Instagrams stories, Facebook live, YouTube tutorials, TikTok videos - yes, video has become king! And it sure has taken over the business world too. So how can you confidently present yourself in front of the camera?

The extraverts of you have probably just jumped of joy while introverts would like to burrow a hole in the sand and vanish. Being confident in front of the camera can be frightening at first, particularly if you prefer to put your words on a piece of paper instead of saying them out loud.
Here are our 7 tips (or coping methods) that will help you unlock the door to your confidence and have you present on camera like a natural in no time.

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Source: GIPHY

The Importance of Video

Video as effective communication tool

There are many reasons why video has become such a powerful tool when it comes to effective communication. Compared to other known communication tools such as emails, phone calls or text messaging, video has the ability to deliver the value of your message on a whole new level.

Here are some of the most common reasons why video communication is so effective are:

• It evokes emotions
• It is more engaging
• It can visualise your message - building trust
• It is easier to follow - particularly when explaining a complex product/service

How is video important in business?

You might wonder: Why do I need to know how to present in front of a camera? How is it useful?

Because it brings so many opportunities! Especially if you are looking for a new job and are thinking of ways you can stand out, having the ability to present in front of a camera is your answer. Most businesses have moved their processes online, such as:

• Job interviews
• Team meetings
• Client calls
• Workshops
• Business events

That means that you need to know how to present comfortably and confidently in front of a camera. If you can show that you have the skill of freely speaking in the digital world, you have just increased your chances to get that dream job you’ve been looking for.
Understand this, video is the way forward. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, now is the time.

7 Tips On Building Confidence

Don’t worry, even the most experienced still get nervous when that camera starts rolling. That is absolutely natural. But there are many ways you can improve your camera skills.
Read on to find out how you can calm your nerves and boost your confidence before your next job interview - so you can impress your potential employer!

1. Pick a spot you’re comfortable in

   Think about a situation where you had to step out of your comfort zone - maybe you had to perform a presentation in front of fifty people or walked into a new building for the very first time. How often did you feel comfortable in these situations?
   Probably never! Finding a spot that you feel 100% comfortable in to film makes a huge difference. Usually that’s a place you spend a lot of time in, like your couch or garden.
   Of course, you would want to make sure that your favourite spot provides you with enough lightning, appropriate background and good audio.

   

   
2. Dress to impress

   Probably something you already know, but definitely worth mentioning. Picking a nice outfit boosts your confidence and can positively influence your presentation skills.
   Wear something that makes you feel like a million dollars - of course appropriate to whatever you’re filming for. Put some makeup on, do your hair, trim your beard.
   Whatever makes you feel beautiful and strong.

3. Schedule plenty of time

   When presenting in front of the camera, the last thing you want is to feel rushed. So whether you are doing a virtual job interview or plan to film an introduction video about yourself, give yourself enough time.
   Of course virtual job interviews are usually live and you only have ‘one take’, but still try to give yourself plenty of time prior to the interview to get ready. Bosware Recruit now lets you pre-record your interview - so no more live job interviews! You can retake your interview as many times as you like until you are 100% satisfied that it is going to convince your potential employer that you are the best candidate.
   But more to that later on.

4. Practice practice practice

   No doubt that this isn’t rocket science. Again though, it needs to be said. How many times have you had something in your mind, knew exactly how to say it, but then it just all came out wrong? Yep, it happens to all of us!

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   Source: GIPHY
   
   Typically, we can draw an exact map in our minds of what we want to say and how. The thing is, that alone usually doesn’t work.
   That’s why it is so important to practice - because practice makes perfect. Best way is to practice right in front of your camera in your favourite spot you have chosen in step 2.
   Whether you are just talking with a friend or are practice recording your speech, it doesn’t matter. The point is, that you’re getting familiar with talking to that little round dot on your computer.
   By doing that you can pick up little things that you can improve, such as body language, facial expressions or if you’re speaking clearly and loud enough.

5. Create a plan of attack

   Write down the topics and most important points you want to bring up. This will help you organise your thoughts better.
   Make sure to keep it concise and don’t write a script with what you are going to say word by word. If you try to follow that and forget even one word, it could throw you off track completely.
   Try to have fun with it! If you’ve got the relevant topics and points that you want to touch on, the words will flow.

6. Talk to yourself

   If this sounds weird to you, trust me it works wonders! Whether you’re at home in front of the mirror, in the shower, while cooking or when you’re driving to work, talk like there is no tomorrow.
   Pick a random topic and try to talk for about a minute. Doesn’t matter whether what you’re saying is true or not, the challenge is not to stop!
   Don’t let yourself interrupt and just keep going. This exercise will help you to speak more freely and find a way to respond to something you don’t know the answer to.

7. It’s what is inside that counts

   We all get concerned with how we look, what others might think of us and how we come across. So how can I tell you it’s what is inside that counts, especially when we are talking about video?

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   Source: GIPHY
   
   The potential employer in your virtual job interview, or your colleagues in a team meeting are listening to what you say. These people aren’t predominantly worried about what you look like, they want to hear you.
   It is about the knowledge that you share. Even though your appearance surely plays an essential part, bringing across your message is even more important.

The Verdict

The ability to freely and confidently speak in front of the camera can seem intimidating, but it’s a skill that allows you to leverage yourself from other candidates. Following these 7 steps will boost your confidence and let you present like a pro.

Bosware Recruit lets you upload an introduction video of yourself and even a pre-recorded job interview, meaning you can jump ahead of the game and truly showcase your personality and abilities to your future potential employer
Find out more here.