Most people are not used to seeing themselves on screen, so work with your webcam on to get used to seeing yourself as others see you.

I won screen-time by having my face on the screen while working. I became more relaxed on camera and used to seeing myself on screen.

To try this trick you will need to find the option that forces your webcam’s video window to stay on top. If your webcam window keeps disappearing behind the active application window (or you work full screen a lot, as I do), then the de-sensitizing effect is lost.

While my Logitech Quickcam pro 9000 works well, I find the stay on top option unreliable. To fix this I use DeskPins, a freeware tool from Elias Fotinis that pins the webcam window (or any other window) so it always stays on top. Recommend.

Try working with your webcam turned on so you get used to seeing yourself on screen. To present effectively on video we must become less self-conscious when speaking to camera. The more used we are to seeing ourselves on screen, the easier it becomes.

Tags

Confidence, Skill, Speaking, Tip, Tools, Train, Trick, webcam

My new blog for technical presenters

Our success as technical presenters depends on our ability to get audiences to take action. After all, without action it’s just entertainment!

I’ve given hundreds of technical presentations at all levels in the software industry and have learned that although creating action’s hard, it’s not impossible. I share my experience by curating the best tips and tricks, examples and resources from the web at Tech Presenting. Please join me.