How to Talk More Comfortably to the Camera

Are you struggling with how to talk more comfortably to the camera?

Recording this video was the LAST thing I wanted to do.

Now, down to business: Are you ready to unlock the secret to talking more comfortably on camera and transforming your onscreen presence instantly?

In this video, I share essential tips to help you overcome camera shyness and build your confidence! Talking to the camera can feel awkward, but with practice and the right mindset, you can transform your onscreen presence.

We’ll explore practical techniques, including the importance of energy and body language, to help you speak naturally and confidently. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these actionable strategies will guide you on your journey to becoming a more comfortable speaker on camera.

Speaking confidently to the camera is not natural. It’s awkward and weird, but after 10 years I have a few tricks up my sleeve…

Let’s dive in!

VIDEO: How to Talk More Comfortably to the Camera

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The Truth About Talking Comfortably and Confidently on Camera

Let me tell you a secret—nobody is born knowing how to talk to a camera! Most of us don’t naturally want to do it, but it’s become an essential part of existing in the online space. While it might come effortlessly to a lucky few, for most of us (myself included!), it takes real work to appear natural and confident on camera. The journey to becoming comfortable speaking to that lens—and by extension, to you, the viewer—is a learning process that requires patience and practice. But trust me, with time, that awkward feeling does fade, and finding your authentic camera presence becomes second nature!

What’s funny is that a few months after starting my YouTube channel, I ran into someone I’d known my whole life who said, “You seem so natural on camera!” I nearly laughed out loud. There was absolutely nothing natural about it! It was all pretending, editing, and a whole lot of effort.

The “Fake It Till You Make It” Method Actually Works

One of the most effective tricks is to pretend that talking to the camera is normal. In my early days, I had to convince myself that it wasn’t weird. I would check my surroundings, make sure I was alone, and then tell myself, Just act like this is a natural conversation.

Looking back at my first videos (which I hope you don’t do!), it’s obvious to me that it wasn’t natural. It wasn’t comfortable—it was awkward. I was awkward. But now, talking to the camera doesn’t really feel awkward at all. The difference between those early, stiff appearances and my current comfort level is remarkable. What once felt like speaking to an inanimate object now feels more like having a conversation with a friend. The camera has transformed from an intimidating device into simply a tool that connects me with you. This journey from awkwardness to authenticity didn’t happen overnight, but with consistent practice and a willingness to be vulnerable, I’ve found my voice. Everyone starts somewhere, and those cringeworthy first videos were necessary steps toward finding the confidence I have today!

At first, it felt forced, but over time, my confidence grew. A friend once told me I seemed so natural on camera—which was ironic because I was consciously pretending to be comfortable! The key takeaway? Confidence is built through practice and repetition.

Over time, with consistent practice, talking to the camera genuinely became comfortable. The pretending became reality.

Practical Tips to Boost Your Confidence and Talk Comfortably on Camera

1. Try Recording While Standing Up

One of the most effective changes I made early on was switching from sitting to standing while recording. Believe it or not, standing up can make a huge difference! When I first started, I assumed sitting comfortably would help me relax. However, I found that standing boosts energy, improves posture, and projects confidence.

When I tried recording while standing, everything changed. I had more energy in my body and voice, which translated to more confidence on screen. This makes sense when you think about it – public speakers, leaders, and presenters typically stand because it projects authority and importance.

Professional speakers and leaders stand when they present because it naturally commands attention. If you feel low-energy or unsure, try recording while standing—you’ll likely notice an instant improvement.

If you struggle with talking to the camera comfortably, I highly recommend that you try standing up! It doesn’t mean you have to always record standing up—you might notice right now I am sitting down. I haven’t recorded a standup video in probably 5 years or more, and even then it was only occasionally. The standing technique works because once I learned how to sort of master the energy and get more comfortable on camera, I could just flip the switch and turn it on. Now I can access that energy and comfort, just getting into that frame of mind of talking to the camera even while sitting down. Standing initially helped me break through that awkward barrier, giving me more physical freedom and naturally increasing my energy levels. It’s like training wheels that eventually allowed me to find my authentic camera presence in any position. Try it out—you might be surprised how much more animated and natural you become when you’re not confined to a chair!

2. Amplify Your Energy

Here’s a secret from the video production world: you have to 10x your energy and emotion on camera in order for it to come across to the viewer! What I mean is, if I want to appear excited, I need to be really over-the-top excited when recording for it to translate properly to you. The same applies whether I want to convey sadness, happiness, or anger—I have to significantly amplify those emotions for the camera to capture them effectively.

This sounds like an acting technique, though I’ve never acted or taken any acting lessons. But I know it’s true because I’ve experienced it firsthand. I’ve recorded videos where I thought I was excited and in a great mood, only to watch during editing and think, “Oh my gosh, you didn’t even smile! What’s wrong? What’s going on here?” I simply hadn’t flipped that energy switch.

You don’t realize this disconnect until you’re editing and see that your facial features barely moved throughout the entire video. “Wow, your facial expressions don’t even change, Meredith—what is wrong with you?” That’s precisely why practicing is so important, along with not giving up. Being conscious about the areas you want to improve and working on them incrementally with each video makes all the difference. The camera literally drains energy from your performance, so what feels exaggerated to you will likely appear just right to your audience!

3. Use Music to Set the Mood

Another thing I do every once in a while (I still do this) is just listen to music. I play some music maybe while I’m getting things set up or while I’m doing my hair or makeup before I hit record. If I’m not feeling super energetic and I know I need to record a video, I will sometimes use music to kind of get the energy flowing for me. It’s like a pre-camera ritual that helps shift my mindset from regular, everyday me to my slightly amplified on-camera presence. The right song can transform my mood, loosen up my facial expressions, and help me tap into that heightened enthusiasm needed for the camera. It’s a simple hack, but incredibly effective for those days when the energy just isn’t naturally there. Whether it’s an upbeat playlist to elevate my mood or something that matches the tone of the content I’m creating, music has become an essential part of my pre-recording routine when I need that extra boost!

I still use this technique regularly. Before recording, I’ll play some upbeat music while setting up my equipment or doing final preparations. It naturally elevates my energy and gets me in the right headspace for being on camera.

4. Remember to Smile!

When recording, don’t forget to smile! That doesn’t mean forcing a grin the entire time—that would feel unnatural and maybe even a little awkward. Instead, think about how you would engage in a conversation with a close friend. You’d naturally smile, laugh, and express yourself in a way that feels warm and inviting. The same principle applies on camera! Amplifying your emotions helps convey authenticity and connection, making your message more engaging. If it doesn’t come naturally, try placing a sticky note near your camera as a gentle reminder. A genuine smile can make all the difference in how your audience perceives you—so let it shine!

It sounds so simple, but it makes a massive difference in how you come across. In normal conversation with friends, you naturally smile and show expression. On camera, many people inadvertently adopt a serious “concentration face” that can make them appear stern or disinterested.

If you need a reminder, put a small sticky note near your camera with “SMILE!” written on it. It’s not cheating – it’s giving yourself the tools to succeed!

Embrace the Learning Process

Feeling awkward on camera? That’s totally normal! The key is to push through the discomfort and keep practicing. Every little trick helps—whether it’s a sticky note reminder, a go-to playlist that hypes you up, or simply pretending to be confident until it feels real. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes. I know this firsthand—if you watched my early videos (please don’t!), you’d see just how awkward I was. But I showed up anyway, kept going, and over time, I improved. So don’t wait until you feel ready—just start, keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

Improvement comes from being willing to see your own weaknesses in the editing process and then consciously working to address them in future videos. For instance, I noticed I would blink excessively when trying to find my words. Once I became aware of this habit, I could work on pausing, taking a breath, and gathering my thoughts instead.

5. Join a Group Zoom Call, Meetup, or Host Your Own Live Stream!

One of the best ways to get comfortable on camera is by practicing in a live setting! Join a Zoom call, attend a group Meetup, or even go live on your own channel. These experiences help you gain confidence by simply having a conversation through the camera. The more you show up and engage, the more natural it will feel—so find opportunities to get those reps in and start improving today!

Practice Makes Comfortable

The bottom line is that there’s no substitute for practice. The more you talk to the camera, the more natural it becomes. Here are some ways to get those reps in:

Join group video calls where you can practice speaking on camera in a low-pressure environment
Do live streams on social media platforms
Record practice videos just for yourself
Join online communities focused on video creation where you can get feedback and support

Conclusion

Becoming comfortable on camera doesn’t happen overnight, but it absolutely can happen. The key is to start before you feel ready, pretend you’re comfortable until you actually are, and keep showing up consistently.

Remember my simple formula:

Pretend you’re comfortable
Practice regularly
Pay attention to areas for improvement
Persist even when it feels awkward

Your natural, confident on-camera presence is waiting on the other side of that practice. Trust me, if I can go from an awkward, behind-the-scenes person to someone who’s completely comfortable talking to a camera, you can too!

I’d love to invite you to join me inside Video Brand Academy! We host multiple meetups every month, giving you the perfect opportunity to practice speaking on camera in a supportive environment. From my What’s Working Now sessions, where I share the latest YouTube trends and tactics, to deep-dive analytics calls and open office hours for Q&A and brainstorming—there’s something for everyone. The best way to gain confidence on camera is simply by showing up and practicing, and Video Brand Academy is the perfect place to do just that. Come join us and take your on-camera skills to the next level!

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