1. Dress well
  2. Rehearse the script
  3. Look directly into the camera
  4. Stay away from distractions
  5. Body language
  6. Proper organization
  7. Do not look for perfection
  8. Relax
  9. Use just the right amount of makeup
  10. Take part in the scriptwriting process

The biggest fool to hit the big time and all I’ve got to do is act naturally.

Buck Owens

Most actors find it challenging to act naturally on camera. Unfortunately, this craft exposes you to the camera 24/7. If you are an actor who has never gotten used to the camera flashes, here is something for you. This article will touch on how to act naturally on camera.

How to act naturally on camera

Before we delve into our main subject of discussion, keep in mind that even some experienced actors still get nervous in front of the camera. Human beings fear looking bad, be it in person or pictures. Here are some tips that will help you manage the nervousness that comes with appearing in front of the camera:

  1. Dress well
    An actor must choose the right clothing while going on a shoot or stepping outside. The dress you settle on should fit you well and leave you feeling all comfortable. You can opt for well-tailored, clean, and wrinkle-free clothing. The right dress will also leave you feeling confident and fabulous. You will want the whole world to see how great you look. You will only ace a performance if you are in the right mental frame. Your outfit should also conceal some features that might make you nervous. Knowing that you are sweating while on stage might make you nervous while performing.
  2. Rehearse the script
    It would be best if you familiarized yourself with the script beforehand. Just make sure that you do not memorize it word for word. You will spend a lot of time trying to remember what you have crammed, which will leave you stiff and nervous. It would help if you talked freely and openly. However, make sure that you do not veer away from the script. You can write down the critical points if you are going to give a talk. For filming, you need to be as comfortable as possible when you speak without failing to cover everything critically.
  3. Look directly into the camera
    It might be hard to achieve this in the first few sessions. However, over time, you will be able to look directly into the camera as if it was a person. Treat the camera as an inanimate object, and you will easily overcome your fear. If you feel uncomfortable looking at the camera, get your friend to stand directly near the camera. You can then look at him or her as you speak to the camera.
  4. Stay away from distractions
    It might be challenging to focus on the camera if there are distractions around. Imagine facing the camera and giving out a speech when you have your crush around. Difficult, right? A notable hack that will help you avoid this is getting rid of all the unnecessary distractions around. It would be best if you switched off you mute your phone to avoid distractions. Also, look out for your alarms if you know that you have a session booked. The more you are distracted, the more you will be disturbed. Get rid of unnecessary people on set.
  5. Body language
    You should occasionally confirm that your body language is in check as you perform or give a speech while on camera. You might be acting all nervous without knowing. Some of the subconscious signs that you need to look out for include eating your nails, bouncing your leg, or forcing a smile. You can also have a mirror strategically placed behind the camera to glance at and look at how you are occasionally performing. Just make sure that you won’t be too engrossed in the mirror that you lose focus on the matter at hand.
  6. Proper organization
    You will only ace a performance and act naturally if you organize yourself well before the performance. Therefore, plan yourself well. Break down your script and know the key points. Plan your script, filming schedule, and the filming process beforehand to help you understand what to expect. The worst thing that can happen to you while on stage is to be ambushed. Therefore, make sure that you are always on the know.
  7. Do not look for perfection
    Looking for perfection puts too much pressure on you, which will make you under perform. You should feel free while on camera. It is easy to make mistakes when you are over-cautious. Therefore, if you realize that you are off script, continue talking if you still make sense. You are allowed to make mistakes. Just make sure that your audience does not know or see. Do not also interrupt your performance.
  8. Relax
    Breathing in and out can help you ease the tension that comes with appearing before the camera. The first thing that you need to do before a performance is to clear your mind and relax. Several practices can help you relax. You can choose to meditate and clear your mind or practice some yoga. All in all, make sure that you do something that will take your mind off the performance. You can also fix your favorite food or drink or even scream at the top of your voice. Also, learn to go slow once you start on your presentation. Most people speed up their performance because of nervousness, making it easily noticeable. Observe silence in between your presentation to give the audience time to process the lines. You should speak slower than usual, if possible. However, make sure that you give your all.
  9. Use just the right amount of makeup
    You first have to consider how you look in different lighting situations before appearing before a camera. Therefore, do not overdo or underdo your make up. This will help you ensure that you look good and boost your confidence. Speaking confidently will cover up for some of the mistakes that you might do while on stage.
  10. Take part in the scriptwriting process
    Participating in the scriptwriting process will help you familiarize yourself with the tone and language that you need to incorporate. This will also help you speak effortlessly and fluently.

Actors Takeaway:
how to act naturally on camera

There are several tips that you can exhaust to act naturally on camera. All in all, make sure that you kick out nervousness and distractions while on stage.

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