No one questions an executive’s ability to command a room full of people, but put that same leader in front of a camera, and their confidence can waver.
It’s a common challenge that even seasoned professionals face—whether it’s the discomfort of seeing themselves on screen, struggling to project authenticity, or finding the right energy to connect.
In a recent LinkedIn Live discussion with Steven Roten, Co-Founder of Still Water Communications, we explored why these issues are so prevalent and shared actionable strategies to master on-camera communication.
Steven, a professional actor and communications coach with over 20 years of experience, provided insights on overcoming these hurdles using a theatrical-based approach to build confidence, presence, and connection.
Read on to learn more about the key takeaways and how executives can elevate their video presence in 2024.
Mastering the Camera: 9 Takeaways for Executives to Build Video Confidence
1. Recognize and Normalize the Fear of Being on Video
- Takeaway: It’s natural to feel nervous or anxious about speaking on camera. Executives and leaders often experience the same stage fright as actors, but this doesn’t mean they can’t perform well.
- Actionable Tip: Reframe nervous energy as excitement. Practice deep breathing before recording to reduce tension, and remember that this energy can be used constructively once you start speaking.
2. Establish a Clear Objective Before Speaking
- Takeaway: Before any video presentation, identify your primary goal—whether it’s engaging your team, closing a sale, or educating your audience.
- Actionable Tip: Write down your key objective for each video. For example, if you’re trying to motivate your team, your tone and content should reflect that. Keep this goal front and center as you plan and deliver your message.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
- Takeaway: Just like in theater, the more you practice, the more confident you will become. This is critical for refining your delivery and overcoming initial fear.
- Actionable Tip: Rehearse out loud, not just in your head. Record yourself multiple times and review the footage to identify areas for improvement. Incorporate feedback from peers to refine your delivery.
4. Project Confidence Through Body Language and Tone
- Takeaway: Confidence is communicated not just through words but also through posture, facial expressions, and energy. Authenticity is key to maintaining audience trust and engagement.
- Actionable Tip: Maintain good posture, smile often, and keep your eyes focused on the camera lens—not on yourself. This helps create a sense of direct connection with your audience. If necessary, place a small sticky note next to the lens with a reminder, such as “speak to them,” to stay focused.
5. Tailor Energy and Delivery to the Medium and Audience
- Takeaway: Different platforms (TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube) and contexts (internal team meetings vs. external marketing videos) require different levels of energy and engagement.
- Actionable Tip: Match your delivery style to the platform. For LinkedIn, aim for a more professional tone, while TikTok allows for more dramatic or expressive content. Think of each video as a new “stage,” and adjust your performance accordingly.
6. Engage Through Storytelling and Authenticity
- Takeaway: Audiences respond better to genuine storytelling than to overly polished or scripted content. Authenticity resonates more than a perfectly delivered message.
- Actionable Tip: Share real stories and anecdotes that highlight your message. When recording, imagine speaking to a trusted friend or colleague, rather than delivering a stiff corporate message.
7. Use Pauses and Breathing for Emphasis
- Takeaway: Pauses can emphasize key points and give the audience time to process information. This technique is especially effective for live presentations and high-stakes meetings.
- Actionable Tip: Deliberately incorporate pauses before and after important statements. Take a deep breath before starting each key section of your talk to reset your pace and reduce filler words like “um” and “ah.”
8. Leverage Visual and Theatrical Techniques
- Takeaway: Theater-based techniques can enhance video presence. Executives can benefit from learning to manage their gestures, voice modulation, and facial expressions to create a more dynamic presentation.
- Actionable Tip: Start small by recording a video with different facial expressions and tones. Practice varying your pitch and tone for emphasis, and work on gestures that add to your message without being distracting.
9. Incorporate Subtle CTAs (Call-to-Actions) Throughout
- Takeaway: Effective persuasion requires more than a strong closing CTA. Hint at your key message throughout your presentation.
- Actionable Tip: Weave small CTAs into your conversation. For example, say, “As we’ll discuss later…” or “You can try this yourself by…” to lead the audience toward your desired outcome without a hard push.
10. Analyze and Learn from Video Analytics
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- Takeaway: Video platforms often provide data on viewer engagement, watch time, and drop-off points. Use this information to refine future presentations.
- Actionable Tip: After posting your videos, review the analytics to see where people are dropping off or engaging the most. Use this feedback to adjust your pacing, content length, and presentation style for future recordings. Incorporate feedback from peers or coaches, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and formats until you find what truly resonates.
FREE resources:
Free bonus tips from Still Water: stillwatercommunications.com/bonus
