What Actors Know That You Don’t (But Should) About Being On Camera

Laura Doman
Jun 2
5 min read

How voice and on-camera acting skills can help non-actors rock the lens with ease and confidence

Not long ago, I was asked in an interview: “How does on-camera and voice acting inform on-camera readiness for non-actors?”

Great question. And honestly, it’s one that more professionals should be asking themselves before hopping on Zoom, shooting a LinkedIn video, or recording a presentation that sounds like someone reading their insurance policy aloud.

Let’s face it. Not everyone is dying to be on camera. In fact, many people would rather eat kale three meals a day than watch themselves fumble through another take. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be an actor to be good on camera—you just need to think like one.

Besides the specific, actionable techniques I teach in my On-Camera Confidence program (shameless plug, but seriously—it works), there are five actor-inspired mindset shifts that can make a huge difference in how you show up on screen. Whether you’re in a Zoom meeting, recording a training module, or just trying to not look like you’re in a hostage video, these tips will help you appear more natural, confident, and yes, even a little charismatic.

The secret? Connection, not performance.

That means staying grounded in the message, not in self-judgment.

Two women sit at a cafe table, engaged in conversation. Laptops and cups are visible. "Great Coffee" is on the wall behind them. — Imagine the camera is your friend. Coffee not included.

“Perfection is boring and hard for the viewer to relate to. Just be yourself—quirks and all.”

1. Get comfortable on camera by imagining you're talking to a friend

Let’s demystify the camera. It’s not judging you. It’s not silently mocking your haircut. It’s just a lens. And here’s the secret: the camera creates the illusion of a 1:1 connection. Chances are, your audience isn’t a big group watching on a Jumbotron. It’s one person. In their sweatpants. On their couch.

So instead of performing for a crowd, imagine you’re talking to someone specific—like your favorite client, your best friend, or that colleague who actually laughs at your jokes. When you shift into a more conversational, one-on-one energy, you come across as warm, relatable, and human. Which, let’s face it, is a pretty solid upgrade from robotically reciting your bullet points.

Woman in a light shirt shrugging with confused expression. Older man in pink shirt pointing at watch, appearing impatient. Plain background. — Oops.... Can i have a do-over?

2. Stop being a perfectionist on video

Here’s some freeing news: you don’t need to be perfect on camera. You don’t even need to be polished. In fact, being a little quirky makes you more likable.

Actors aren’t cast because they’re flawless. They’re cast because they’re interesting. They bring quirks, depth, and humanity to their roles—whether that means a crooked smile, an odd vocal tic, or a well-timed eye-roll.

And guess what? Your audience doesn’t relate to perfection. They relate to people.

So embrace the occasional “um,” the side-eye to your notes, or the sudden appearance of your cat in the background. That’s called being real. (Though yes, we do want to ditch the filler words, like “you know” or “like,” if they’re taking over your sentences. That’s a fixable habit, and we work on that in my program.)

Two women sit in armchairs having a conversation. One wears a red blouse, the other gray. A laptop is on a small table between them. — Just 'cause it's business doesn't mean you have to be formal and presentational.

3. Speak conversationally in business videos

Here’s an actor’s secret sauce: acting is reacting. That means staying present and responding in real time—not just spouting off memorized lines like a voicemail greeting.

In business videos, this translates to something powerful: don’t just talk at your audience. Talk with them. React to what’s happening in the (virtual) room. If you’re on a live call, take cues from body language or questions. If you’re recording, imagine how a viewer might respond—are they confused? Curious? Checking their email?

Use pauses. Emphasize key points. Adjust your tone like you’re in a conversation, not delivering a corporate soliloquy. It’ll feel more natural for you—and way more engaging for them.

Man in headphones speaks into a microphone, gesturing with hands. He's in a home office with plants, shelves, and soft lighting. — Stay focused on your message vs. a script. It's a world of difference!

4. Stay present while speaking on camera by focusing on your message

Here’s where improv training comes in. One of the first things actors learn is to be in the moment. Because if you're stuck worrying about how you're coming across, you're not focused on who you're helping.

Newsflash: most people aren’t scrutinizing your hair or counting how many times you say “actually.” They’re tuned in because they want your insight, your solution, your perspective.

So stop self-editing mid-sentence. (Spoiler: it’s obvious.) Instead, stay grounded in your message, trust that you know your stuff, and remember—if you forget something, it’s not the end of the world. Keep a bulleted list handy, take a breath, and keep going.

Red and blue figures stand on a red bullseye, surrounded by gray crowd in a dark setting. Focus on central subjects and target pattern. — Bullseye! Don't try to talk to everyone ... just your core audience.

5. Tailor your message to your live or video audience

Every actor worth their SAG card knows the five W’s before they ever roll camera: Who am I? What am I saying? Where am I? When is this happening? And most importantly—why?

The same should apply to your business video or presentation. Why are you creating it? Who is it for? What do they care about? When will they watch it—and in what kind of mental state (rushed? caffeinated? bored out of their skulls?)?

Knowing your “why” grounds your message and makes it far more compelling. Instead of just talking at a lens, you’ll be communicating with purpose. And when people sense purpose, they pay attention.

Actors rehearsing onstage; two stand facing a seated group, script in hand. Dim theater lights illuminate the dark, curtain-lined space. — You don't have to be an actor to be great on camera. Just borrow a technique or two.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to be an actor to look and sound great on camera. But you can borrow a few of our tricks.

By shifting your mindset—talking to one person, letting go of perfection, reacting in real time, staying present, and remembering your why—you’ll not only improve your on-camera presence, but you might actually start to enjoy the process. (Gasp!)

So the next time you power up Zoom or hit record on your phone, channel your inner actor. (Even if your only prior experience was in the 6th grade musical. No judgment.)

And if you’d like a little help transforming your camera dread into camera confidence, you know where to find me.

Want to learn more? Let's talk!

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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.