What can you learn from singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles about getting over your fears of being on-camera? Find out in this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk Video!”
Today’s viewer question about getting over your fears of being on-camera comes from Hillary in Seattle, WA. She writes:
Hi Steve & Jaime,
I own a bakery in the Seattle area and I get a lot of business from people finding out about my bakery online. I’ve been thinking about adding videos to my website and social media pages, and maybe even creating a weekly baking show. But the thought of getting in front of the camera is terrifying to me. Do you have any advice to help me get over my fears?
Thanks Hillary…that’s a great question and YES, we definitely agree that doing a weekly baking blog show is a brilliant idea!
Watch the full episode below to see our answer:
Regular Online Video Content Helps You Drive Traffic
Doing regular online video content helps you in a bunch of different ways. For example, it helps drive more traffic to your website, and build more awareness for your brand. It also helps you build rapport with potential customers, by giving them a chance to get to know YOU, in addition to just knowing about your business. The real power of online video lies in building an emotional connection with your viewers. The goal is for people to get to know, like and trust you. Doing a weekly blog show would be a fantastic way to go about accomplishing that goal.
As far as not being comfortable on camera, we totally get it. We’re not professionals in front of the camera either – we’re online video experts, not professional actors! We are still getting used to the idea of putting ourselves on camera too. However, we are doing it anyway, because we know that the potential rewards far outweigh the scariness of being vulnerable in front of our audience.
The truth is there’s really no way to get over your fears of being on-camera completely. You really just have to make the decision that it’s important enough to step through the fear and do it anyway. That being said, below is one simple technique you can try that should make it a little bit easier for you when you do get in front of the camera.
In Your Video, Focus on Your Target Audience
Before you start each video, think about WHO you are talking to. In other words, who is the target audience for your video? Please note: if you are doing videos for your business, then this should be your ideal client. Once you have identified who your ideal client is, try literally picturing one person, and imagine that you are talking directly to that one person while you are filming your video.
To make it easier, we suggest that you create an entire profile for the person you will be talking to. For example, think about who this person is by asking yourself specific questions about her identity like: what’s her name, what does she look like, hold old is she, what does she do for a living, is she married, how many kids does she have? Answering these questions will not only help you get clearer about exactly who you’re talking to, but it will also allow you to connect emotionally with her through the camera lens. Keep in mind that when you film your video, it should feel like you’re having a casual conversation with just that 1 person. It may sounds simple, but it really works to make the filming process seem a lot less scary and overwhelming.
Hillary, we really hope that advice helped you and we can’t wait to see your new videos and blog show. Please send us a link when it’s ready for viewing!
If you enjoyed this video, please leave a comment below. Tell us: what is your favorite technique for getting over YOUR biggest fears about being on-camera?
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If you have a question that you’d like answered on an upcoming show, please email it to us at: LetsTalkVideo@GeffnerProductions.com
To watch Sara Bareilles’ music video for her Grammy-nominated song “Brave” click here.