Get Loose: Being Yourself on Camera

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of being in a video, especially when they’re new to the game.

At Wistia, we believe that the person who’s passionate about a topic, product update, or idea should be the one talking about it in a video. But the reality is, none of us are actors! Luckily, anyone can get through their first video shoot (and do a great job) with some coaching and encouragement.

Above all, being great on camera is all about being yourself. The key to a natural on-screen performance is to not take yourself too seriously. Get loose!

5 ways to get loose

In case you were unable to check out the video above, here’s a recap of our tips for getting loose on camera:

1. Get your hands out of your pockets.
2. Put a smile on your face.
3. If you mess up, laugh at your mistakes.
4. It’s okay to do multiple takes.
5. Have a friend encourage you to be great.

If the prevailing mood in the shooting environment is fun and light, odds are you will end up with a much better video in the end. So, if you’re on camera, try not to take anything too seriously. Have fun with your lines and your body language, and even if you feel awkward, try not to get discouraged. We’ve all been there. Likewise, if you’re behind the camera or helping out on set, try your best to keep the mood upbeat. Comments like, “you’re doing great” or “you got this” go a long way.

Go get ’em, tiger! So, if you’re tasked with acting in your first video or encouraging other people to be their best selves on camera, remember: “get loose”!