Why Smart, Successful People Still Freeze on Camera
- Laura Doman
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The mindset shift that finally makes video feel natural and confident
You hit record. You say the words. And then you watch it back and immediately think:
“Ugh. I don’t look right.”“Why do I sound like that?”“This is terrible.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.
Even professional actors run that same conversation in their heads when self-taping auditions for film, TV, and commercials. I experienced this exact thing today while preparing a commercial audition.
Normally, I can knock out an audition in one or two takes. Try too often, though, and it’ll start to look over-rehearsed and stale. Today? Aarrghh. Nothing worked. Every version looked forced. Unnatural. Like something I’d change the channel to avoid watching.
And the technical setup was fine.
The real problem?
👉 My mindset.
Your MINDSET - not your appearance -
is what makes or breaks your on-camera confidence.
Your audience cares far more about your message than your perceived imperfections.
When Your Head Gets in the Way of the Camera
The role called for a laid-back, younger woman from the Deep South.
Now, if you look at me or hear me speak, you’d probably guess New York. (Nope, I’m actually a native Clevelander.) I’m also far more Energizer Bunny than “cool and laid-back.” OK, I live in the South. Yes, I have mellow moments. But it’s a safe bet that no one is confusing me with a true Southern belle. 😉
So what happened? Before I even began, the narrative in my head was “I’m wrong for this role.”
And once that thought lodged in my brain, everything looked stiff. Forced. Overthought. My delivery was trying to fit instead of simply be. I was sabotaging myself with that belief.
Then something interesting happened.
I stopped analyzing. I stopped trying to match “what they probably want.” (Casting often doesn't know what they want, either. It's often "we'll know it when we see it."
Bottom line: I stopped judging myself. I just… did the role.
And BOOM! suddenly, the audition worked. Well, nothing Oscar-worthy, but definitely better than it had before.
Whether casting loves it or not is out of my control. But what is in my control is this: they received a strong, professional audition from a confident communicator. And who knows? It wouldn’t be the first time an actor sent in an audition that they privately thought wasn’t one of their best effort, only for it to book the role.
This Is Exactly What’s Happening to You on Video, Too
My point is this: If you struggle on camera for your business - whether it’s for social media, marketing videos, webinars, or Zoom presentations - the issue usually isn’t your lighting, your camera, or your script.
It’s what’s happening between your ears.
My guess is that you’re thinking about:
How you look
How you sound
Whether you’re “good enough”
Whether people will judge you
Whether you belong on camera at ALL
And the moment your attention shifts inward to self-judgment, your presence collapses.
Psst! Here’s the truth most people need to hear:
Your audience cares far more about your message than your perceived imperfections.
Whether you’re selling hotel rooms, financial services, coaching programs, or consulting expertise - people are
The 3 Most Important Things to Do Before You Hit “Record”
If you want to look more confident, natural, and charismatic on camera, start here:
1. Focus on the Value You’re Delivering
Stop making the video about you. Make it about what your audience needs in that moment. What problem are you helping them solve? What insight are you sharing? What result do you want them to walk away with?
Your intention shows up on camera more than you realize.
2. Silence the Inner Critic
That voice that says you’re too old, not interesting, not qualified, not “camera-ready”?That’s not intuition. That’s fear.
And fear is the fastest way to flatten your energy and sabotage your delivery.
3. Relax and Let Your Personality Lead
You don’t need a “video persona.” You need permission to be yourself.
When you relax—even just a little—your natural warmth, humor, authority, and authenticity come through. And that’s what people actually respond to.
Why Mindset Is the Foundation of On-Camera Confidence
I work with high-level professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners every day who are brilliant in real conversations… and freeze the second a camera comes on.
Not because they lack skill.
Because they’ve never been taught how to:
Shift out of self-consciousness
Build confidence under pressure
Use the camera as a tool instead of a threat
Communicate with presence in a digital space
That’s where my dual background comes in - as a working actor who lives on camera, and as a coach who understands the real-world pressure of showing up on video to grow a business.
I’ve been where you are. And I know how to get you past it.
If This Hit Home, Let’s Talk
If you’re tired of:
Avoiding video
Re-recording endlessly
Feeling stiff, awkward, or “off”
Knowing you could show up better—but not knowing how
Then this is your invitation.
I offer a free 1:1 strategy session where we:
Identify exactly what’s blocking your on-camera confidence
Clarify your communication goals
And determine the fastest, most effective way for you to show up with clarity, comfort, and charisma on camera
There’s no pressure. Just insight, strategy, and real direction.
👉 Click here to schedule your free 1:1 on-camera confidence strategy session.
Because when your mindset shifts, everything on camera changes.
And you deserve to be seen as the confident, credible professional you already are.
This can be the year you stop “trying” to be good on camera - and start being great. Ready to begin? Let’s talk.
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December 11, 2025
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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.
