Most people don’t enjoy being on camera.
It’s unnatural, intimidating, and often brings out insecurities, even in seasoned professionals. That discomfort doesn’t just affect the person being filmed; it impacts the authenticity of the content, the quality of the footage, and how much your audience trusts what they see.
At IMPACT, we believe helping someone feel confident on camera is one of the most important and overlooked skills in video production.
Whether you're working with internal subject matter experts or clients, creating a safe and relaxed environment leads to better performance, stronger messaging, and more trust with your audience.
Below, you’ll find eight proven techniques videographers use to help people feel and look their best on camera. These tips are rooted in the trust-first philosophy taught in Endless Customers and are designed to elevate the experience for both the subject and the viewer.
We’ll cover:
Building Trust Before the Camera Turns On
Sending a Pre-Shoot Checklist
Introducing the SIMPLE Method
Setting the Tone with Calm Confidence
Eliminating Distractions
Using Encouragement and Active Listening
Removing the Pressure to Get It Right
Celebrating Wins After the Shoot
A Quick Note Before We Begin
We work with companies every day to build high-impact video strategies using the principles in Endless Customers. That includes helping their teams get comfortable in front of the camera.
While yes, we offer training and support in this area, this article isn’t about pitching our services. It’s about giving you a clear, honest approach you can use whether you work with us or not.
1. Build Trust Before the Camera Turns On
One of the core concepts in Endless Customers is that trust is the foundation of all great communication, especially on camera. If you want someone to open up, don’t wait until the camera is rolling to build rapport.
Spend time beforehand getting to know the person off-camera:
- Jump on a casual Zoom call. Send them a video introducing yourself and walking through the process. Chat with them before setup begins.
Even a 10-minute pre-roll conversation about shared experiences can go a long way. When trust is there, performance improves naturally.
2. Send a Pre-Shoot Checklist
Uncertainty breeds anxiety. That’s why we recommend creating a simple checklist to send 48 hours before filming. It should include:
- What to wear When to arrive What to expect How to mentally prep
Don’t assume your subject knows what to do. A checklist brings structure and helps them feel in control, which instantly reduces nerves.
3. Introduce the SIMPLE Method
The SIMPLE Method from Endless Customers offers a repeatable framework for building on-camera performance:
- Smile for three seconds before you start. It sets the tone. Imagine you’re talking to a real person, not a lens. Momentum follow the “No Stop Rule,” avoid multiple takes that interrupt the flow of conversation Posture. Sit or stand tall. Leverage the power of story your audience will connect with you faster Engage naturally be yourself, you don’t need to sound smart, it won’t come off genuine
Even just introducing your subject to the first two steps, smile for 3 seconds before speaking, and imagine the lens as a person, can dramatically improve their tone, warmth, and presence on camera.
Train your SMEs to see on-camera performance as a skill they can develop, not something they’re either good or bad at. SIMPLE gives them a proven path forward.
4. Set the Tone with Calm Confidence
Your demeanor behind the camera sets the emotional tone on set.
Stay calm, direct, and warm. Be clear about what you’re doing and what comes next.
Avoid rushing through directions or seeming flustered. The steadier you are, the more at ease your subject will feel. If you’re relaxed, they’ll mirror it.
5. Eliminate Distractions in the Filming Environment
Your set should feel calm, private, and interruption-free. Here’s how to create that:
- Silence all phones and devices. Post signs to avoid walk-ins. Do lighting and audio tests before the subject arrives.
Small distractions like someone walking in, an unexpected phone buzz, or an unclear cue can derail an entire take. Protect their focus.
6. Use Encouragement and Active Listening
Your subject is looking to you for feedback. Actively listen and affirm their responses:
- Nod while they speak. Say things like “That was great,” or “That came across really naturally.” Avoid criticism mid-take; save adjustments for the end of a thought or sentence.
People don’t want to feel judged. They want to feel supported. Your encouragement builds confidence with every frame.
7. Remove the Pressure to Get It Right
This might be the most important tip of all:
Tell them there’s no rush. You’ll do as many takes as they need.
Say something like:
“We have plenty of time, so don’t worry if it takes a few tries. We’ll go until it feels right.”
When people believe they only have one shot, they tense up. When they know they can try again, they relax. That’s when the best moments happen.
8. Celebrate Wins After the Shoot
Confidence compounds. If your subject sees they did well, they’ll be even better the next time.
Send them a short clip afterward with praise:
- “This answer came out so well! You sounded confident and clear.” “Loved how natural this part felt, it’s going to be super helpful to your audience.”
When someone sees their progress and feels appreciated, they’ll be more excited (and less nervous) for the next shoot.
Build a More Comfortable, Confident Camera Culture
Helping someone feel at ease on camera is a skill that drives better communication, stronger content, and more trust from your audience.
If you want your team or clients to become powerful video communicators, start with the basics:
- Make it human. Remove pressure. Reinforce trust. Teach performance like any other business skill.
You’ll be surprised how quickly people can grow when given the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get someone to relax before filming?
Start by building rapport early. Avoid jumping straight into filming—spend a few minutes talking casually. Use humor or relatable conversation to shift their focus away from the camera.
What’s the SIMPLE Method for video performance?
The SIMPLE Method is a six-step approach from Endless Customers to help people improve on-camera delivery:
Smile, Imagine, Momentum, Posture, Leverage the power of story, Engage naturally.
Should I give people a script to read on camera?
It’s better to provide talking points or prompts instead of full scripts. Most people sound robotic when reading. Encourage natural conversation and repetition to get the best takes.
What should someone wear on camera?
Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or neon colors. Solid, neutral tones work best. Choose something comfortable and confidence-boosting.
How many takes are too many?
There’s no hard rule, but if someone is getting frustrated, take a break or move to a different section. Most people improve with repetition, but only when they feel supported.
Video Is About People Not Just Production
Helping someone feel comfortable on camera is just as important as lighting, framing, or editing. In fact, Endless Customers teaches us that if we want to build trust at scale, we must start by making our people feel safe, prepared, and empowered.
If you're leading video efforts at your company, remember:
- Be the calmest person in the room. Prioritize preparation over pressure. Celebrate growth, not just polish.
When you do, you'll not only create better content, you’ll build confidence and trust that compounds over time.
