A few months ago, we started creating videos over at @tangerinetravels. I've never been a good public speaker nor have I ever been one to make a great first impression. I'm awkward, dumb shit spews out of my mouth all of the time, I'm not very articulate, and I have RBF (resting bitch face) so although I may be perfectly content, I often look like I want to kill someone.
Before starting this venture, I knew that it would be extremely difficult for me. I knew I'd stutter when speaking, I knew I would talk painfully slow at times, and I knew that I'd struggle with my on-camera presence.
Now that we've been doing this a while and have made 99 videos, I've become more articulate, I've gotten a little better at not having RBF, and become better at conveying my message. I still have a long way to go in those areas but as an awkward introvert, I feel like I've made some improvements in these skills.
One thing I still really struggle with is my camera presence. I look awkward, I make weird facial movements, my eyes wander, and I do weird stuff with my hands. I really hate this part of our videos, so I decided to do some research on what I can do to look more natural on camera. In case anyone else has an interest in this topic, I'll share with you some things that I found.
If you want to see how things started, below is the first video we ever filmed.
How to look more natural on camera
Posture
This one is pretty simple. Shoulders back and chin up. If you're slumped over and looking down, you aren't going to come across as an expert no matter how smart you are. Try to remain in a good posture throughout the video and people will be more likely to want to listen to what you have to say. Posture leads to the next thing on the list.
Eye contact
Eye contact? But I'm talking to a camera, I can't make eye contact with a camera.
True, but the people watching it will be looking at you. If you're not looking right back at them, they're going to have a harder time trusting you.
It's difficult to trust someone who doesn't make eye contact, so you need to make sure you're looking directly into the camera lens. That way, your viewers will see you looking straight at them.
Earlier, in this post was the first video we ever filmed. Here's our most recent video to compare my on-camera abilities. I still have a long way to go but I'm going to be using these things I've learned to try to improve.
Smile
When someone sees someone else smile, it immediately puts them in a better mood. People like to be around happy people and your audience will probably enjoy watching your videos more if you look happy in them.
Before you turn on the camera, do something that puts you in a great mood. For me, that's often stand-up comedy. For Maddie, it's usually listening to music.
I notice my on-camera presence is drastically better when I go into making a video very happy. People can tell a fake smile from a real smile, so don't try to force a smile. Go into a video genuinely happy and you'll find yourself smiling a lot more.
Film in segments
Don't try to film a 5-minute video all at once, shoot it in 10-20 second intervals. This will allow you to gather your thoughts on each small section and deliver them more concisely. Don't read from a teleprompter or notes, just speak naturally into the camera.
Talk to a friend
How would you talk to a friend of yours? That's how you should speak to the camera. Picture the camera lens being your best friend. If you have to, tape a photo of them near the lens so that you remember you're just chatting with a friend.
Speaking to a camera is a really strange feeling if you haven't done it much. Pretending to talk to a friend can help you get over the fact that you're chatting with an inanimate object.
Have you struggled with similar issues? If so, what helped you overcome them?
Hahaha you really went so hard on yourself yeah?. You have a very good first impression because your face looks really calm and nice. Seeing you for the first time, the impression would be "He is really calm and warm, I can trust him". You look trusted even from the first glance and impression. I am not kidding or trying to make you feel better. It is the truth.
Wow!. So good to see you dig this archive and take us on this journey of throwback video. So, Maddie has never left Arizona ever since? That is really a huge step she took. Little wonder she was freaked out and it is understandable why you both left things to the last minute because you are both making a huge step and taking a giant leap.
Now to my own throwback comment. Hahaha. I remember telling you back then that, this is a huge sacrifice you guys made. A big step because I know how hard it must be, leaving everything behind to embark on this trip. This is a really big sacrifice you guys did. It is understandable why your family members had reservations, even though they were the only viewers you had at that time.
This is huge and it delights me even more that it was never a decision you regretted. Moments of doubts stepped in early on I am sure, but I salute your courage, conviction, sensitivity, and mindset to go through with it, to give us this quality and to also come in contact with you. Knowing you has been a huge blessing. Thank you Jordan. Thank you Maddie. I am not going to leave Laska behind haha. Thank you Laska.
It is not an easy thing to speak into the camera. I did few vlogs back then, where I talked about some motivational words and with this tips, trust me, I will try all these out and bring it back. I will be posting more videos soon.
Thank you so much as always. I really enjoyed another lesson from you guys. Well done.
3,000+ and counting...5,000 is comingggggg!. Yaaaay!. Excited.
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Thats interesting videos, i watch it two times, because when i watch it first time then i scared lilbit because behind you sit your dog, i thought its a wolf, but then i realized its a dog, well wonderful videos. Thanks
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We get addicted with whatever we do always so that's why you are now good In front of camera 📷
Cameras should not be something we would be shy of, it's not people so it's better to do well and proper in front of camera.
Your points are very good cos you bring the point through experience you've gathered
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Really great guide. I have found I am very timid on camera and have been working to get more in front of it. I'll definitely try some of these to improve my presence. I agree that smiling is a huge part of it. If you appear as happy and upbeat those watching will catch on. Thanks!
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it takes regular practice and consistence to become perfect with shooting video, especially when it has ti do with your confidence and posture. am glad now that you have build your confidence on camera and your video now looks professional and of high quality @communitycoin
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Definitely. The part I have to work on most is confidence. Like anything you have to do it over and over to become better. Some are naturals but most will have to work for it.
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I have terrible postures and so I hardly take good shots . My smile is pretty cool but that the only thing lol. This is gonna help me shot some pictures like a professional model. Thanks for sharing this tips
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You made me remember the phrase that Many photographers think that if they buy a camera better they can take better pictures. A better camera will not do anything if you do not have the idea in your head or your heart. Cameras are machines that encrypt fantasies and create addiction. To say that something is natural means that it can be applied to all things.
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I've run into this a lot. People see my photos and the first question is immediately what kind of camera I use. I've seen amazing photos from a disposable film camera. You really have to put in the work and be passionate about something to improve.
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Being natural is the most difficult to face a camera, I always hear it said to the photographer, and it is the reality. The human being will always be the same
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On YouTube and any network it is important to maintain feedback with the subscribers and good the smile always creates loyalty. Regards.
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Nice video bro.... U skilled
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