Got your first on-camera appearance coming up? Feeling a little… stage frighty?
Totally normal — and totally fixable. While being in front of the camera might seem intimidating, feeling natural on camera is easier than you think (we promise).
We’ve worked with hundreds of “real people” (read: not actors) across everything from video testimonials to company story videos, explainer videos, and corporate video interviews — so we know what it takes to help someone relax, show up, and shine.
Whether you’re prepping for your first shoot or just want to brush up on your skills, here are our top tips for acting natural on camera — and actually enjoying it.
1. Practice makes (almost) perfect
Cliché? Yes. Crucial? Absolutely.
Chances are, you’ll be given a script, talking points or questions in advance. If not, ask for them. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel.
Once you’ve got your material:
- Read it out loud
- Rehearse in front of a mirror
- Record yourself and watch it back
Look for awkward hand movements, rushed speech, or nervous ticks. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s familiarity. When you know your content inside out, the nerves have way less power.
2. Use your real voice
Here’s the golden rule: don’t try to sound like a newsreader.
Trying to force a “professional voice” often backfires — it feels stiff and unnatural. Instead, speak like you would to a friend over coffee. Your real voice is more relatable, more trustworthy, and way more engaging on camera.
Pro tip: Imagine you’re speaking to someone you know just behind the lens. That mental shift helps you relax into a natural tone and pace.
3. Make eye contact and remember to smile
When people get nervous, their eyes go everywhere but the lens — up, down, sideways, anywhere that’s not the camera. We get it.
If you’re being filmed directly (e.g. talking head or teleprompter video), train yourself to focus on the lens. It creates the feeling of eye contact for your audience and builds instant connection.
And yes — remember to smile. Even a soft smile makes your delivery warmer and more confident. Bonus: it also tricks your brain into calming down. Science!
4. Dress the part (and avoid stripes)
You don’t need a full makeover, but it pays to wear something you feel confident in. Try on a few outfits beforehand and see how they look on camera (natural light and phone cam will do).
Avoid:
- Stripes or tight patterns (they mess with the camera)
- Big logos or slogans (unless it’s your brand)
- Distracting jewellery or noisy accessories
Solid colours work best — and if in doubt, ask your video production team for wardrobe tips.
5. Breathe. You’ve got this.
At the end of the day, it’s just a conversation. You don’t need to nail it in one take (no one does). A good production team will help guide you through and make sure you come across as your best, most confident self.
So take a deep breath. Relax your shoulders. Smile.
You might be surprised at how natural you actually look.
Need a little more help getting camera-ready?
We’re We Know Video — a leading video production agency in Sydney, working with businesses across Australia and abroad. Whether you’re filming a corporate video, a testimonial, or a company story, we know how to get the best out of real people on camera.
Get in touch with our Sydney video production team — we’ll help you look and feel like a pro.
