Let’s be real, making videos can be awkward. You’re sitting there, trying to act natural while a camera stares you down.
And one of the biggest struggles? Knowing where the heck to look!
I totally get it. There’s something about that little lens that makes you want to avoid eye contact at all costs. But here’s the thing – making that connection with the camera is crucial for engaging your audience. It’s like you’re having a one-on-one conversation with each viewer. Intimate, right?
Now, I’m not gonna lie, locking eyes with the camera used to make me squirm. But over time, I’ve picked up a few sneaky hacks that have made it way less intimidating. So listen up, my friends, and let me share the wealth.
Hack #1: The Smiley Sticker Buddy
Grab a small round sticker and draw the happiest little smiley face. Then stick right next to your camera lens at eye level. Bam! Suddenly, you’ve got a friendly face to chat with instead of cold, unfeeling technology.
Hack #2: The Post-It Bullseye
Take a regular sticky note and cut out a small square. Stick that bad boy by the side of your camera lens, and you’ve got a high-contrast bullseye to lock your gaze onto. Easy peasy.
Hack #3: The Window to Connection
For this one, cut a tiny square “window” in the middle of a full-sized sticky note, about 1-2 cm wide. Stick it around your camera lens area, and you can see the lens itself through that little window. It’s like a frame to help you focus your attention right where it needs to be.
Any of these little lens-framing tricks can work wonders for making that camera eye contact feel way more natural. Trust me, I’ve seen the difference in my own videos (and my clients’ too!).
If you’re still struggling with on-camera confidence in general, I’ve got a great resource for you. A while back, I chatted with the lovely Lisa Partridge on her podcast about this very topic. We covered everything from setting up a dedicated video space to befriending your fears and developing a confident mindset. Give it a listen and let me know your biggest takeaways!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2037740/14960827
At the end of the day, remember that we’re all in this awkward on-camera struggle together. But with a few simple hacks and a whole lot of practice, you’ll be well on your way to looking like a total pro.
If these simple tips help, subscribe to my newsletter for more tips like this!
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