Tips for Building Confidence in Video Recording

As an on-camera coach, I work with executives and startup founders to help them get more comfortable on camera. And for those who are unfamiliar with this medium or dread to try it, there's one (of the many) things that usually causes that dislike about watching a playback. *It's the sound of your own voice*. So why do some people dislike it so much? Ok, let's get to the anatomy of things 🙂. Internally, our voice resonates in our sinuses, making it seem deeper to us. But a recording - be it video or audio - reveals a higher, unfamiliar tone and represents how others hear it. So when you listen to yourself in a recorded presentation, it's difficult to connect your true identity to the one coming out of the recording. But hey, there's nothing one cannot learn and get comfortable with. Here's how to get comfortable with your voice on camera: 1. Regular recording: Start recording your voice regularly. Whether it's voicemails, video blogs, or just talking to your phone. The more you hear your recorded voice, the more familiar it becomes. 2. Get feedback: Share these recordings with trusted peers or mentors. Constructive feedback helps you understand how others perceive your voice and communication style. 3. Positive reinforcement: Each time you listen to a recording, find one thing you like about your voice. It could be your clarity, tone, or emotion. Focusing on positives gradually shifts your perspective. Each recording practice will get you closer to being more confident and will stop fearing the "record" button when it goes on 🙂.

The way you tell your story on camera is just as important as the story itself. That can feel like a tall order when the thought of watching yourself on video makes your skin crawl. Here are some simple tips to hone your behavior to better connect with your audience and combat that uncomfortable self-awareness that springs up in front of a camera. 1. Make eye contact with the camera, but don't stare it down. Looking away from the camera occasionally makes you seem authentic. When you look away, look to the side or down, not up. That way, you look thoughtful, and it doesn't seem like you're rolling your eyes. 2. Keep your back straight and drop your shoulders back and down. An upright and open posture communicates authority. 3. Take a deep breath before each sentence. People tend to collapse their diaphragm when they're nervous, which strains their voices and makes them lose their breath easily. Taking deep breaths expands your diaphragm. 4. End your sentences on a low note — literally. You'll sound insecure if you uptalk (use a rising intonation in the final syllable). 5. Embrace confidence, even when you feel anything but. 6. Ask a trusted friend to produce you. Getting candid but compassionate feedback in real time from someone you trust can calm your nerves and help you get to the bottom of those mental blocks that are causing your fear. 7. Keep at it. The more you do something, the more routine it will feel, and that faux confidence will transform into comfort that shines through on video.

🎥 Do you feel anxious when hitting "record"? I've been there. Early in my YouTube ads career, I was 50lbs heavier & self-conscious on camera. But then I realized: it's not about looks, it's about being the Authentic Authority. The ad I was most nervous about? It became my first 7-figure ad! Here's the mindset shift: You're already more comfortable on camera than you think. When you FaceTime a friend, you're at ease, right? That's the real you, your audience wants to connect with. We often psych ourselves out, thinking we need to be "perfect." But viewers crave authenticity, not flawlessness. Once I embraced this, video creation became enjoyable. I stopped trying to be someone I'm not & let my true self shine. My audience loved it! Try this: Before recording, take a deep breath & imagine chatting with a close friend who accepts you fully. Then hit record & speak from the heart. You'll be amazed at how your comfort & confidence soar. Focus on real human connection, not perfection. Give it a shot & share your experience below! I'm cheering you on as you unleash your on-camera charisma!