We all have that friend, client or partner who is the life of the party but put a camera in front of them and it’s ummmmmmmm…. Maybe it’s you, maybe it’s your CEO? And it’s totally fine, but here are 5 suggestions for making your video more authentic by being yourself:
- Change the focus: One thing we love doing is offsetting the camera with an interviewer, like this example with Shelley White, Director of Technology and Attendee Services of The Performance Group. If the subject is looking to the left or right of the camera at an interviewer they are comfortable with, they will be more at ease. This creates more of a conversation with the other person and takes off some of the pressure of the camera.
- Jump Around. Jump! Jump! Don’t worry I won’t start rapping. Get out of your seat and jump up and down, or do the running man, or downward facing dog. Whatever gets your blood flowing and makes you feel a little silly. Getting blood flow releases endorphins which improves your mood and makes you relax (previous statement not approved by a doctor, but it works for me!) Being silly will also help you loosen up a bit.
- Take it down a notch: Related to the first suggestion but taking it yet another level, make the video more casual itself. Instead of lights and a script, make it a truly authentic back and forth conversation. Have speaking notes but don’t follow them to the word. Don’t worry as much about the output. This is great practice for working up to full on professional videos. Laugh, joke, have fun with it! The occasional stutter or pause to think is natural and will make you seem more authentic on camera.
- Take a Chill Pill: No I’m not prescribing drugs, but there are natural ways you can calm your nerves a bit. L-Theanine is an amino acid used for its antioxidant and relaxant effects, and can be found in chamomile tea and these chocolates. If there’s something else that works for you like green tea or warm milk, make sure you have it on hand before recording.
- Watch and Learn: Along the way, listen to your recording. I know we all hate listening to our own voice but it’s important to hear how you’re coming off. Are you too stoic or sound like you’re reading? Better to figure it out a few minutes in then to have recorded the entire thing. If you realize you aren’t coming off as authentic go back to steps 1-4.
What else can you do to relax on camera? We’d love to hear your feedback.
Disclaimer: Chocolate company mentioned above is founded by a family member of the Channel Maven Consulting team.
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