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How To Get Over Your Fear Of Video

Kirsten QuinnVideo

How to get over your fear of video in 12 tips. This is your comprehensive no-fear guide to rocking video marketing no matter how much you it scares you. 

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Part of the fear of stepping in front of the camera comes from the uncertainty of it all. 

First, we worry about what to say, from scripting to presentation skills. 

Then we worry about how we look and sound on camera. 

Once the shoot is finished, we continue to worry about all the things we forgot to say or want to change about ourselves. 

And even once the video is done, we worry about the best way to post and market the video. 

When does it end?!

For most people, video marketing can be a non-stop stress cycle — until you get your first one done and out in the world. 

Then, it all gets a little easier. 

Because, once your first video is said and done, you’ll realize you really worried for nothing.

Your network loves hearing from you on video. You’ll see the positive feedback on social media. You’ll get compliments at events. And you’ll even start to hear from prospective customers. 

Then you’ll look back and think: What was I so worried about?!

To save you from that needless stress cycle, we compiled a list of 12 no-fear tips to help you get over your fear of video, so you can kick that uncertainty to the curb — and finally crush your first marketing video!

12 Tips: How To Get Over Your Fear Of Video 

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  1. Join a video subscription. 

The best way to get over your fear of the camera is to jump in front of it — and regularly. The more you give yourself consistent opportunities to practice, the more quickly you’ll move through the fear and into a place of confidence. 

By signing up for a video subscription subscription, you’re committing to that practice in a professional way. When you’re involving a video team and working with other professionals, it motivates you to show up fully and take the process seriously. You won’t give into your fears as easily as you would if your friend or co-worker was behind the camera. 

A couple options for video our video subscriptions include our Custom Video Subscription and SchlickArt Video Networking program. 

Our Custom Video Subscription is ideal for professionals who want to learn in the most comfortable setting possible and move at their own pace — because with this subscription, you control the show. You decide the set location, video length and style. We’ll do as many takes as you need to get it perfect, and we’ll coach you on everything from posture to speaking skills and messaging. Find out more about our SchlickArt Custom Video Subscription here

Our SchlickArt Video Networking subscription is perfect if you prefer the help of an audience to draw out your best performance. Our Video Networking Subscription brings together a small group of local professionals who practice giving their “networking pitches” to the camera, as well as an audience of their peers. We meet once a month and deliver video content to your inbox regularly. We only open up spots a couple times per year, so if you’re interested, inquire with Brian about possible openings. 

  1. Write it out. 

Whether you’re nervous or not, we always suggest writing out what you want to say before you jump in front of the lens. It helps you get your thoughts out of your head, and allows you to sort through them in an organized way. That way, you’ve worked through your ideas before you actually have to perform. Plus, it helps you hone in on your messaging to make sure it’s in line with your brand. 

When putting your ideas to paper, you can try a couple options depending on your style. Write it out word-for-word, as if you were talking to a potential client. Or if you prefer an overview approach, you can write down your introduction, main ideas, conclusion and call to action as bullet points. The important thing is to figure out what works for you. 

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  1. Practice, practice, practice!

We always tell people this, and sometimes they do it; sometimes they don’t. But the bottomline is you need to feel prepared if you’re going to kick the nerves and get over your fear of video. So the important thing is to prepare in the way that makes you feel confident. 

A couple tips we give our clients include the classic, “Practice in front of the mirror,” as well as practice in front of a friend or a group of coworkers who make you feel comfortable. 

While this might seem like the most obvious tip, it’s a common one because it works. So make sure you practice if you want a shot at relaxing in front of the camera — instead of going blank. 

  1. Dress the part. 

For most people, the fear of the camera comes from worrying about how you look and sound in the final product. Dressing the part is one of the easiest ways to increase that sense of confidence. 

That means choosing an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident yet also matches your brand. At first, you may even want to overdress a bit just to make sure you feel your best. Ladies, make sure your hair and makeup is the way you usually wear it to see your clients, but you can add a little more foundation than you usually wear when it comes to being on camera. Think a “night look” versus a “day look.” 

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  1. Check yoself!

I think everyone has feared, at some point, getting in front of the camera only to find out later that you had a giant piece of spinach in your teeth — or something equally as embarrassing. 

That’s why, while it may seem obvious, we remind people to briefly check their appearance in the mirror right before they step in front of the camera. Look for any flyaway hairs, pieces of lint, crooked ties, crooked pieces of jewelry, bunchy shirts, and … an unzipped fly. 

At SchlickArt, we always pause to check your appearance on the most detailed level possible, and with a photographer’s eye, nothing gets past us. But if you don’t have a professional on set to check you, ask a friend to come take a look and be your back-up. 

  1. Breathe. 

Now, once you’ve gone through the steps to prepare up front, it’s time to prepare your mindset before you actually hit record. 

The most important thing you can do to calm down on the day of the shoot is simply to breathe. Take a breath before you begin your first word. Take a breath when you mess up the first time. Take a breath when you feel like you’re speaking too quickly. 

A long, slow, conscious breath will always reset you and bring you back to a place of calm, cool connectedness that will absolutely show up on camera. 

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  1. Slow down. 

Once you start, don’t forget to keep breathing. Don’t rush through it or power through it. Make sure you’re moving at a steady pace. Talk like you would to a friend; don’t rush through it like you hate being up there. 

If you own your space and take your time, you come across more confidently, and people will want to hear what you have to say. So take a breath, and slow down. 

  1. Give yourself a visual cue.  

Especially if you’re nervous, you’ll want to use some sort of visual cue the first few times, just to calm your mind. Even if you don’t end up needing it, the knowledge that you have notes to refer to will calm you down when the panic sets in. 

At SchlickArt, we provide the extra-large Post-it boards for clients to write out their notes or lines as big and bold as they need. Usually, after a few tries, our clients will forgo them entirely, or they’ll use the board to write down a brief bullet-point outline. You can also use an iPad or poster board. 

  1. Expect mistakes. 

060618 Video Networking SchlickArt 8305SRGBlowres 1 - How To Get Over Your Fear Of VideoWhile we’ve had clients wow us with a perfect take on the first try, you don’t want to create that expectation for yourself if you’re nervous. In fact, if you tell yourself to expect a mistake or two, then you take the pressure off — increasing the chance that you’ll actually ace your first take. But going into it with the hope that you’ll be absolutely perfect is not going to help calm your nerves. 

Remember that you can always take a second shot, and there will always be more opportunities to be on video and grow your presentation skills. You don’t need to be perfect right now, so don’t pressure yourself by setting up that expectation from the get-go. It will likely backfire. 

  1. Bring a friend.

If you’re really giving yourself a hard time and can’t get past the paralyzing fear of stepping in front of the camera, then bring a friend the first few times, until you get more comfortable. Everything is easier when you have a trusted friend of partner by your side, and video is no different. 

A few fun ways to include others in your videos are: testimonial videos, guest interviews, meet-the-team spotlights, co-hosting with your business partner and more. 

  1. Schedule it. 

Once you’ve gotten past your first video, you’re not done. Remember, the only way to truly overcome that fear is to simply get in front of the camera as often as you can. And the best way to do that is to schedule time for video in your calendar. If you don’t set aside time for future video practice, you won’t do it. Simple as that. 

But if you treat it like any other business task or to-do on your list, then you’re more likely to make real, lasting progress. And if it’s not on your calendar, it won’t happen. So schedule regular time for video, and you’ll will absolutely see progress with each attempt. 

  1. It’s bigger than you. 

Last but not least, if you still can’t get past the fear and take your first shot at being on camera, remember this: It’s bigger than you. 

In today’s world, video marketing isn’t about looking good or becoming Insta-famous. It’s about simply staying relevant as the entire market moves online. Video is not going away. In fact, it’s quickly become — by far — the most popular form of marketing for consumers and marketers alike. 

Your clients want to see you on video. They want to hear what you have to say. They want to see your smiling face and learn from you expertise! 

Video marketing is about sharing your value with the people who matter: your clients. It’s about making a difference with the value and information you have to share. And at the end of the day, it’s the most effective and compelling form of marketing that exists right now. 

Don’t you want that for your business? 

Isn’t that more important than having a bad hair day on camera?

Isn’t it worth it to get over your fear of video?

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Bottom Line: We can help you get over your fear of video.

We know how hard it is to step in front of that camera. In fact, we get nervous ourselves! That’s why every video product we offer is designed to help you get over your fear of video. We create a safe, comfortable environment for you to get over your fear of video, and then we walk you through it one step at a time.

If you don’t want to do this alone, we are here to help you get over your fear of video. And we promise we won’t stop until you finally feel like your best self when that camera turns on!

About Brian’s Santa Clarita Video

With years of professional experience, Brian not only has an eye for crisp visuals and engaging shots — but also an ear for powerful storytelling. In his vision, marketing video should communicate the why behind your business and present it to the world in the most compelling visual format possible. With a camera in his hand, Brian can turn a vision into reality and business-as-usual marketing videos into an opportunity to connect. And with his calm and supportive demeanor, he can help you get over your fear of video and feel confident in your message. 

About Our Santa Clarita Business Videos

SchlickArt Business Video Sessions are story-driven films about your business, non-profit, product or service. Our goal is to discover your ‘why’ — the true reason you do what you do. Our specialty is telling stories, and we believe communicating your story is the best way to build your brand. We can’t wait for you to see how the world notices when you take the time to tell your authentic story. And we can’t wait for you to see what it feels like when you get over your fear of video and step into the spotlight! 

About SchlickArt Photography and Video

SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.