Lights, Camera, Action!
The first time I was on camera was for a commercial for my dad’s boat dealership in the early 2000s. What I mainly remember is how nervous I was leading up to the shoot. I was a 15-year-old girl who cared about my lip gloss, hair, outfit and everything in between. I remember rehearsing my punch line (7 words) over and over in the mirror about 1,000 times. I was too embarrassed to shake the producer’s hand, well because, my hands were drenched in sweat. But for some reason once those lights were on and the camera was rolling, every ounce of nerves I had fled from my body and I nailed what would become my infamous tagline: “Tell ‘em that the girls sent ya!” This moment was when I knew I HAD to become a TV star.
By sophomore year of college, I was the host of our campus news and sports show at Creighton University. For some reason I never had issues with nerves. It always came so natural to me. Or maybe I was reassured by knowing no one was probably watching this particular channel.
And before I knew it, less than a year out of college, I was set to make my first live appearance as a sideline reporter for Metro Sports, a Kansas City-based sports network. And all of a sudden, the nerves returned. Maybe because it was live? Maybe because the stakes seemed so much higher? Either way, the sweat returned, my hands so soaked I could barely grip the microphone. I never went back and watched my professional debut, but I can promise you, it sucked. Pretty sure I called the guy I was interviewing by the wrong name. But whatever, I didn't faint so that was a victory in my book.
Maybe I didn't go on to be a “TV star” but I did become a full-time sports reporter, host and anchor. After my first couple of live events, all nerves subsided and it just became part of my every day routine.
After being on TV almost every day for 8 years, I have a few tips to help banish your nerves and film with confidence. In honor of it being 17 years since my debut in the boat commercial, I am giving you 17 tips! Yes, do that math. I am almost 32.
Tip #1: If it is appropriate, always smile. If you happen to mess up, people won’t notice nearly as much if you're smiling. And make it a genuine smile. You don't want to look like a weirdo with a big fake smile plastered across your face.
Tip #2: RELAX. I know it’s easier said than done. Take a couple deep breaths before the camera is rolling.
Tip #3: Prepare but don’t over-prepare. For me, I always did my best when I was prepared and knew the subject inside and out. But if I would try to memorize my script word for word, you best believe I would stumble over all of my words. Just be knowledgeable in what you're talking about and familiarize yourself with the script.
Tip #4: Memorizing may be a bad idea, but practice always helps. Read your script out loud a few times or do some ad-libbing in the mirror.
Tip #5: If you tend to get nervous, make sure you eat before. There is something about the heat of the lights and an empty stomach that just don't mix well together.
Tip #6: Make a point of choosing an outfit you feel comfortable in. The last thing you need is to be fidgeting with your outfit on camera. With that being said, wear an outfit that will conceal sweat stains. I am Italian. I sweat. All of the time.
Tip #7: Stay hydrated by taking sips of water between takes. As a very dehydrated person in general, it was crucial for me to always have water at the anchor desk. Your parched throat could ruin an otherwise great take!
Tip #8: TAKE IT SLOW. We all tend to speed up our speech when we’re nervous. Even if it feels like you're talking abnormally slow, you're probably not.
Tip #9: If you're a coffee drinker, drink some coffee before going on camera to give you a bit more energy…
Tip #10: … because energy is key.
Tip #11: If a producer or someone has to write your script for you, make sure you go through and tweak it to fit your personality or style. For example, I don't use big, fancy words. Never have. Not my thing. So if I had a show that a producer wrote and they threw a big word in there, it just felt and came off as very forced. You want the words to roll off your tongue!
Tip #12: Watch others who are on camera and take notes of what you like and don't like.
Tip #13: Stay calm. If you mess up, just continue on. Don't apologize, don’t make the uh-oh face, just move on. Chances are the viewer won’t notice if you don’t call attention to it.
Tip #14: Watch your body language. Like your mama always says, “sit up straight!”
Tip #15: Use your natural voice. A lot of people for some reason find the need to change up their voice once the record button is on— making their voice either too high or creepy low. Just remember, the key is to come off natural, so you want to reflect who you are.
Tip #16: Breathe. People also find the need to hold their breath which ends up leading to huge gasps in between words or sentences. This doesn't sound great and is very distracting. B-R-E-A-T-H-E.
Tip #17: My go-to advice for everyone… just pretend like you're having a conversation with your best friend. Just leave out the curse words and saying ‘like’ or ‘ya know’ 100 times.
Whether you’re a broadcaster, a spokesperson for a company or just someone being interviewed for a promo, hopefully these tips will help you look like a natural and connect with your audience more effectively. In the end, just be yourself.