Do you feel a knot in your stomach at the thought of being in front of the camera for your podcast? Camera anxiety is real. Worrying about how you’ll appear in front of the camera is more common than you might think. Perhaps you’re concerned that your nervousness will show, or that you won’t come across as your genuine self. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but remember, your audience is there for the real you, not a polished persona. With that said, what are some best practices you can learn from podcast veterans to perform well in your podcast?
I remember the first podcast I joined.
My hands were clammy from the sweaty stress and my chest felt heavy. And when the cameras were rolling, it felt like there was something stuck in my throat.
But I got through it. And if it’s your first time, you’ll get through it too. Don’t think about it too much, and just get it over with – the first time is always harder than the next.
What if it’s not your first time?
It’s natural to want to improve your performance on camera, but podcast is a very specific medium that’s attractive to customers because it’s so raw and real. So how can you improve your performance in a podcast while still maintaining that raw aspect that podcasting brings?
By the end of this read, you’ll have a toolkit of strategies to help you appear more natural and engaging on camera. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster stepping into the visual realm or a newcomer eager to make your mark, these best practices will transform your on-camera presence.
Best Practice #1: Embrace Your Authentic Self
One of the first and most crucial steps in excelling in front of the camera is to embrace your authentic self. It sounds simple, yet it’s where many stumble.
The lens might seem daunting, but it’s just a medium, not a barrier between you and your audience.
Remember, viewers are drawn to authenticity; they want to connect with real people, not flawless robots.
The fear of judgement over how we look or sound can overshadow our content, but here’s a secret: viewers are more interested in what you have to say than in scrutinising your appearance.
In fact, Tasha Del Blanco, a veteran podcaster here at RedPandas, said to “lean into who you are and try not to get caught up on the camera. It’s your uniqueness that will resonate with your audience, not your ability to look perfect.”
So, how do you stay true to yourself on camera?
- Start by acknowledging your nervousness—it’s a natural response, not a flaw
- Accept that the person you bring in front of the camera is the same individual your listeners have come to appreciate. Your quirks, your laughter, even your mistakes make you relatable
- Focus on providing value to your audience. When you focus on delivering value and engaging sincerely with your topic, your genuine self shines through, and the camera becomes less intimidating
Best Practice #2: Preparing the Right Way
While you should embrace spontaneity, a bit of preparation goes a long way in boosting your confidence on camera. This doesn’t mean scripting your entire dialogue—your audience can tell when you’re reading versus when you’re speaking from the heart.
Instead, outline key points or have a loose agenda to guide your discussion. Spending just 15 minutes discussing these talking points with your co-host or guest beforehand can ensure a smoother flow once the camera rolls.
But preparation isn’t just about what you’ll say; it’s also about readying your voice and body. Simple tongue twisters or vocal warm-ups can work wonders in making your speech clearer and more dynamic. Likewise, a few deep breaths before recording can help alleviate tension, allowing you to speak more naturally and thoughtfully.
Remember, preparation isn’t about eliminating spontaneity; it’s about creating a comfortable framework within which your natural self can thrive. When you know your key points and have warmed up your voice, you’re more likely to engage in a relaxed and conversational manner, which is exactly what your viewers are looking for.
Best Practice #3: On Camera Techniques
Now that you’ve embraced your authenticity and prepared your content and self, let’s delve into some practical on-camera techniques to enhance your presence.
These small tweaks can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived by your audience:
- Never underestimate the power of a smile. Smiling not only makes you more approachable and engaging on camera, but it also has physiological benefits. It releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which can help reduce stress and make you feel more at ease. Whether you’re starting your podcast, in the midst of a discussion, or signing off, a smile can be your most powerful tool
- Focus on your breathing. When we’re nervous, our breaths become shallow, which can make our voice sound strained or anxious. By taking deep, controlled breaths, you not only calm your nerves but also ensure a stronger, more confident voice. If you ever find yourself tangled in your words or losing focus, pause and take a deep breath—it’s a simple reset that can bring you back to your centre
- It’s obvious, but it’s easy to forget – stay hydrated. A dry mouth is common when nervous, especially when talking extensively. Keeping water nearby during your podcast recordings ensures your voice remains clear, reducing the chances of those distracting mouth noises that microphones love to pick up
- Remember that your body language speaks volumes. Even if your podcast primarily focuses on audio, a video component introduces the element of visual perception. How you sit, your gestures, and your overall demeanour can influence how your message is received. Ensure your posture is open and inviting, and use natural gestures to emphasise your points. These visual cues can significantly reinforce your message and keep your audience engaged
By integrating these techniques, you’ll not only improve how you feel on camera but also how you connect with your viewers, making your podcast a more enjoyable and impactful experience for everyone involved.
Best Practice #4: Embrace The Imperfections
One of the most liberating aspects of being in front of the camera is learning to embrace your imperfections.
In a world that often celebrates polished, flawless presentations, showing your genuine, unfiltered self can be incredibly refreshing and endearing to your audience.
Remember, the essence of a successful podcast isn’t in the absence of mistakes but in the authenticity and passion you bring to your topic. Your audience is there for your insights, stories, and personality, not for a flawless performance.
When you make a mistake, laugh it off, correct it, and move on. This not only humanises you but also creates a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere for your viewers.
Being kind to yourself is crucial. Don’t beat yourself up over a fumbled word or a technical hiccup. These moments are part of the live or semi-live experience that makes podcasting unique and dynamic. Your willingness to be vulnerable and real on camera can foster a stronger connection with your audience, encouraging them to engage with your content on a more personal level.
Don’t fret if you’re not so great the first couple of times. Your journey of growth and improvement in front of the camera can be an inspiring narrative for your viewers. Sharing your progress, setbacks, and learnings can be a powerful way to engage with your audience, showing them that it’s okay to be a work in progress. After all, the most memorable and impactful content often comes from a place of genuine expression and evolution.
Embracing your imperfections isn’t just about accepting flaws; it’s about celebrating authenticity. By acknowledging your humanity and showing up as your true self, you create a space where your audience feels welcomed to be themselves, fostering a community of genuine interaction and mutual growth.
So, What’s Next?
Stepping in front of the camera for your podcast might seem daunting at first, but remember, it’s a journey that gets easier with practice and self-compassion. The authenticity you bring when you’re true to yourself resonates far more with your audience than any attempt to deliver a perfect performance.
And that’s the biggest takeaway you can bring with you into your next podcast.
But what if you’re shooting more specific marketing and sales videos? Should you still follow these same guidelines?
The reality is that podcasting, as mentioned in the introduction of this article, is a very unique medium, one that requires a specific approach. As you can imagine, other types of videos also require a different approach.
If you want to learn how to show up on camera effectively on the more typical marketing and sales videos, check out this article.
