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!