Get Over Recording Jitters

Published Jul 22, 2011

Sometimes making a speech or having to present in front of strangers can get quite frightening, and the same can be said about recording a video. You start forgetting what you were trying to say, mumble more than you should, and your voice wavers. It's pretty stressful. Here are a couple of easy things you can do to be more comfortable in front of a camera to make your video more successful!

VideO Speaking in Front of the Camera

Make a plan. By mapping out what you're going to talk about, the frames you need to get, and the general timeline of what is going to happen in your recording, you can better plan what you are going to do. Having focus contributes to more productive footage and will help prevent the occasional blank stop and continued use of fillers like "um" and "uh."
Do practice runs. If this is going to be your first (or even the second, third, or fourth) time recording a video, it's still something new to you. Flipping on the camera and just talking at it can help you feel more comfortable so you don't feel quite so overwhelmed when that black eye is staring at you when you put the time aside to actually record a real tutorial.
Get used to speaking for recording. Because you can hear yourself doesn't always mean that we can too. Depending on what kind of camera you have, it might not be able to pick up sound if you speak very softly. Make sure you are clear, audible, and that you don't speak too fast or even too slowly. Taking too long to explain what eye shadow you are using makes the viewer lose interest. However, if you talk too fast, they won't be able to understand what you are saying.
Keep to the information needed. When describing a technique or even naming a product you're using, try to keep focus and stay on subject. Telling the story about how long it took for you to buy the lip gloss at the counter might make viewers lose interest when they just want to see you put it on your lips.
Be genuine. People are watching your videos because they want to see you. Be upbeat. When you enjoy recording, it reflects in your attitude and can be seen visibly through the screen. Just being relaxed and having a good time can lend to making sure you accomplish all the above steps. Have fun with it!

Beautylish Tip: Make sure that when you're speaking, talk to the lens of the camera and not the display screen. By having direct eye contact, the viewer always feels more engaged!