[FAQ]

It’s pretty late here in Auckland, and I’m feeling a bit frustrated. I have so many ideas for TikTok videos, but whenever I turn the camera on, I just freeze up. I feel so awkward and unnatural, and I end up deleting everything I film.

I really admire creators who seem so comfortable and confident, and I want to be like that, but I don’t know how to get there. It feels like my brain just goes blank and I forget how to act like a normal human.

I’m keen to hear what actually worked for you guys who might have felt the same way at the start. Are there any practical exercises or tips you used to get over the camera shyness?

Any advice would be a huge help.

[Jeff Bullas]

A very common and very real challenge. This is something that almost every creator faces at the start.

Short Answer: Confidence on camera is a skill built through preparation and practice, not a personality trait. It comes from mastering your audio and text delivery first, which then allows your video performance to feel natural and authentic.

The goal is to reduce the number of things you have to think about when you hit record, freeing you up to just perform.

First, you need to solve the ‘mind going blank’ problem. Don’t try to improvise everything when you’re starting out. Instead, prepare your text beforehand. Write a simple bullet-point outline of what you want to say for the video. This isn’t a rigid script to be read word-for-word, but a safety net of your key ideas. Knowing what comes next removes a huge amount of anxiety.

Second, practice the audio separately from the video. Record yourself saying the points from your text outline out loud, without the camera on. Just make an audio recording. Listen back to your own voice. How is the pacing? The energy? The tone? Rehearse the audio component until the words feel comfortable and natural in your mouth. This isolates one part of the performance and makes it less intimidating.

Third, when you finally turn the camera on, treat it like you’re talking to a single friend. Don’t think about a large audience; just speak to the lens. A powerful technique is to do the first take with the intention of deleting it. This ‘practice take’ removes all the pressure of getting it right, which paradoxically often results in the most relaxed and authentic performance. And remember, TikTok videos are short. Practice in 15-second blocks to build up your comfort level.

Finally, remember that confidence can be built in the edit. You can cut out stumbles and stitch together the best parts of multiple takes. Knowing you have this safety net makes the act of filming the video much less stressful.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Author]

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