It’s Curie, your social media manager girlie, recovering overthinker and now mildly obsessed with being on camera.

Let’s be honest. The first time I had to talk on camera, I forgot how to breathe, blinked aggressively, and accidentally said “thank you” at the beginning and the end. Classic.

But here’s the thing: being confident on video isn’t about being flawless. It’s about showing up like the human you are—just with slightly better lighting and slightly more energy than usual.

So if you’ve got a message to share but the camera gives you stage fright, here are 10 tips that helped me go from awkward blinking blob to “Hey besties, here’s what you need to know”

1. SMILE, be CONFIDENT.

This one feels obvious, but sometimes we’re so focused on what to say that we forget to just… smile! Smiling makes you appear more confident, approachable, and less like you’re being forced to read the terms and conditions out loud. Even a tiny smile can make your video feel 10x warmer.

Pro tip: Watch creators like @erinondemand—she nails the confident smile + value-packed delivery combo.

2. Practice in Front of the Mirror

I know, I know—it feels awkward and kind of cringe to talk to yourself in the mirror. But trust me, it works. Pretend you’re catching up with a friend who just so happens to look exactly like you.

This helps you get used to your facial expressions, your gestures, and yes—even your voice (which, spoiler alert, is way less weird than you think). It’s like a mini rehearsal where the audience is friendly, silent, and knows all your flaws—and still cheers you on anyway.

Plus, once you get past the initial weirdness, it becomes a super helpful way to spot what looks natural and what makes you go “why am I blinking like that?”

3. Don’t Focus on the Camera. Focus on the Message.

If you keep thinking “I’m on camera,” you’ll start acting stiff, overly aware, and maybe even robotic. The trick? Shift your focus. Instead of obsessing over how you look or sound, think about why you’re showing up.

What’s the message? Who needs to hear it? Pretend you’re speaking to one person who genuinely needs your advice, insight, or story. When your attention is on helping someone, not on performing, the whole thing feels way less scary. It stops being about the lens—and starts being about real connection.

4. Be Casual, Like You’re Chatting Over Iced Coffee

Formal videos? Bye. Unless you’re reading the evening news or delivering a graduation speech, there’s really no need to sound like you’re reciting from a textbook. The best on-camera moments happen when you talk like you’re catching up with a friend—someone who’s maybe sitting across from you with a giant iced latte and asking, “Okay, but what’s the tea?”

Use the words you actually say in real life. If you’d normally start with “hey” or “sooo,” go for it. Toss in a “literally,” or even a dramatic pause followed by “I cannot.” Because when you’re being yourself, people can tell—and they’ll trust you more for it. You’re not auditioning for a documentary. You’re just here to share something cool, helpful, or entertaining.

Need inspo? Check out @mattandabbi—their casual vibes = chef’s kiss

5. Practice. Then Practice Again. Then Maybe One More Time.

Confidence doesn’t just knock on your door one day like, “Hey, I’m here now.” It builds up over time, one cringey clip at a time.

Start by recording short videos—don’t overthink it. Try out different tones, play around with how you say things, or even send yourself a few voice memos just to get used to how you sound. (Yes, your voice sounds weird to you, but totally normal to everyone else.)

The more you do it, the more you’ll start to notice what feels natural and what makes you want to immediately hit delete. That’s part of the process. Keep the good stuff, learn from the weird stuff, and trust that with every take, you’re getting better.

6. Dress Like the Main Character

If you’re wearing something that makes you feel like an off-brand potato, it shows. Wear an outfit that makes you feel like a 12/10. Not for the camera, but for you. Confidence starts from the outfit up.

(And yes, earrings totally count as armor. Shameless plug—check out @oliviapearljewelry if your ears need a little extra confidence boost.)

7. Take Deep Breaths. You’re Not Being Chased.

Before you hit record, stop for a second. Literally pause, close your eyes if you need to, and take a few slow, deep breaths. It’s not just a “woo-woo” wellness thing—it actually signals to your brain and body that everything’s fine. No one’s chasing you, no one’s judging (yet), and you’re not in danger. You’re just making a video.

This little reset helps you sound calmer, more grounded, and a lot less like you just chugged three espresso shots and decided to go live. The goal isn’t to be overly chill or robotic—it’s to feel in control. A couple of breaths before recording can shift your whole vibe.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Pause

Silence isn’t awkward. It’s powerful. A small pause gives your audience time to absorb what you’re saying—and gives you time to breathe. Think of it as the dramatic flair Gen Z deserves.

9. Be Comfortable in Imperfection

Flubbed a word? Made a weird face? GOOD. It makes you human. Some of the best-performing videos aren’t polished—they’re relatable. So don’t let one “oops” take down your whole vibe. Laugh it off. Keep going.

10. Engage With Your Audience Like They’re Your People (Because They Are)

Whether it’s through eye contact, saying “you” instead of “you guys,” or replying to comments—make it feel personal. It’s not a speech, it’s a conversation. And your people are here for it.


Confidence on camera isn’t a talent, it’s a skill. And like any skill, it’s built through trial, error, and at least one video where you question every life choice.

You don’t need a ring light that costs more than your rent or a voice like a podcast host. You just need to hit record, speak like a human, and remember that even the pros started with cringey videos buried deep in their camera roll.

So go ahead. Flub a word. Laugh at yourself. Re-record five times, then realize the first take was fine all along.

Want the more detailed tips? Click the link below!

Tag @melrish if you post. I’ll be in the comments pretending to be calm but actually screaming “YES YOU DID THAT.”