Being the "talent" in front of a camera can be a scary job, especially if it's your first time. We’ve all been there, the nerves and fear of how you’ll come across… The important thing is to remain calm and trust those around you on the shoot to make your experience easy
Still nervous? Here are six things to remember:
The crew is your friend, not your enemy. The crew wants you to look your best on camera just as much as you do! Trust their tips, sometimes what you think you’re saying/doing/wearing looks good but it appears different on camera; they’re the pros.- NEVER look into the camera. Unless the producer says to. Always look directly at the interviewer. Dart-y eyes can confuse the viewer and draw attention to your nervousness.
- Always restate the question in your answer. Remember that the audience watching the interview will not hear what the interviewer is asking. For example, if you’re asked, "What's the weather like today?" Respond with, "Today the weather is beautiful." OR if you’re asked “How this was experience meaningful?” respond with “This experience was truly meaningful because…”
- Don't wear distracting clothes. Stick to solid, muted colors. Avoid logos, images and loud prints. Don't wear noisy jewelry. You want people to focus on what you’re saying/doing, not what you’re wearing.
- Prepare. If interview questions are provided beforehand, review them. Practice is always beneficial. Even if you don’t have the questions, try to think of potential topics that will be brought up. Having an idea of what points you want to make will help you stay focused during the interview.
- Remember to smile. It's always better to come across as happy and approachable to your viewing audience. It may sound silly, but your talking points could be lost if you have a scowl on your face the entire time you’re speaking.
There you have it, six things to ease your mind while you’re on camera. Still want more? Contact us today and we’ll assist you in extensive media training!
So, what makes YOU nervous about being on camera?
