Struggling with Camera Presence – Any Tips?

MichaelReed · 2025-02-22T10:54:53+00:00

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Hey everyone,

I’ve started recording my first Udemy course (you can check out my website at www.concretecontractorsannarbormichigan.com), but I’m feeling awkward on camera. I tend to stumble over words and feel like my delivery isn’t engaging enough.

For those who have been through this, how did you improve your confidence and delivery? Any tips or exercises that helped you become more natural on camera?

Thanks!

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RajuDyapur745

I am sure all of us have gone through this at one point in our lives.
Question to ask is, "Is there any shortcut to this, especially being on camera?"
The short answer is NO.
You will certainly get better at it.
Initially, I used to have the same issue, especially the way that I wanted to put my words and I used to go round and round. When I used to watch myself ask myself the question, "Did it make sense and was I able to deliver the meaning of what I really wanted to say?"
If it wasn't, then I would discard that and record it again. Sometimes, it has taken 12-15 takes to get it right.
But over the years, I am quite comfortable in putting the idea across.
One thing I would suggest is to practice recording at least a 30 second video every day. Pick a topic and talk about it, you can rehearse beforehand but don't stop even if it goes wrong. I am sure you will start feeling comfortable after 2-3 weeks.

Manjushri_73

Raju gave some great tips.

You might also try using earbuds to play your script. Practice working with them hearing as you speak. A CenterCam on your computer screen can also help. That way to can focus on reading effectively so that you don't look like you're reading. You can set up cue cards with lines, or an outline of where you're headed next.

Pretend the camera lens is a friend who supports you and is intrigued by what you are saying. It can also help to practice in a mirror.

If you can't have script support - ie. an ear monitor or computer monitor. Then, keep practicing the script until you're confident you know it.

It does take rehearsal! I used to be an actor, etc. and recording the program I produced last year showed that I really needed to practice my skills. I know that's a hard job, and when we want to get a course published, we usually want to get it done fast. But it's worth the time to get your skills in shape.

If you have the time and money, you might try finding a class in presentation skills or voice-over or get coaching in on-camera work. You want to work with it until you're comfortable and feel like you're being yourself (with a new skill set.)

LawrenceMMiller

I recommend Alexa Fischer's course. She is excellent.

Confidence On Camera: Make Amazing Videos, Easily.

https://www.udemy.com/course/be-comfortable-and-confident-on-camera/?couponCode=KEEPLEARNING

KylePew

Practice.

Practice with the camera recording and practice with the camera not recording. After you practice with the camera recording, get feedback from someone you trust. I found when I watched my recordings on my own and gave myself feedback, it wasn't effective. I was too harsh of critic. Once I got my wife to look at my recordings, I got little tips she felt needed practice and I moved on to practice those. For example, so felt like I moved my hands too much when talking. :)

Like @Manjushri_73 mentioned above, treat the camera as if it's listening. It felt weird at first, but that's where I put my focus now. Eventually there will be real people on the end of the camera that are listening and reacting, talk to the camera like they're already there.

shreeux2

Struggling with camera presence is common, but with practice and the right mindset, you can improve your confidence on screen. Start by maintaining good posture and making eye contact with the camera to create a connection with your audience. Speak clearly and at a steady pace, using natural hand gestures to enhance your message. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself can help you identify areas for improvement.

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ValentinDespa

@MichaelReed here are two ideas to consider:

1. You don't need to be on camera, especially if you are just getting started. Focus on your content instead, ensure the structure and information are really useful. For beginners, I find being on camera and all the setup for that to be more of a distraction from actually creating content.

2. If you really want to be on camera, you can use a teleprompter, that's what most people who want to create good quality online courses do.

Loucas

Teleprompter is a good help to start with. But I suggest a single slide with bullet points just to help you organize.