back? You need to film something today and fear won’t be a FACTOR in being on camera.
Have you started video blogging? What’s your fear and why is it a factor in starting? Do me a huge favor and record a video and share the link in the comments below and let’s help each other. If I can do it, you can too!
If after reading this you fell like you're ready to get in front of the camera, be sure to check out this video playlist for more YouTube tips from Ms. Ileane!
Good luck!
Hello Chip Dizard,
Wonderful tips I’d say! Yes I’m also facing the issue to fear being on camera so I always stay away from camera. The tips you’ve shared are really cool and informative. Worth trying and making a new video.
Thanks
That’s great to hear Ashish. Trust me, it wasn’t easy for me, but once you do it, you will be amazed with how easy it is.
Great tips Chip. It’s good to see how far you’ve come. You are definitely more comfortable in your own skin now. Practice makes better. 🙂
Thanks to your help and mentorship Amani!
Hi Chip,
2 rocks. Speak from your heart to dissolve the self-conscious fears which handcuff many video marketers. I too had many fears; I sounded funny and looked weird during my first few videos. After a few more vids I felt better because my message became more heartfelt. Speak from your heart. Chat about topics that move you and the fear of being on camera dies a quick death.
Thanks for sharing the super videos and tips!
Thanks for the comment Ryan. We all are handcuffed because we are our own worst critics. It feels great to be comfortable in your own skin and more forward
thanks for your tips to come out of fear, Speaking from heart and also focusing on camera really very important, I missed it every time.
I’m still camera shy and totally not ready to do a video…but I really think it will help gain some trust. Thanks for the tips and motivation.
What’s up Chip,
Thanks for sharing this man, excellent advice. It’s true getting in front of the camera can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be.
I really like your style and approach. Thanks for your input. I’m intrigued by the iphone green screen shot.
Thanks Everett! If you go to http://www.webvideochefs.com/mobile you can see how I use my phone for most of my video shoots.
Awesome tips, Chip!
I just started out with video (don’t know why I waited so long..I had done screen casts in the past, but no face-to-face videos till now).
The recording was fine and all. I have edited and uploaded the video to Youtube (even though, I felt that some ‘cuts’ were too abrupt. I was going to re-edit it, but your post reminded me of something – we don’t have to be perfect). I was making the video for my about page, so it’s going to be there for a while (So, I wanted it to be sort of perfect).
Anyways, thank you for the tips, Chip! Merry Christmas 😀
Jeevan,
Thanks for your comment! I know how you feel, but look at anyone who has been on YouTube for a while (2 years or more) and they had a start too! Cool, I’m looking forward to seeing your videos.
Great advice Chip!
I get very nervous getting in front of a camera for video blogging, these tips will come in handy. Do you recommend practicing a couple of times with the camera off before recording?
Matt,
I really feel that practices makes you good, but focused practice makes perfect. Keep doing it and working at it!
Truly helpful tips chip, Actually I don;t like to perform in front of a camera or give product reviews, I think now I have gain some confidence. Have to try it once .. Thanks for your valuable blog post.
Hello,
Wonderful tips shared! And you are right most of the people will fear to face the camera but once they got the idea it will be habituated and make it easier to talk on camera.
Thanks for the tips
The point you mentioned “Don’t focus on perfection” , its the main thing one should focus on. The fear to be in front of a camera grows for the perfection factor with in us.
So those who wants to face camera must not look for perfection on the very beginning.
Hello Chip,
I’m thinking of entering the world of video blogging any moment from now and I must really thank you for these tips.
However, it is my opinion that maintaining eye contact non stop with the camera has to be limited. This is so because even when you are talking to a friend, there are instances when you look away. Don’t you?
Looking casually away, then back at the camera presents you as someone who is natural enough. And who hates a natural performance?
Great article though.
Always,
Terungwa
Chip thanks for all the tips. I am terrified of being on camera..intellectually I know it will be better for my business if I make videos but the fear is overwhelming. I am a huge perfectionist. I will take these tips to heart and hopefully 2014 will be a new year for me
Thanks again
Good stuff Yolanda. I can’t wait to see what you will do!
Many are camera shy. Some reason? They aren’t comfortable, they feel ugly, big or anything so negative about their appearance. But I am saying that you will face the camera to share information, help people and they should be thankful for that. Just dress yourself, boost up your grooming and your confidence.
Metz,
I know it’s hard not having everything “perfect” before you start and even post it. That’s exactly how I felt, and every time I hit record I know someone on the other end will be helped.
Hello,
You’re absolutely right about “Don’t focus on perfection” we should be focus on perfection so that we can do the things or produce something cool. The tips are really great.
Thanks
These tips are very useful, Chip! I have not problem creating screencast videos but the next step is being on camera. Making this an intention for 2014 🙂
Hello Chip Dizard, Most of us are facing such kind of fear including me indeed. These tips are helpful. Specially the idea that consider you are talking to a nice friend. Eye contact with the camera definitely going to effect your video in a positive way.
Thanks for your comment Alia. I always think of the other person I know who I am helping. It is strange at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easier and easier! Cheers
I was really looking into doing some videos for my sites. I ‘ve been testing out screenflow. it’s pretty easy to use and edit as well. I’ve created about 3 videos so far and its going pretty well. I’ve also noticed that you can create videos much faster than you can write and article. I would like to get to the point where i’m recording at least 2 every day.
That’s a great goal to have. I use screenflow all the time and it’s a great tool to use. Best of luck with videos. Hard work always pays off.
Some great tips there Chip.
I was super nervous when I was preparing for my first video and what I did to relax is I did a load of “blooper” videos where I did silly voices and as weird as it sounds it actually worked for me, I’m even thinking about releasing the bloopers at some point.
good tips.but i think to overcome fear in front of camera one should increase his confidence level and for me blogging has increased my confidence level very much.
You said to keep eye contact with camera but i think that if we looks down at first it will be good because we will thing that we speaking to ourselves and then after some time we should look to camera.in this way we can increase confidence step by step.
Another way is to think that i know every thing and i can only explain this topic better than anyone in front of camera.This thinking will also increase your confidence and you will speak from heart.
Great Tips! This is on my list of TO DO’s for 2014. Make a Vlog Challenge for myself. I only did one of them and I recorded it over and over again. Going to try again in January.
Your video is encouraging! I been working towards getting better at being on camera but still have a way to go. I’ll usually record what I want a few times and watch it the next day just so I have a fresh perspective. My biggest hurdle is I just feel awkward but I’m working on it.
Yes, best to talk about what you know and are passionate about. You’ll be confident, and not lost for words.
While it’s good to write down what you’re going to talk about, I wouldn’t do this in too much detail. If you do, you may end up with a script you feel you have to recite verbatim.
If you do recite it word for word, it won’t seem spontaneous. And if you are trying to stay on script and don’t manage to do it perfectly, you’ll beat yourself up for falling short and probably end up doing several takes, none of which you’ll be happy with!
I think for everyone, you are your own worst critic. Having a friend review the video can provide honest feedback and save you from multiple shoots from being too nitpicky yourself.
Hi Chip, great tips. I’ve been thinking about creating some videos for my blog but I’m completely terrified of putting myself out there for all to see. I really want to overcome my fear though because I thinking having more video content on my blog would be a huge benefit.
Hi Chip,
I’m a very shy fellow and this attitude has kept me back from creating a Youtube video presentations for my blog.
Your tips are excellent, and I’m going to implement it.
Thanks for sharing
Camera and me we are born enemy. I don’t know why I am so much scared about this little machine. May be I am little ugly, can’t speak fluently in front of the people. By reading this post may be I will try hard to easy. Thanks Chip Dizard for…. you know why..:D
Chip I really enjoyed. I have been wanting to get my business on camera but I’m a bit nervous.
Lets not forget that some people (me included) are always going to look a touch shonky in front of the camera. Some of us don’t have the voice for radio, let alone the face for media.