How I'm getting more comfortable on camera as an introvert

Sometimes, I don't make sense to myself.

I can work a room of delegates, or speak on stage to an entire auditorium, when facilitating and speaking and feel abundantly confident. Heck, I even enjoy it.

It's my zone; it's where I thrive!

When working on Google's #I Am Remarkable initiative I also had no issues facilitating online workshops, and train-the-trainer sessions, to a global audience.

But ask me to speak JUST to a camera and I crumble.

For context, this is probably more of a challenge for me on a personal level as due to childhood bullying I lived with major self-esteem issues for many years. There's a whole decade of my life where not a SINGLE photo of me exists - because I'd have a full on panic attack if anyone pointed a camera in my direction.

I didn't like what I saw on camera, or in the mirror.

It caused me to feel significant shame.

I'd, quite literally, feel sick and horrified that my hideousness was being inflicted on others.

So, I hid from any form of lens.

Slowly, over a period of many years, I did the work to start loving myself and gradually my confidence grew.

I now have photos, and appear in videos, but I still experience a level of discomfort.

I know I'm not alone

Whilst my relationship history with the camera is quite extreme, I know that many people, especially introverts, aren't especially comfortable speaking on camera.

Quite often people in my networks talk about their discomfort in filming themselves.

But we're living in a digital age and, increasingly, it's becoming a necessity.

Especially for those who are running their own business.

To get clients trusting you, and wanting to work with you, you need to be seen.

So then how can we overcome these feelings?

Don't worry: I've got you!

The #1 hack for camera confidence

Everyone who's been on this journey, including influencers, agrees on one thing: the only way to get comfortable on camera is to...practice!

Just like anything, really.

Even if you start by just filming yourself and not publishing it anywhere, regularly sitting in front of a camera and speaking will help it feel more familiar.

And familiar = comfortable.

Because I'm really trying to let people know I exist this year, and market my digital products (that I KNOW offer tremendous value), I've committed to posting on TikTok three times a day for 30 days.

Now, not all of this content requires me to talk on camera and it took me five full days of posting other stuff before I could muster the confidence to make my first video, but I am definitely already a little less flustered than I was when I started.

The first time I was red-cheeked, shaking and my mouth kept going dry.

So, if you've been holding back on putting yourself out there take this as your sign to take action TODAY!

Even if no one sees whatever you record.

Do it.

Do it now.

YouTube's Top 3 Camera Tips

When I was on the Google project and facilitating online, I'd share YouTube's filming tips with my delegates.

So, as a bonus, I'm going to share them with you.

If you're anything like me, feeling technically prepared is half the battle.

Here you go:

1. The MOST important thing you need to get right is lighting. Film near, and facing, a window, or invest in a ring light. Do NOT ever record with a window or light source behind you.
2. Look at the camera lens, not yourself. This mimics eye contact and makes you seem like you are having a natural conversation with the viewer.
3. Position yourself in the middle of the frame. Head and shoulders is sufficient. Don't look down into the camera, or you risk everyone looking up your nose!
4. Ensure you're in a quiet environment. It's not necessary to have a microphone if you're somewhere quiet, but even WITH a mic you want to avoid distracting background noise.

And a little bonus tip from me: it can be helpful to script what you want to say so that you have your ideas ordered in your mind but reading your script will make you seem robotic, not authentic.

So, write a script, but don't worry about sticking to it exactly: the most important thing is that you convey your central message.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone it may help ??

Much love,

Sam

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P.S.?Ways I can help you:

1. Download your FREE ebook, An Introvert's Guide to Escaping the 9 to 5 here.
2. Check out my digital products for introverts here. Some of them are FREE!
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4. Connect with me on LinkedIn here or via my website here.
5. Follow me on TikTok to get inspiration on how to escape the 9-5 and build passive income here.

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About Me

I'm Sam ? and I'm on a mission to change the workplace bias towards extroversion, to achieve greater, intersectional, inclusivity for introverts.

As well as help high achieving introverts to thrive without changing who they are.

Companies:

I offer consulting, training and coaching for DEI professionals, leaders/ managers and those involved in hiring.

I am also a keynote speaker.

p.s. I LOVE to travel ??

Introverts:

I can help you achieve your professional goals, feel confident in your introversion and be able to step into your power OR I can help you escape the 9-5 and achieve optimal wellbeing through financial freedom.

DM me for more information!