Whether you're a C-suite leader recording a keynote, a founder sharing product insights, or a marketer hosting a customer success video, showing up with confidence on video can make or break your message. But here’s the truth: almost no one feels totally at ease the first time they see a red recording light.
At Black Box, we’ve spent thousands of hours behind the lens, filming, directing, and coaching people from all walks of life. And across the board, we’ve learned that great on-camera presence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about preparation, awareness, and small but powerful tweaks.
Before You Roll: A Quick Confidence Checklist
□ Hydrated and rested
□ Wardrobe checked (see our full wardrobe checklist here)
□ Makeup/hair touched up
□ Mic and lighting tested
□ One practice take
□ Key message rehearsed
□ Calm, present energy
Here are a few of our go-to strategies:
1. Dress the Part
Your wardrobe should support your message, not distract from it. Stick with solid colors and flattering fits. Avoid tight patterns, bright whites, or anything overly tight. And most importantly, choose clothing that aligns with your brand image. A fintech CEO doesn’t need a three-piece suit, but they probably shouldn’t wear a hoodie either.
2. Bring a Makeup Artist
We always recommend bringing a makeup artist on set, and not just for aesthetics. Sure, they’ll reduce shine, hide blemishes, and make sure you’re not looking sweaty under lights. But the bigger benefit is psychological. Knowing there’s someone on set whose sole job is to make sure you look good, that’s a powerful confidence booster. It frees your mental energy to focus on delivery, not your hair.
3. Nail Your Body Language
Posture matters. Sit or stand tall, shoulders relaxed, hands visible and open. Avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or gripping the table. If you’re standing, stay firmly planted and avoid swaying back and forth. These might seem like small details, but they affect how you’re perceived, open gestures signal trust, while closed-off postures suggest discomfort.
4. Connect Through the Lens, Look at the Camera!
If you're recording a direct-to-camera message, maintain eye contact with the lens like you're talking to a real person. If it’s a conversation, stay present with your interviewer. Audiences pick up on authenticity, and connection happens through the eyes.
5. Confidence Is Built, Not Born
Some of the most polished thought leaders we’ve filmed were nervous at the start. Confidence on camera isn’t a personality trait, it’s a process. The more you show up, the more natural it becomes. Support, preparation, and practice beat “talent” every time.
6. Breathe, Pause, Reset
One of the most common mistakes? Speaking too fast. Nerves can hijack your pacing. A simple fix: build in small pauses between sentences. Not only does this help your audience absorb what you’re saying, it helps you calm down and stay grounded.
7. Teleprompter vs Bullet Points: Know What Suits You
If you’re wondering whether to use a script or speak freely, consider your style. A teleprompter ensures precision, but without rehearsal, it can feel stiff. Bullet points, on the other hand, keep your tone natural and conversational. Either way, internalize your message so you’re guiding the story, not reading it.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice! (Previsualize)
Before the production day, pull out your phone and record yourself. Watch how you move. Listen to your tone. It’s the fastest way to build awareness, and catch habits like filler words, flat delivery, or awkward gestures. The more you practice, the less the camera intimidates you.
9. Keep Water Nearby
It sounds basic, but a glass of water within arm’s reach can do wonders, especially if you're shooting multiple takes. Dry mouth? No problem. Need a mental reset? Sip, breathe, continue.
10. Take Breaks
If you’re not live, don’t power through frustration. Cut. Step away. Walk. Talk casually through your message with the director. Reset your nerves.
Looking confident on camera isn’t about being someone else. It’s about making sure the real you comes through, clear, calm, and focused.
If you’re gearing up for an important shoot and want to show up with clarity, confidence, and credibility, we’re here to help. From wardrobe advice to on-set coaching, we make sure the real you shines through. Let’s make your next video your most confident one yet.
