5 Tips to Be More Confident on Camera

I know just how you feel! When I started my YouTube channel back in September of 2009, I admit that I lacked the confidence to get in front of the camera. All of my early videos were screencast tutorials and it wasn't until December 2011 that I got up the courage to turn on my C920 webcam and look it straight in the eye! I mean lens…

Once I faced my fears, a couple of really amazing things happened.
Not only did my YouTube following grow significantly I experienced my own personal growth and development as a result of becoming more confident on camera and with creating live video. And boy oh boy those skills are really coming in handy now. I was able to jump on platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Twitch, LinkedIn Live and any other live streaming video app without hesitation (watch some of my replays here).  In fact, I can't wait to see what new live video streaming platform comes next. Bring it!

Passing the being more “Confident on Camera Torch” to You

When I stepped in front of the on camera that first time, it was because of a YouTube video challenge that my online mentor Lisa Irby from 2createawebsite, gave to all of her subscribers. So now I think it's time for me to give back! Hence, I'm passing the torch to you my friend.

Time to get your live video game plan in place because, let's face it. Live Streaming ain't going away. It's only going to get bigger and you must face the challenge head on. Here are 5 tips that I hope and pray will motivate you to take action today!

#1. My number one tip for being more confident in front of the camera is to mostly for the ladies but you guys can benefit from this too.

Go out and get your hair done! Treat yourself with a trip to the salon and you might want to put on just a little makeup but don’t over do it. Pamper yourself and get a little dolled up. You'll be more confident when you know that your hair is in place and your makeup is flawless. Without fail, I always post my #SuperCuteSaturday story on Instagram when I get my hair done.

Guys – the same goes for you. You can show off when you get a fresh cut at the barbershop or while you are working out at the gym.

#2. Pay attention to your lighting.

Try to get light directly on you but never shine light from behind you into the camera. Take a look at that video I mentioned earlier where I came on camera for the first time and you'll see how bad lighting can make your video wrong in more ways than one! I had a glaring light on behind me, not enough lighting in front of me and…well you'll see what I mean. Hey, we all gotta start somewhere right?

I want you to learn from my mistakes and just take a couple of minutes to position yourself so that the light can shine on you – not into the lens! If you have a window in the room try to get in front of it. You want light facing you and you want the camera (or your iPhone) in between you and the light whenever possible.  If you can afford a lighting kit, here is the one I recommend:

CowboyStudio Photography & Video Portrait Umbrella Continuous Triple Lighting Kit

There’s a whole lot more to learn about proper lighting but let’s stick to the basics because I know you still have to deal with those butterflies in your stomach. So let’s move on quickly to…

#3. Practice!

Hands down the best place to practice being on camera is in a private group! But you can try Facebook Live, Instagram, YouTube Live or even Twitter. Most of the people in the community are super helpful and they will give you tips and pointers if you ask for help. It’s just like when your Mom taught you how to ride a bike for the very first time. It’s so much easier when someone is there coaching you along.

Here is a video tutorial for using Streamyard from your phone. You can get started right away with their free plan but I'm sure you will love it and upgrade to a paid plan later!

#4. Take a deep breath and try to relax. Just try to be natural. I started meditating earlier this year and I've always been a fan of practicing yoga.

Basically, you need to relax and be yourself. You can’t go wrong when you do that!

#5. Start off by doing a short introduction.

You know, people are always wondering what they can talk about. They get nervous and think they might stumble over their words. And quite honestly, you probably will get a little tongue tied, especially on your first video. So make it easy on yourself by talking about a subject that you know inside and out.
Talk about who you are, where you are from, how you got started online. Share some of the things you like to do or even talk about your area of expertise. Don't be salesy, but just be natural.

That’s an easy ice breaker and I bet those butterflies have settled down!

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Find out why my friend Tony Mobley is smiling and how he now has the confidence to be on camera! Tony can celebrate 100+ days of being on a journey to better health on his daily live video streams, and over on Facebook Live too!

Subscribe to the Ms. Ileane Speaks Podcast on Apple podcasts, Google Play or Stitcher.