7 Simple Practices That Build Camera Confidence Daily
- Laura Doman
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Proven actor tricks to help you look confident, calm, and camera-ready every day
There’s a myth that on-camera confidence is something you’re born with, that natural ease only belongs to actors, influencers, or extroverts.
That’s nonsense. Camera confidence isn’t inherited; it’s trained, just like any other performance muscle.
I get it — being on camera can feel unnatural.
Even professional actors have to train for it.
Believe me, performing for the camera is its own specialized skill. The lens sees everything. It’s a flat, two-dimensional medium where even the smallest facial movement is magnified — from a nervous blink to a half-smile that doesn’t quite land.
On a huge theater screen or a big-screen TV, those tiny details can look enormous. That’s why actors spend years learning to be present and natural within that artificial frame — fully immersed in their roles and oblivious to the cameras around them.
There’s no room for self-consciousness on set. The audience can sense it instantly. And trust me, nervousness or uncertainty reads louder than any line of dialogue.
So when I coach clients who feel awkward on Zoom or dread hitting “record,” I tell them: you’re not alone even the pros had to learn it. The secret isn’t perfection. It’s practice. The more you do it, the less the camera feels like a threat - and the more it starts to feel like a trusted friend.
Confidence grows through repetition, not perfection.
To get you started, here are seven easy-to-do things you can do to develop camera confidence:
"You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up — consistently, authentically, and a little braver each time." - Laura Doman
1️⃣ Record Yourself for 30 Seconds a Day
Start every day by turning on your phone’s front camera and talking for 30 seconds. No script. No filter. Just say something. Anything.
At first, it’ll feel uncomfortable. Over time, it becomes second nature. You’ll start to notice micro-improvements: better tone, eye contact, posture, and pacing.
2️⃣ Watch Without Judgment
When you replay that 30-second clip, don’t critique - observe. Notice what feels natural. What gestures work? Where do you tighten up?
This is about awareness, not perfection.
3️⃣ Use “Warm-Up Minutes”
Before any video call, give yourself 2–3 minutes to warm up your voice and face. Loosen your jaw, roll your shoulders, take a few deep breaths, and smile.
Actors do it. Broadcasters do it. Professionals who look natural on screen don’t skip this step.
4️⃣ Practice Eye Contact with the Lens
Imagine someone you genuinely like sitting just behind the camera. Speak to that person. That emotional anchor transforms your delivery from stiff to sincere.
5️⃣ Do a Camera Confidence Walk-Through
Before recording, rehearse your message out loud while standing up and walking around. Your energy level on camera mirrors your physical state. Get your body involved - it keeps you from sounding robotic.
6️⃣ Reframe “Mistakes” as Natural
If you stumble over a word, breathe. Don’t start over. Natural speech includes pauses, restarts, and quirks - it’s what makes you real.
Audiences don’t want a performance; they want connection.
7️⃣ Reflect, Don’t Judge
After every video, ask yourself:
• What worked well?
• What can I adjust slightly next time?
Confidence grows from micro-adjustments, not massive leaps.
The Bottom Line
Camera confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of tiny, repeated acts of courage: hitting “record” even when you don’t feel ready, speaking with honesty instead of polish, and letting your true personality lead the way.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up - consistently, authentically, and a little braver each time.
Coach’s Tip
Want feedback on your short video? Send it my way - or better yet, book a complimentary 30 minute consult where we’ll pinpoint your on-camera strengths and build your signature style. (Button below)
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I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
