Turning Camera Shyness into On-Screen Shine: Overcoming Video Anxiety
Does turning your phone’s camera over to yourself and hitting that big red record button have you quivering in your boots with anxiety?
Are you tempted to punch out some faceless, AI-generated content just to avoid the camera?
HOLD. UP. A. MINUTE.
Those faceless videos might seem like an easy fix and all the rage at the moment, but that’s exactly what they are. A trend.
They end up looking just like everyone else’s faceless videos—lacking personality and real value.
So let’s chat, just like your kid’s soccer coach would when the team is down and desperate, about why that’s just not going to cut it and how you can truly stand out.
Tough Love about Showing up on Camera
I want you to think about what you’re doing as you’re scrolling through your socials. When you watch a video, are you judging the speaker, or are you soaking in the knowledge or entertainment they provide?
Exactly. Your audience is looking for something genuine and valuable, not a cookie-cutter clip that could come from anyone.
Nobody cares what you look like or sound like. They really care about is what value you are providing them. How are you making their life easier, better, or more entertaining?
So if you're willing to put your big girl or big boy pants on and start going in creating your own videos, but you are still really, really anxious and you have not hit that record button yet, I've got two ways that I doubt you have heard of that are going to help you build that video muscle.
Because let's face it, creating video and that habit of creating video is building a muscle.
Two Unconventional Ways to Build Your Video Confidence
If the idea of hitting that record button still has you sweating, here are two creative strategies to ease into the world of video:
Start a Video Diary: Make it a habit. Set a daily reminder to record a brief video talking about your day. What challenges did you face? How did you tackle them? What’s next? This is just for you, so no pressure at all. The goal is to get comfortable talking to the camera as if you're talking to a friend.
Use Marco Polo for Practice: Grab your biggest supporter—be it a friend, sibling, or partner—and start using the Marco Polo app. It’s a video chat app that feels like sending video voicemails. It’s casual, it’s real, and it’s a fantastic way to get comfortable in front of the camera by simply talking to someone you trust.
Final Push: Just Do It!
Remember, the videos you record are essentially conversations with yourself that you choose to share with the world. Most people might scroll past, but the ones who pause and listen are the ones who resonate with what you’re saying.
They are the ones that matter.
Building your video muscle takes practice, so start flexing it!
Are you ready to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight? Drop a comment if you’re ready to take the leap, or bookmark this post for days when you need a reminder that your voice matters. Let’s turn that camera on and start sharing your story with the world!