How to talk to a camera

How can you talk to plastic and electronics on a tripod and make it seem real? What can you do to keep your performance natural? Imagine the camera is a person. It can be your best friend, someone you find it easy to talk to, or a typical viewer. If you’re hosting a shopping channel imagine a typical buyer, if you’re presenting a pre-school TV show imagine a four year old on the sofa.

The TV presenter has to speak to the viewer through the lens, so if you imagine the camera is a person your performance will be sincere. We're used to video conferencing, Skype chats, social media video calls ... but many of us still get nervous when presenting to camera.

Instead of fearing talking to a camera, think of being in your lounge, relaxing at home, and talking to the camera as if it's a friend who you've asked round for tea. Breathe, smile, look the person (camera) in the eye and ask if they'd like milk and sugar! If your mind goes blank and you can't remember what to say, remind yourself that you don't plan everything you are going to say in advance before you have a chat with a friend, so trust that if you can overcome the nerves your words will make sense. Keep it conversational.

How do we watch TV? Usually on our own, or with another person, so when you're speaking to camera, talk to one or two people max. Even if hundreds, thousands or millions are watching your broadcast, they are in their own space. Make it personal and the viewer will relate to you, it's as if you are talking to them individually, create a bond through the camera, keep looking at the camera, don't allow your eyes to wander.

There are similarities with radio presenting. We tend to listen to radio on our own - in the bathroom, the car, doing the ironing or through headphones. So if you’re presenting a radio show imagine talking to one listener. "I've got a great show lined up for you today, so come down memory lane with me as I play all of your favourites from movie music."

What language should you use? If you’re on stage presenting a public event you might say, ‘Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen’. If you’re hosting a children’s party, you use,‘Hello girls and boys’, or ‘Hello everybody’. This doesn't work for TV - too generic, talk to one or two viewers, not the crowd.

It’s about being relatable, connect with the camera so the viewer can connect with you.

I hope you found this useful. To read more see So You Want to be a TV Presenter, by Kathryn Wolfe, Nick Hern Books, 2010.