Can you even remember life before video existed? Think about how many videos are uploaded to the Internet every hour of every day. Now think about the fact that once something has been videotaped, it lives forever. So, how do you talk to a camera to make the speech possibly engaging and attractive to the audience?
Do you need to be prepared or does it come naturally? Let’s find all the essential points in the article. Many people feel anxious and uncomfortable when they don’t know how to talk to a camera, though this is a habit that can be changed if you learn how to talk engagingly or captivatingly on camera.
Why is It Important to Know How to Talk to a Camera?
Knowing how to talk on camera is truly vital as we live in an era where video content is rapidly growing and engaging more audiences from various platforms. Let’s see the main reasons why it’s essential to develop this skill:
- Communication: When you communicate effectively to your audience, you help more people get your message while you are presenting a product or service, or you just share your ideas. Learning the skills of how to speak on camera can help you connect with your viewers and deliver your message effectively.
- Professionalism: When you appear on camera, remember that you introduce yourself as a brand. Keep in mind that manner can make a significant difference in your speech and how it can be perceived. Speaking with confidence fosters you to become trustworthy in the eyes of your audience.
- Engagement: Video content is one of the best options to communicate with the audience as it is more engaging than written content. Delivering your message through video can help you attract the attention of many people. It can increase interaction, followers, and potentially overall awareness about your brand.
10 Tips on How to Talk to a Camera
The truth is, our credibility is often judged by how we appear on camera. This way our audience decides whether they trust us and wish to connect with us after viewing only a few seconds of video.
If you feel confused, don’t worry, I am about to share some tips and tricks used by myself and other professional speakers on how to talk on camera, so you become an engaging speaker and your message has a chance of landing with your audience.
1. Always Be Prepared
Before you start taking a video, make sure you are ready. Plan your speech, and practice your script in front of a mirror or with a friend to make the process more natural and smooth.
Speak Clearly: When you’re on camera, you want to ensure your speech is clear and understandable. Speak slowly, so your audience can catch up with you.
2. Keep Eye Contact
Look directly into the camera while speaking. It will help you keep in contact with your audience and create the feeling as if you’re talking to them.
3. Use Gestures
Don’t forget about the importance of body language while conveying a message. Use hand gestures and facial expressions to emphasise key points and add interest to your delivery.
4. Dress Properly
Make sure you have dressed up appropriately. It will also help you feel confident while delivering your speech.
5. Take a Breath and Be Yourself
Don’t forget to be yourself on camera. Remember that being you and staying authentic is the most attractive feature for the audience. So, don’t try to fake it. Believe that your audience will appreciate your openness.
How to Talk to a Camera as a True Expert?
If you wonder how to sound as an expert, here are more tricks I would be delighted to share with you. As an expert who delivers speech on multiple platforms, I have learned a lot and I want you to master it as well. By following these tips on how to talk on a camera, you will be able to feel and look relaxed to your audience. And in today’s age of video marketing, that’s an excellent skill to have!
6. Make it about the Audience
By far, the number one mistake speakers make, whether on stage or in front of a camera, is to focus almost exclusively on themselves.
This on camera tip is to give all of your attention to the people in the audience.. Think about the following questions while preparing a speech to talk on camera:
- What do they need help with?
- What are they hoping to learn in this video?
- What stresses do they have?
- What challenges do they face?
- And how can I help them overcome these?
Don’t focus on how you look or sound. The less you think about yourself and the more you think about helping others with your expertise, the more relaxed you’ll be.
7. Don’t just Memorise
Know your topic and points inside and out, but don’t memorise word-for-word how you will present those points. This puts an excessive amount of pressure on you and makes it almost impossible for you to remember everything you want to say. So, know your topics but then just speak naturally.
8. Be an Expert
If you stick to talking about what you know best, you’ll feel more relaxed and at ease. Trust yourself to foster your audience to trust you.
9. Smile
If you smile, your viewers will instantly think of you as friendly, warm, and someone they can trust. As an added bonus, smiling instantly makes you feel better and more relaxed. Try it right now. See?
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
Mastering any new skill takes practice, and appearing relaxed on camera is no different. Practice by recording yourself with your smartphone and honestly critiquing your own performance. Ask loved ones to watch the recording and give you their honest feedback.
This week, I want you to start practising these tips. Record yourself doing something as simple as giving your company elevator pitch or value proposition on camera, then watch it back.
What do you notice? What do you think could use improvement? Keep at it and you will see that each time you record yourself, you will get better and better!
Are you following us on Linkedin yet? Follow us for more tips for speaking on camera, insights, and news to support you on your journey.
Created with Lunacy
