How To Feel More Confident on Camera for Social Media Content

Getting comfortable being on camera was a huge hurdle that I had to get over when I first began Essence Social Media, and I am not alone. It's a pain point for many entrepreneurs from my experience. If you're in the same boat, then keep reading. I've got a few things to try that may help.

For me, the biggest game changer for feeling confident on camera was when I challenged myself to do a 30-day-long series talking directly to camera about content creation tips. If you scroll far enough back in my Reels, you'll find them all. I'm not saying you have to do this, but it was an eye-opening experience for me. Looking back, it's incredible to see the change in how I showed up. Additionally, I learned things about filming myself and creating content during that time that I'm still just realizing.

If you aren't ready to talk directly to camera for 30 days straight, I get it haha. These are the things I would recommend you try instead.

1. Only capture photos and videos of yourself when you're feeling it. If you're under the weather, tired or in a bad mood, that will read in the energy you give off in your content. So, try not to force creating content. It's not a bad thing to have a routine of when, where and how you want to do it, but don't push yourself if you really aren't feeling good that day.

2. Especially if your brand is fun, energetic and full of movement, try putting music on and just filming yourself dancing. I won't lie. Sometimes you'll look at the video afterwards and think to yourself that no one ever needs to see that other than you, BUT usually you can find little moments where everything flows and feels natural. Those are the snippets you can save and use for Reels and TikToks over and over and over.

3. Make sure you look at the lens on your phone and not at yourself on screen. We (your audience) can tell you're looking at yourself. I know it's a tough habit to break, but it's a necessary one. Also, this will absolutely help you to stop scrutinizing every move you make while you're filming and be more focused on what you're doing and/or saying.

4. Before you begin, think about a narrative or a motive for yourself. Some simple b-roll ideas for you might be: you just sat down with your morning coffee to begin working, you're tidying up your desk, you're sorting through new arrivals for your shop, you just started working with your dream client, etc. You have to have some sort of reason for why you're filming, otherwise you'll just end up looking awkward because you don't know what to do.

5. Get goofy. I know this will feel strange, but some of my best footage of myself was captured when I got a little silly. Also, a little liquid courage never hurts, if you're feeling it.

6. Hype yourself up, however that looks for you. I like to reward myself with a little treat after I'm done making content, so I'm basically treating myself like a dog. It works though!

7. Last but not least, when picking audios choose the ones you truly like and can relate with. If you're doing a lip sync-style video, this is extra important. This style of Reel is really all about delivery, so if you don't believe it your audience won't either.