In this article, it’s all about practical tips that will make your on camera presentation better. And remember, practice DOES make perfect, so get started and you WILL get more confident on camera over time. Okay – it’s tip time… So let’s go.
Tip #1 – Have a comfortable grounded position.
Standing is best, Feet spread about shoulder width apart. Relax your knees and be comfortable. Importantly, stay grounded as you deliver your script, you don’t want to be swaying about or shifting weight from one foot to the other.
Tip #2 – Have a good neutral position.
Have a good neutral position, such as with hands in front of you in what I like to call ‘reporter pose’ or whatever neutral position makes you comfortable and focussed. This also helps to give your hands something to do when they’re not being used intentionally. You want to avoid unnecessary or unmotivated hand movements that end up becoming a distraction.
Make sure you’re using positive body language. No fists or pointing down the camera. It comes across as threatening. Use open handed gestures. And be relaxed, like you’re having a conversation with someone.
Tip #3 – Keep good eye contact.
That means being comfortable with looking at the camera lens. Looking away all the time makes you look shifty and untrustworthy. Check out my earlier video about teleprompters – often using one of these will help with keeping you looking down the lens. Or if you don’t have a teleprompt perhaps stick a piece of paper or a sticky note next to the lens with a big arrow pointing to the lens reminding you where to look. Sounds simple I know, but it works.
Tip #4 – Bring energy.
We’re used to watching emotions overplayed on TV and Film so we kind of expect it and the truth is that energy conveys interest and enthusiasm. If you’re not showing it, then your audience wont be feeling it.
I like to refer to it as the idea of bringing yourself PLUS about 10%. Think of how you might be if you were speaking in front of a small crowd of people – not a theatre of 1000 that will see you overplaying your energy… Don’t go over the top. You definitely want to stay authentic and genuine. But you don’t want people going to sleep watching your videos.
Tip #5 – Know how you’re going to pace and emphasise your scripts.
It will definitely help to have rehearsed a few times before, speaking out loud, not in your head, to ensure you get a grasp on how you’re going to deliver. You can even try adding emphasis and pace notations to a print out of your script, which may really help your delivery.
Tip #6 – Think of a specific person that you’re “talking” to.
Ideally, your ideal client or audience. This helps keep the conversational feel in your videos. You want people watching to feel like you’re talking TO them, not AT them. This should also be reflected in the way you write your script and the language you use. By keeping it direct and personal a viewer will feel more engaged with your content, and you’ll be building a more genuine connection with them through your presentation.
And remember that very few people are comfortable on camera, and everyone needs to start somewhere. I encourage you to get started, think of the person that your video is for and the value that you want to share with them. Get out of your own head and work on becoming incrementally more confident on camera with each and every video.
