Speaking on Camera: 3 Expert Tips For On-Camera Confidence
Ed Darling
5 min read
What you’ll learn:
- How to feel calm and confident speaking on camera.
- Video speaking tips for podcasts, panels, and marketing videos.
- Technical tricks to match your delivery to the camera frame.
Speaking on Camera is a Valuable Skill
Whether you’re recording a LinkedIn video, guesting on a podcast, or being interviewed in the media — speaking on camera is a powerful way to become more visible in your industry.
Yet, while a few people leverage this “digital stage”, most people feel awkward & anxious speaking on camera — sometimes even more than a live audience.
As a public speaking coach, I’ve seen firsthand how a camera, lighting, and microphone can rattle even seasoned speakers. The good news? You don’t need years of media training or Hollywood-style confidence.
With a few mindset shifts, and some practical video speaking tips, you can feel more comfortable — and capable.
So where to get started? Let’s talk about your audience.
1. Speak to a Familiar Face, Not the Camera
How do you *actually* speak to a camera? There’s no face to look at, no human to respond, just a big judgemental lens zooming in on your every flaw!
No wonder people freeze up and sound like a stiff corporate robot. But here’s the first tip: your audience isn’t the camera — it’s real people watching on the other side.
How to speak “through” the camera:
1. Know your end-viewer: are you creating a professional video for clients? Something entertaining for your followers? Or an educational piece for colleagues?
2. Choose a specific person who represents your audience, ideally someone who you already feel comfortable and confident around.
3. When speaking to the camera, imagine that person watching on the other side of the lens. Speak to them, and visualise them nodding and smiling as you talk.
Why it works: Focusing on a familiar face helps you forget the camera, making your public speaking on camera feel natural and engaging.
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2. Rehearse to Nail Your On-Camera Delivery
Winging it might work for impromptu speeches, but relying on “future you” to ace speaking on camera is risky. Your first take is rarely your best, and nerves can make you ramble or freeze.
Rehearsal is the key to delivering polished, confident content, whether it’s a podcast, panel, or marketing video.
How to rehearse for different formats:
Podcasts, panels, or interviews:
- Plan your introduction — share who you are and why you’re there in a way that hooks the audience.
- Anticipate questions you might face. Email the host or producer for a question list if possible. Practice your answers, keeping them concise but natural to maintain spontaneity.
- Prepare a strong closing call-to-action for the “any final words” moment, like inviting viewers to visit your website or connect on LinkedIn.
Marketing videos, explainers, or how-tos:
- Define your key message: what do you want viewers to learn or do?
- Break your content into 1–2-minute chunks for easy editing and to suit short attention spans.
- Practice delivering each chunk to the camera, focusing on clarity and energy. Partial memorisation helps you sound prepared without sounding scripted.
Why it works: Rehearsal builds on-camera confidence, ensuring your public speaking on camera is cohesive and professional.
3. Match Your Style to the Camera Frame
Speaking on camera isn’t just about what you say — it’s about how you’re seen. The camera’s “frame” (what it captures) shapes your delivery.
Here’s how to adjust your style for common frames you’ll encounter:
Close-up (head and shoulders): Your face and voice do the heavy lifting. Keep your body still, use subtle facial expressions, and vary your tone to convey emotion. Avoid big gestures—they’re out of view.
Mid-shot (waist to head): Your upper body is visible, so use controlled hand gestures to emphasize points. Maintain strong posture to project confidence.
Wide shot (full body): Animate your body with purposeful gestures or slight movement to engage viewers. Think bigger, like you’re speaking to a live audience.
If you’re not operating the camera, ask the crew, “What’s the frame?” Then tailor your delivery to match. This small tweak makes your public speaking on camera look polished and professional.
Why it works: Aligning your gestures and energy with the frame ensures your video speaking tips land effectively, enhancing your on-camera presence.
Speak on Camera Like a Pro
Speaking on camera can feel daunting, but it can grow your audience, build your career, and expand your business. So don’t let a few insecurities stop you. The more you practice, the faster your on-camera confidence grows.
To recap, master speaking on camera by:
- Connecting with your audience by visualizing a familiar face behind the lens.
- Rehearsing your content to deliver with clarity and confidence.
Adjusting your delivery to match the camera’s frame for a polished performance.
Here’s to your speaking on camera success,
Ed