Social Media Videos Without the Cringe: Getting Comfortable on Camera
Feeling “the Ick” About Being on Camera? You’re Not Alone.
Being on camera can feel weird. Unnatural. Cringey, even.
If the idea of filming yourself for your business makes you want to melt into the floor, you’re not the only one. I hear this all the time from clients—smart, talented, accomplished people who suddenly feel like awkward teenagers the moment they have a camera in front of them.
And the number one reason?
“The thought of someone I know seeing me talk to a camera makes me cringe.”
It’s that voice in your head saying:
“What if my old high school friend sees this?”
“What if my cousin thinks I sound weird?”
“What if Uncle Bill is judging me?”
Here’s how I try to reframe those thoughts. Ask yourself: Is Uncle Bill paying your bills? Have your old high school friends built a business from scratch? Probably not. And even if they have—their opinions don’t pay your bills. You’re not doing this for them. You’re doing it for your business—and for the people who actually need what you offer.
The people who matter will cheer you on and you can let the rest of those Judgey McJudgersons scroll on by.
So how can you actually get more comfortable on camera? There’s no magic button, but there are a few things that can make a big difference:
1. Practice. And then practice some more.
Talking to a camera is a skill—and like any skill, it gets easier the more you do it. If you want to build that muscle, start with something low-pressure. I always recommend Instagram Stories as a great place to start.
They disappear after 24 hours
Fewer people watch them
It’s okay if they’re casual (in fact, it’s kind of the point)
Say hi. Share a thought. Talk about what you’re working on. The more you show up there, the more natural it’ll feel. Try to go on your stories once per day for a week and I bet you’ll feel more comfortable by the end of the week.
2. Prep your script (but don’t memorize every word).
Know what you want to say ahead of time—but don’t worry about sounding perfect. It’s not about getting every word “right.” It’s about sounding like you. Write down a few bullet points. Say them out loud three times. Then hit record.
3. Record in a space that feels safe and supportive.
There is a huge difference between filming by yourself and filming with someone who’s got your back.
That’s a big part of what I do:
I help you prepare and feel confident
I guide you through writing your script
I cheer you on and kindly & gently adjust anything that’s not working
I create a low-pressure environment where you can relax and maybe even have fun
Because when you feel supported, you stop focusing on what people might think… and start focusing on what you want to say.
You don’t need to be a trained actor or a polished presenter to show up on video - you just need to be yourself. The real you—the one who shows up for your clients and puts care into your work—is more than enough.
And when you’re ready to take the pressure off and film in a way that actually feels good?
You know where to find me.
