It’s no secret the internet is becoming more visual by the day and it’s filling up with video content. Whether you’re uploading videos to LinkedIn or going live on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram or YouTube, the ability to communicate with confidence on camera is a useful skill.
The online video wave keeps rolling
Research by Cisco predicts by 2021 82% of all consumer internet traffic will be video and 13% will be live video. Facebook recently said it will probably be all video in five years. There’s no better time to get ready.
What’s holding you back?
Here are three of the most common reasons:
- I hate the way I look and sound on video. People say they’re too fat or too old or too plain and their voice sounds weird. Everyone has this reaction at first.
- I don’t have the right equipment. This is an old-fashioned notion. If you have a smart phone, you have a video studio in your pocket.
- I don’t have the right personality to be on camera. There is no “right” personality. Feeling comfortable on-camera is a learned skill.
Concerns about looks and personality can be overcome by practice and/or training. Women often hold themselves to an especially high standard.
One way to get over any Hollywood perfection complex is to spend some time on YouTube. All sorts of people from all walks of life are putting out interesting and effective videos every day. Why not you?
Video equipment can be as elaborate as a professional crew’s gear or as simple as a phone app. The internet is full of good information for creating polished videos with a smart phone or tablet.
Need More Reasons?
Trust is an important factor in business as in life and video puts a human face on your brand. Simple talking head videos can be very effective at building trust and credibility with a personal touch.
When you’re able to connect through the camera lens and talk with energy and ease about your expertise, product, service, or cause, it’s the next best thing to meeting face-to-face.
Don’t Be Hard on Yourself.
People often change their behavior when a camera is pointed their way. Fear kicks in about someone judging or ridiculing us or of appearing less than perfect.
Be yourself in front of the camera. Act “as if” you are confident on camera and just be the person your family, friends and associates see, like and love every day.
Remember, most of us are our own worst critic; much more critical than the rest of the world.
Once is Not Enough.
Often, people will record one video, hate it and give up. If you want to get more comfortable on camera, stick with it. The more videos you do, the better you will get.
It may take 12-20 videos to appear natural and relaxed, but the repetition is worth it. I’d recommend recording your videos rather than doing live video at first. That way, you can experiment and delete any awkward takes.
Watch – Learn – Delete – Repeat
Record videos on your phone for practice. Try new things. You’ll soon figure out what feels right for you and become more polished over time.
I’ve seen TV reporters straight out of college who were so uneasy on camera they were painful to watch, but after a week or so of daily reporting, they were confident on the air and it showed.
Making Great Video is a Process
It’s said practice makes perfect, but presenting on camera is never completely perfect. (That’s why there’s a little thing called video editing, thank goodness.) You’ll find it’s a lot easier to get confident on camera when you focus on connecting with your audience and stop listening to your inner critic.
This is a modified version of an article originally published on LinkedIn Pulse.