How to Be Confident on Camera from Within

Introduction

Hating how you look on camera, hating how you sound on camera, the fear of being judged, these are all normal things for somebody starting out as a content creator. I used to be the girl that was It's not confident, I had no self esteem, no self worth, and it really took four years of me working on myself to get to this point today.

I want to share my story with you today because this used to be me and I was able to overcome this using exposure therapy.

Understanding the Root of Camera Shyness

The lack of confidence on camera often stems from our internal self-perception rather than our technical skills. Negative self-talk, such as “I look awkward” or “I sound weird,” can significantly impact our performance. It’s crucial to address these thoughts and understand that they are merely perceptions, not reality.

Tips:

1. Recognize and acknowledge negative self-talk: Be aware of the negative thoughts that arise when you're on camera, such as feeling awkward or judging your appearance or performance.

2. Challenge and replace negative thoughts: Actively challenge these negative thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your worth and capabilities.

3. Focus on positive aspects of self-image: Identify and celebrate the positive aspects of your physical appearance and abilities as a content creator. Emphasize the qualities that make you unique and valuable.

4. Take care of your physical well-being: Prioritize self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and dressing in a way that boosts your confidence. Feeling good about yourself physically can positively impact your self-esteem on camera.

5. Dress for confidence: Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident when filming. Putting effort into your appearance can enhance your self-esteem and performance on camera.

6. Practice body positivity: Cultivate a positive relationship with your body by focusing on its strengths and embracing its uniqueness. Avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic standards and instead celebrate your individuality.

7. Utilize makeup and grooming: Incorporate grooming routines and makeup techniques that enhance your confidence and appearance on camera. Experiment with styles that make you feel empowered and ready to shine.

Personal Growth and Exposure Therapy

My journey in the entertainment industry began when I was 15. I modeled and worked as an extra in movies. However, I was not always the confident person you see today. It took me four years of working on myself and using exposure therapy to overcome my fears. Exposure therapy, a part of cognitive behavioral therapy, involves repeatedly exposing oneself to the fear until one becomes desensitized to it. It’s not about mastering the skill of being on camera, but about changing how you feel about yourself on a day-to-day basis.

Tips:

• Practice being on camera regularly to become comfortable.

• Use exposure therapy techniques to desensitize yourself to the fear of being on camera.

• Recognize your strengths as a content creator to boost confidence and guide content creation efforts.

The Importance of Motivation

Embarking on a self-development journey is not easy. It requires motivation and a strong reason to change. For me, it was my dissatisfaction with my job and my life. I was in a toxic work environment, and I knew I needed a change. Having a strong reason for change can inspire you to push through the challenges and keep going, even when the journey gets tough.

Tips:

• Identify your motivation for wanting to be more confident on camera.

• Keep this motivation in mind as you work on improving your camera confidence.

The Power of Persistence

My experience with job interviews marked the start of my journey. I faced anxiety-inducing situations and even had panic attacks. But I didn’t give up. I kept exposing myself to the fear until one day, I walked into an interview feeling good. I was relaxed, my personality shone through, and I even cracked a few jokes. This experience parallels building confidence on camera. It’s about repeatedly exposing yourself to the camera until you become comfortable and confident.

Tips:

• Don’t be discouraged by initial discomfort or anxiety.

• Keep practicing and exposing yourself to the camera.

• Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about your abilities.

• Shift focus from appearance to content delivery to ease nervousness and build confidence.
  

Practice and Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth. It involves asking yourself questions about your insecurities and strengths. This process helps you become more self-aware and identify areas for improvement. By asking questions and using tools like ChatGBT, you can identify areas for improvement and set goals.

Tips:

• Use self-reflection to identify challenges on camera and set actionable goals.

• Regularly practice self-reflection to identify areas for improvement.

• Use tools like ChatGBT for guided self-reflection and goal setting.

ChatGPT Prompts:

• Prompt #1: Give me some good self-reflection questions to understand as a content creator why I lack confidence to go on camera and ask me self-reflection questions to help me set goals on what to work on.

• Prompt #2: Can you help me figure this question out? How would you describe your self-image, both physically and in terms of your abilities as a content creator?

• Prompt #3: Can you help me with this self-reflection questions: What does your inner critic say when you think about going on camera? Are there recurring negative thoughts? Are these thoughts based on reality, or do they stem from self-doubt? I think I suck and I feel awkward because I don't know what to say. I don't know how to tell if my thoughts are based on reality or if they are from self-doubt. Can you help me understand this?

• Prompt #4: Help me understand what are the common things that someone would find challenging about being on camera as a beginner? Give me a list in bulletin format.

Download My Free Notion Journal: Grab my free Notion journal to start your self-reflection journey! Download it here!

Conclusion

Building confidence, whether on camera or off, is a journey. It takes time, practice, and self-reflection. But with persistence and the right tools, you can work on overcoming your fears.

Resources:

1. American Psychological Association - Exposure Therapy

2. NHS - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

3. National Center for Biotechnology Information - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy