Connecting on Camera: Practical Tips

Eye contact

Make eye contact with the camera. Don’t stare it down. Looking away from the camera occasionally makes your performance seem authentic — but very briefly.

If there are other people in the shot, look at them occasionally. It shows you can relate to your audience.

Body language

Keep your back straight and drop your shoulders back and down. An upright and open posture communicates authority. Here’s an interesting article from Psychology Today about how an open posture also makes you feel more powerful: How to Succeed by Having Good Posture.

Use your hands to gesture. This helps you look natural. It adds energy to the video. But don’t thrust them forward to the camera. They’ll look huge.

Never put your hands behind your back or in your pockets. That distracts.

If you’re standing, stay balanced and comfortable by keeping your feet about hip-width apart.

Voice

Speak in your natural voice. Don’t put on a fake voice that is way lower than your regular voice.

Breathe naturally. People tend to collapse their diaphragm when they’re nervous. That strains their voices and makes them lose their breath easily. Taking deep breaths expands your diaphragm.

End your sentences on a low note. If you upbeat, you’ll sound insecure.