
Behind the Lens with Lloyd Media Group
Stop wincing at how you look on camera and focus on improving instead.
We’ve all been there. You watch yourself on video and immediately cringe at how you look or sound. Here’s a little secret: most people, even seasoned professionals, like news anchors or actors, aren’t thrilled when they watch themselves on video. But if you’re serious about getting better on camera, that discomfort actually works in your favor.
Having a video of yourself offers insights that you’d never get otherwise. Instead of zeroing in on how awkward you think you are or obsessing over every perceived flaw, focus on these 10 things to improve your performance.
1. Body Language and Posture
Turn off the sound on your video and watch yourself. How’s your posture? Are you standing confidently, or are you slouching, crossing your arms, or leaning in ways that make you appear unsure or defensive? Your body language can communicate more than your words, so ensure it’s in line with the message you’re delivering. Body language speaks volumes before you even open your mouth.
2. Off-Camera Gestures
You might be gesturing with energy, but if those movements are below the podium or out of the camera’s view, your audience misses them entirely. Check that your gestures are visible and complement your message. Aim to gesture at chest height so they don’t get lost. However, avoid gesturing in front of your face – your expressions are a crucial part of the connection.
3. Distracting Pauses
Instead of saying “um,” many people unknowingly replace it with a visual cue like looking away, touching their face, or making repetitive gestures. These habits can be distracting and make you appear unsure. By spotting these patterns in your video, you can start to replace them with more intentional pauses or movements that don’t interrupt your message.
4. Handling Interruptions
Life happens during a presentation – whether it’s a phone ringing, applause, or someone sneezing. Check your video for how you react to these interruptions. Do you look flustered? Do you smile or laugh? Next time, you can plan ahead for how to handle similar situations smoothly.
5. Too Much Gesturing
Gestures are great for bringing energy to your presentation, but too many can overwhelm your message. Watch your video to see if you’re gesturing for every word or syllable. Use gestures sparingly and for emphasis. Think of them like seasoning—just enough to enhance your message, not so much that it overpowers it.
6. Clarity of Your Message
As you watch your video, does your message come through clearly from start to finish? Are there moments where you lose track or miss a key point? Ensure your words, gestures, and expressions all contribute to delivering a clear, focused message. A scattered delivery can make it hard for your audience to follow along or remember what you’ve said.
7. Facial Expressions That Match Your Words
Your face is a crucial part of your connection with the audience. Sometimes, we think we’re smiling or showing enthusiasm, but our faces tell a different story. Review your expressions in the video. Are you smiling when you talk about something exciting? Or do you have a neutral or downturned expression that doesn’t match your words? Adjusting your facial expressions can make a huge difference in how your message is received. Even a subtle smile can improve audience engagement.
8. Body Movement
Do you sway back and forth, or walk in a repetitive pattern when you speak? If so, this can be distracting. Make sure your movements are purposeful. If you like moving around the stage, vary your movements and stop at key points to punctuate your message. Try forming a triangle with your steps, rather than pacing in a straight line. If you’re stationary, plant your feet shoulder width apart. It helps you stop swaying.
9. Nerves
You might feel nervous, but chances are your audience doesn’t even notice. It always shocks me when people could not tell I was nervous during a past on-camera bit. Watch your video and see if you look as nervous as you felt. If you still aren’t sure, ask a friend for feedback. More often than not, speakers are surprised to find that their nerves don’t show as much as they think. Knowing this can help boost your confidence next time.
10. Celebrate What Went Right
Finally, don’t just focus on the things that need improvement. Pay attention to what you did well! Did the audience laugh at the right time? Did you nail a dramatic pause or deliver a line with perfect timing? These moments of success are just as important as identifying what to fix. By recognizing what works, you can make sure to do it again in future presentations.
Stop cringing at the sight of yourself on camera. Instead, take a deep breath and use what you see to become the best speaker you can be. Embrace the opportunity to grow. With each recording, you’ll become a more polished, confident speaker.