Sweaty palms.
Shaking hands.
Stuttering.
Struggling through awkward silences.
Oh god am I gonna throw up!?

Nope, that’s not a list of the worst things you can think on a first date. Instead, they’re symptoms I experienced the first time I (very awkwardly) had to stand in front of the camera, and make a video.

Clients and students ask me all the time if I was always comfortable in front of the lens, and the answer is:

Absolutely not!

Don’t believe me? Head on wayyy back into our archives and catch some early She Takes on the World episodes — you might notice I’ve come a pretty long way.

While filming yourself, or being filmed teaching or sharing something, can seem easy at the outset? It would blow your mind how challenging it is to get the hang of it.

Which is why I was so excited when this question came in while we were filming Dear Natalie LIVE in my living room a few months ago.

Our reader Mannen asks:

“Dear Natalie,

How do you get Comfortable being on camera?”

And the answer is… practice, practice, practice — and a few extra tips I share with you in this video, like:

• Why you should invite your best friend to a taping session
• A visualization exercise that’s crazy powerful for helping you stay calm, clear, and focused
• How to “warm up” to make sure you’re comfortable when the camera starts rolling

Sound good? Hit “play” below to check it out.

And that’s it! Easy, right?

It’s so easy to get started filming content for your own blog or site or social media player. Seriously, just get your phone out and hit record! It doesn’t have to be perfect right off the bat — but after a little practice? It will be.

Then when you’re done recording? Drop the link in the comments! I’d love to take a look.

That’s all for today’s episode!

And if you have a question to ask me? Send it over to me at [email protected]. I read every email, and I just might answer it right here on the blog!

Enjoy the video, and I’ll see you soon.