Confidence on Camera: 3 Common Struggles and How to Overcome Them

Laura Doman
Jun 24
4 min read

Go from "meh" to memorable by building real confidence on camera

So… your camera’s on. Your notes are ready. Your lighting is okay-ish. And yet, you freeze.

Why?

Because showing up confidently on camera can feel like walking a tightrope while trying not to hate how you look and how your voice sounds in playback. (Spoiler alert: everyone hates how they appear on video at first.)

The good news? On-camera confidence isn’t some magical gift bestowed upon actors, YouTubers, and TEDx speakers. It’s a learnable skill, and it starts with understanding what’s really getting in your way.

Let’s look at the top three reasons people feel awkward, insecure, or just plain panicked when the red light goes on… and how to fix them.

Confidence on camera isn’t about perfect lighting or flawless delivery—it’s about connection, not perfection.

Three people holding up signs with "0" in front of a colorful striped curtain, appearing serious. Brown carpet on the floor.

1. Stop the Self-Judgment On Camera: You're Not Here to Win a Beauty Pageant

We’ve all been there.

You finally hit “record” and suddenly all you can think about is:

Why is my forehead so shiny?
Do I always blink that much?
Wait... is that a new wrinkle?!

Here’s the truth: your viewers don’t care about your flyaway hair.They care about your message.

Unless you’re live-streaming to a group of teenage girls, no one is there to critique your appearance. They’re watching because they believe you can help solve a problem. Teach them something. Make them feel understood.

👉 So stop turning the spotlight inward.

👉 Start focusing outward - on them.

Pro tip: Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from connection.

Two women in a discussion on stage; one wears a paper bag over her head. Red curtains and a podium with a microphone are visible.

2. Overcome Fear of Public Speaking: You're More Ready Than You Think

Not feeling like the expert? Welcome to Imposterville. Population: um, everyone.

Maybe you’re unsure of your material. Maybe you're not used to speaking on this particular platform. Or maybe that tiny voice in your head keeps whispering: “Just who do you think you are?”

Here’s the fix: Talk like you're speaking to a friend. Not your entire LinkedIn following or even some nebulous audience. Just one person who’s right in front of you.

Technically … it’s true! Most video viewers watch solo, so talking to camera is, in a way, a 1:1 experience. Personal, conversational, and intimate, as in a familiar or close way.

Preparation is essential, too. Know your stuff inside and out. That way, you’re not worrying about “getting it right.” You’re just sharing what you know.

Remember:

Your audience wants you to succeed.
They’re rooting for you.
They’ll forgive a fumble if your value shines through.

Man with headphones speaking into a microphone in a bright office, surrounded by plants. He's in a suit, gesturing animatedly.

3. Get Comfortable On Video: Practice Makes Presentable

Let’s be honest: talking to a cold, silent lens is weird. It just is.

You don’t get facial reactions. Or nods. Or that little “mm-hmm” of validation. Oftentimes, it’s just a little bright colored light on your laptop… and it’s certainly not reacting to you at all.

It’s no wonder it feels unnatural at first.

But here’s the deal: The camera gets less scary the more you use it.

Try these confidence-building habits before going on video:

Warm up. Move your body. Loosen your jaw. Do a few vocal exercises. (No, humming loudly at your pet doesn't count—but it’s a start.)
Hydrate. Dry mouth = bad enunciation = self-conscious spiraling.
Breathe. Seriously. Check out my video on breathing exercises to quickly calm and steady yourself, if you find yourself turning into a statue before your shoot.
Practice. Record. Watch it back. And be nice to yourself while doing it.
Imagine. No one to talk to? Keep a real person in your mind’s eye. Put their photo next to the lens. Or… ask a real person to stand behind the camera and talk to THEM directly.

Remember, you don’t have to love how you look or sound. You just have to keep showing up.

“Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from connection.”

Bonus: Want Authenticity Online? It's All About Being Present

Here’s your permission slip to stop chasing the perfect take.

Mess-ups happen. You’ll forget a line. You’ll stammer. You might even say “uhhh” more times than you’d like.

But that’s okay.

Your audience isn’t looking for a polished robot.They’re looking for a real human being with something helpful to share.

So take the pressure off.Smile. Speak. Connect.Your confidence will grow with each video you make—not before.

What's your confidence-buster?

0%How I look like, sound, or come across on camera
0%How to set up and use video to make a good impression
0%How to be effective without a live audience to talk to

Final Thoughts: Confidence Comes From Action

Confidence isn’t some mystical energy you have to summon before you press “record.”It’s the reward for doing the thing—even when it feels awkward.

So the next time you’re tempted to shrink back from the camera?

👉 Remember this: Your job is to show up. Serve. Be real.

The rest will come with practice (and a little self-kindness).

Now go ahead. Hit that red button. You’ve got this.

Want some 1:1 help? Let's schedule your complimentary assessment session.

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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.