Top 7 Tips For Presenting Yourself Well On Camera

Video Transcription

In this video, I will teach you 7 great tips that will help you present on camera like a superstar!

Presenting on camera can be nerve wracking experience. Especially when you’re just starting out. Trust me. And yes, we’ve all been there.

But don’t worry.  There is hope!

I don’t want to overpromise by guaranteeing that you will become the next Oprah Winfrey, but with a bit of practice and the right approach, you can certainly become great at presenting.

And over time, really start to enjoy being on camera.

Welcome, I’m Jess.

Before we begin, make sure you subscribe to our channel and click the “notifications” bell so you’ll be alerted every time we post a new video to help you with your video marketing.

Got a favourite tried-and-true tip for getting comfortable on camera (or several)? Let us known in the comments below.

So let’s dive in and learn more about how to present yourself well on camera….

TIP #1: KEEP A POSITIVE, GROUNDED POSTURE

Stand in an upright posture with your shoulders back– and try not to slouch.

Keep your feet grounded on the floor. You don’t want to be glued to the floor, but you want to prevent any unnecessary movement.

The audience’s attention is on you and your message. If you’re always moving around, it will be much harder for your audience to take in the key points of your video.

TIP #2: SMILE!

Smiling is a great way to help you feel more comfortable on camera and establish a meaningful connection with your audience.

Studies show that smiling more often reduces your stress levels and increase the levels of hormones called ‘endorphins’ that make you feel better. Put simply, smiling helps you feel good and look good.

Numerous studies also show that seeing someone else smile compels us to smile.

In other words…when people on YouTube (or anywhere else) see you smile, they start to feel good as well, and will become far more receptive to your message.

TIP #3: USE POSITIVE OPEN HAND GESTURES AND BODY LANGUAGE

People don’t want to see a lifeless robot on the screen. They want to see a real, live human being who is genuinely passionate about the subject matter.

But there’s also such as thing as “too much” body language.

According to body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards, the best way to reach the happy medium is to “stay in the box”.

Imagine a box between the top of your chest and the bottom of your waist. Any hand gestures within that box are acceptable, while going outside the box can distract your viewers.

As for some specific pointers about good vs bad body language, here are some of the things that you need to know:

  • Don’t cross your arms or legs when standing. Instead maintain nice open gestures.
  • Same applies to your hands. Maintain nice open hand gestures versus closed ones such as clenched fists.
  • Keep your chin up and a relaxed face.
  • And don’t forget to Smile!

And whilst this could be a tip on its own, one of the most important things to do is to maintain eye contact with the camera.

If you are staring down at your feet or looking in multiple directions, people will perceive you as being unfamiliar with the topic …..even when you are!

In contrast, by looking at the camera, your audience will feel like you are talking with them directly, are more trustworthy and confident in your subject matter.

TIP #4: BE ENTHUASTIC AND ADD SOME EXCITEMENT TO YOUR VIDEO!

It’s easy to revert to speaking in a monotone voice, as it requires far less energy.

However, speaking on camera is not the same as speaking in person.

In order to speak with more energy, imagine being about 10% more energetic than you usually are. As if you were speaking with a friend about something you’ve been eager to share with them.

By doing so, you will be speaking at a consistent yet energetic pace that your viewers can keep up with.

TIP #5: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE ON CAMERA.

Presenting on camera is a skill that can be honed over time.

If you don’t present everything perfectly the first time, that’s ok! You can keep on shooting videos with your smartphone until you feel comfortable with your presenting.

That said, avoid trying to be perfect. It is ok to be a human, and it is actually more relatable for your viewers than someone who appears to get everything right on the first try.

And don’t forget: Practice your script! You don’t have to memorize it word-for-word, but you want to be familiar with the order of your key talking points and other important details. 

TIP #6: ADD YOUR OWN PERSONALITY TO YOUR VIDEOS

Every person’s personality has something unique to it that makes it their own. Some people are a bit more energetic, like me, others are more composed, and neither is ‘better’ than the other.

But your personality is YOURS. Own it. Viewers want to see someone who has their own unique charm and isn’t afraid to show it.

TIP #7: ABOVE ALL ELSE, HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE PROCESS!

Relax! Loosen up! Don’t feel as if you’re under any kind of pressure.

You can always edit and re-take any shots you feel are not to your liking.

If you’re still struggling with feeling comfortable, try to get yourself in the right frame of mind before presenting.

One thing that we’ve found helps nervous presenters is to have a ritual that primes you for being on camera.

This can be listening to your favourite music, going for a relaxing walk, or anything that gets you going.

We hope you found this video to be useful! If you follow our tips above, you’ll find yourself presenting better on camera in no time.

Before you go, don’t forget to like, comment with your favourite tip for getting comfortable on camera, and subscribe to our channel so that you get notified each time we release a new video to help you with your video marketing. 

And should you ever need further help with your video marketing, you can get in touch with us here at Spiel at www.spielcreative.com

As always, thanks for watching!