Is camera confidence all in our heads? 🧠
In today’s digital landscape, camera confidence is no longer a skill reserved for actors and public speakers. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a content creator, or a professional, the ability to present yourself effectively on camera can make a significant difference in your business, career, and personal life. But what if you’re not naturally comfortable in front of the lens? The good news is that psychology offers actionable insights to boost your camera confidence. In this newsletter, we’ll explore four psychologically-backed ways to improve your on-camera presence.
Positive Self Talk
The Psychology Behind It
Positive self-talk is a psychological technique that involves replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Studies have shown that self-talk with positive content can promote positive psychological states and regulate cognition. Just as quickly as many of my clients and students are to say “No one will watch my videos”, “Who am I to speak on this topic?”, “What if I mess up badly or sound robotic and stuff?”, and my personal favorite… “I hate the sound of my own voice” – I want to encourage them to say more things like “What if the perfect prospect sees this video and I land a new client?” or “I know my stuff and I will share my expertise and knowledge with my audience.” or “What if I nail this video and people trust and respect me even more” and my personal favorite… “My voice can have a tremendous impact on anyone who views my video”.
How to Apply It
Before you go on camera, spend a few minutes engaging in positive self-talk. Repeat affirmations like “I am confident,” “I am capable,” “I know my stuff, and “I can do this.” This will help set a positive mental state that will shine through when you’re on camera. Don’t knock it until you try it. 😉
Action Steps
- Identify common negative thoughts you have before going on camera.
- Create a list of positive affirmations to directly counter these negative thoughts.
- Read This Article: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/positive-self-talk#benefits
Practice your affirmations regularly, especially right before you go on camera.
The Power of Visualization
The Psychology Behind It
Visualization is the act of creating a mental image of a desired outcome. This technique is often used by athletes to improve performance and has been shown to be effective in various settings. I often visualize myself having a great recording session and someone watching the final video and having their life impacted by it.
How to Apply It
Visualize yourself being confident and articulate on camera. Imagine the positive reactions from your audience and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel. Imagine what it will be like to have a conversation with someone who thanks you directly for creating your video content because it made a difference in their life!
Action Steps
- Take a few minutes to close your eyes and visualize a successful on-camera experience.
- Use all your senses to make the visualization as vivid as possible.
- Read This Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lidijaglobokar/2020/03/05/the-power-of-visualization-and-how-to-use-it/?sh=706007d16497
Repeat this exercise regularly to make it a habit.
Body Language and Non-Verbal Queues
The Psychology Behind It
Your body language can significantly impact how you’re perceived. Open, confident body language not only makes you appear more confident but can also make you feel more confident. This is something we have control over so why not put it into practice? Record yourself using open body language and then using closed-off body language. Note the difference when you watch the video back.
How to Apply It
Pay attention to your posture, facial expressions, and hand movements. Maintain eye contact with the camera to connect with your audience. A great tool for this is to use a teleprompter and put yourself on the screen. I find it way easier to speak to myself on a monitor (like in a mirror) than directly into the glass and metal of a camera lens.
Action Steps
- Practice good posture by standing or sitting up straight.
- Use hand gestures to emphasize points but avoid fidgeting.
- Smile naturally to convey warmth and approachability.
- Read This Article: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/7-body-language-habits-you-need-to-be-aware-of-in-video-calls
The Anchoring Technique
The Psychology Behind It
Anchoring is a cognitive bias where individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions. You can use this to your advantage by setting a positive “anchor” before you start filming. Get really specific with this and encourage your brain to help you out in the process.
How to Apply It
Before you hit the record button, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of a time you felt incredibly confident. This will serve as your anchor, helping you maintain that level of confidence throughout your time on camera. Think of a time when you thought you might bomb and instead, you were magnificent.
Action Steps
- Identify a moment in your life where you felt extremely confident.
- Use this memory as your anchor.
- Take a few deep breaths and focus on this anchor before you start filming. Read This Article: https://inlpcenter.org/nlp-anchoring/
Your Story, Your Success
Improving your camera confidence doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By applying these psychology-based techniques, you can significantly enhance your on-camera presence.
Remember, practice makes “progress”, so don’t hesitate to put these tips into action right away.
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