How to Speak to a Camera Without Being Awkward

Speaking tips I've learned over thousands of videos.
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[@nellie2m]

"Its your internal feelings toward yourself that is the issue" gem of truth right there

[@kevinmespiritu]

Indeed

[@LaurenAngela_aufDeutsch]

This dude drops so many truth bombs. - if you ever say the algorithm hates you, you already lost the game

[@officialwatchamber]

That part!!

[@windriderfarm]

It is definitely something about being recorded for the world to judge that can be crippling. My full-time job is as a plant expert in a large garden center, and during the peak season I am usually surrounded by a mob of people waiting to ask me questions. No problem. I am there to help and love it. Turn the camera on me for my homesteading/gardening channel and I freeze. Which is why my channel is all voice overs. I am going to practice using your advice. I am recording the video for a good friend. I am so loving this channel you have created, and the advice you give. Thank you.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Just remember, you don't even see them if they do judge you so there are truly are no stakes

[@mediawithjim]

At the same time don’t be so hard on yourself because many people don’t care and just be yourself and continue to try. That’s all that matters.

[@windriderfarm]

@@mediawithjim Thank you. Good advice.

[@UserCode6]

"Im pretending that its you" 🥺 "Actually, Im pretending that its someone that I care about" 😭

[@kevinmespiritu]

LOL

[@Josev-TV]

I have to say that improv is one of the best things I did for myself. You learn to deal with your self critic but is not for everyone. It’s definitely a vulnerable place and I’ve seen many people leave after a few tries.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Absolutely, improv is so killer for combatting the inner critic

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Doing frequent livestreams with our Members Section (people I'm most comfortable with who are not family/IRL friends) has helped a ton. They are close enough to be comfortable messing up but not so close that I'm not somewhat trying to be presentable LOL

[@CoconutPete]

one could start a channel with the sole purpose of talking to other members to increase camera confidence and probably do well

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@CoconutPete I bet you're right! You could lead the way!!

[@kevinmespiritu]

I love this perspective!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@kevinmespiritu thanks!

[@windriderfarm]

​ @SageandStoneHomestead I found your channel recently and love it. You seem so comfortable in front of the camera. You do such a great job on your videos.

[@CleverCassandra]

Coach Kev out here making sure everybody wins 💯 Taking it to another level. Kudos 🤜💥🤛

[@kevinmespiritu]

💯💯💯

[@lemonpoppy]

Thank you, Kevin. My challenge is forming original, concise thoughts and getting my brain to play nice with my mouth.😅

[@user-nlvmruu]

right? i feel like i have to script because i go off topic bc that’s how i am with my friends i kind of just talk intuitively not mechanically so other people can understand what i am doing or meaning. kevin maybe help us with this??

[@kevinmespiritu]

It is a challenge! Nothing wrong with starting with bullet points or even a light script

[@OurOkieHomestead]

@@user-nlvmruu I go off topic a lot! So I edit out a bunch of stuff. My edit time would be cut in half probably if I could stay on topic. Then I have to move around clips of the words to make it make sense, LOL!

[@LennyTim]

Thanks bud. I’ve been doing KZbin for about a year and this was pretty much my minimum goal. If nothing else, I’ll just get better at speaking. It’s just practice.

[@kevinmespiritu]

That's a great way to look at it

[@Piczoid]

Haha I almost feel like this video is a direct response to my comment on your other vid the other day! My inability to just riff coherently is less about confidence and more about disorganized thoughts ... which I suppose is probably a better problem to have. I think subject knowledge is also a big factor. Anyway, great job! I'm gonna have to give this a try on my own channel (not that Mr. Applebottom thing tho)

[@kevinmespiritu]

It absolutely was a response to that comment of yours!

[@trishdavi7049]

​@@kevinmespirituthis ^ although you are speaking to the camera you are in fact directing some of your content to your audience . Although you said nobody cares, by replying to individual comments and even addressing concerns of comments that you created this vid...it seems like you care. This genuine act of teaching others to garden or give a KZbin video or whatever content you choose to do has propelled you success with your capacity for understanding. Far from monotone, your facial expressions, costumes and laughter with Jaques through the years are endearing and keep some of us tuning in. When it is said that nobody cares, some in your audience actually do. Congratulations on having a girlfriend, wish you health & happiness in your present and future. 🎉

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

Speaking as a trained but amateur musician, this is as much a performance art as anything on stage or on the screen, so the only way to get good at it is practice, practice, record and critically observe yourself, practice, practice. I would imagine most people hate the sound of their own voices (I can't stand to hear recordings of myself), so that's a hurdle to overcome here. When it comes to recorded videos vs streaming, people often don't realize that those are 2 different skills. When you're recording an edited piece, it always pays to record as much as you can to get the best possible takes to camera. One thing I've noticed about KZbinrs is that they take this to mean, get the best takes possible within the schedule you've set for yourself and string the ones that don't sound horrible together. That kinda works, but the really good KZbinrs take the time to get longer takes that are easier to stitch together in editing, to avoid the jarring jump cuts that seem to be a hallmark of the platform. One channel I watch (Tom Sanladerer) took the time to build his own teleprompter so he could get better and longer takes. With streaming, it's basically improvisation, and the way to get good at that in jazz is to master your instrument first, then do it, again and again. It's like sight reading without the sheet music. If you're not good at the game, if you can make it funny that could work as a kind of improv act, but I have to warn everyone that this kind of comedy is a much smaller niche.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Very well said, I completely agree they are different skill sets. I would be much worse at streaming

[@CandysGarden]

I graduated back in 2002 (giving you an idea on how school was for my generation) & was REQUIRED to take Speech in order to graduate. I hated going up in front of the class all the time, but honestly, GLAD, I took the class, cause it does make it easier now to go in front of a group of people, not just because I'm older & don't really care what people think. Now, it's not a requirement, & my 2 oldest daughters have social anxiety 🤦

[@kevinmespiritu]

Yeah I really feel that it should be back in school curriculum!

[@FloridaFoodForest]

Love it! Thank you for this. I literally do the whole "oh this is weird I'm talking to myself in my backyard thing". But you're right no one is judging me but myself and its just making it worse.

[@dameanvil]

0:00 🎙 Practice speaking to the camera as if it's your best friend to reduce nervousness and self-judgment. 4:02 📚 Reading regularly helps improve speaking skills by exposing you to different writing styles and structures.

[@makinggardenmagic]

So helpful! In my earliest videos I could only picture a judgmental person watching my videos, it’s slowly getting to where I can envision someone that actually finds it helpful. Thanks for this :)

[@kevinmespiritu]

The beauty is if they are judgmental, then that's on them. Not on you!

[@DailyIntentionwithJess]

This was super helpful! Public speaking has been a new adventure in my life... not on my terms - I get the offer and I dont see why I wouldnt do it! But That damn comfort zone 😂 Its amazing the growth that comes once you push yourself into discomfort.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Couldn't agree more.

[@thetrailheadgarden]

Great advice that ill take to heart. Performing in any capacity helps as well, in theater, dance, or music. I grew up doing regular music recitals so I got an intro to public appearances early on.

[@sammip3912]

I love these types of videos you have been doing. As a new member to the club, it’s a lot more work than I ever knew. I definitely have a new appreciation for the craft. I have such a bubbly personality when I’m around people but filming is something totally different so thanks for all the great information and inspiration!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Good luck on it!

[@Ashas.Garden]

Thank you! I just started video content creation and watching and listening to myself back is … difficult. Thank you, Kevin!

[@blujeans9462]

I had to take a public speaking course in college. The final exam was a 5 minute speech, with no notes. I needed to practice pretty much every day to memorize the information but it definitely was a good experience.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Happy that you did that!

[@KevinLJ-Photography]

Thanks. Great to hear you talk openly and share more of your story ... it's very helpful!

[@AnnBertholf]

Very helpful! This makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the video!

[@jalenejohnson8484]

Amazing video Kevin! Really, great job! Super helpful. Very timely.

[@thehallhive9425]

Ohhh I feel so called out. 🤣 One thing I try to keep in mind is that it sometimes just comes down to what we are acclimated to. And we aren't acclimated to seeing ourselves from the outside or hearing our own voices, so we see the flaws. If I were actually talking to my best friend, they've seen me enough times that they don't even see or hear those flaws that I see. That weird voice we hear ISN'T weird to everyone else because that's all they know. They don't hear the better sounding voice that's inside our head for comparison 🤣 so it's not weird to them. And they certainly aren't comparing our features to so-and-so like we do with ourselves. (And let's just be honest, if they are, they don't matter anyway!) It's still hard though. We tend to carry past traumas with us and let them win more often than they should. But that's exactly when I try to remind myself that no one is judging me like I'm judging myself, so maybe I shouldn't.

[@kevinmespiritu]

A thoughtful comment!

[@Doxribo]

Dude all your videos are amazing, from the gardening, to these types of videos. Sometimes feels like you’re one of the only real people on this platform lol keep it up brother👍

[@kevinmespiritu]

I appreciate that!

[@matthyland1218]

Love how active this channel has become. I know it's not as much content focused but would love to see a video about your warehouse management, turns, stock levels, etc.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Great suggestion

[@tmwhtly3982]

I have been following your garden channel for a few years now. Learned today that you are a fellow Toastmaster! Great program, highly recommend it to any one speaking "in public". Thank you for all your advice about speaking on video, very helpful.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@NJGardenTeacher]

Really loving this casual format! Thank you so much for these great tips. 👍🏽

[@kevinmespiritu]

You're so welcome!

[@Pink_Princessx69]

"Damn, I am DRY AS HELL" :,D I know in your last video you were saying you didnt want this to be like, how to youtube channel kind of thing, but I am loving your outlook on the creation process and all the knowledge you gleam. Thank you!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad you’re enjoying

[@simplifygardening]

Great advice Kev

[@EverywhereNYC]

Every word that you said was right on point. Especially the improv

[@TinCanTwosome]

Thank you for not dumbing it down. You use big words like genre and I appreciate that. You assume the person you’re talking to is intelligent :-)

[@thehomesteadingrd]

Great video! Love this series you're puttin gout. I've always been so impressed by your ability to speak well - entertaining, eloquent, comfortable, comprehensive. You check all the boxes!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Kind of you to say 😍

[@Soladaddy]

Very impressed with your ability to speak clearly with what seems to be no cuts or breaks. My videos are heavily edited to clean up the audio. Will try your suggestion.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Give it a shot!

[@centurybeta2112]

Great video dude! I'm new to creating on KZbin and this is EXACTLY what I've been working on and learning how to improve. You really offered some invaluable advice I'm going to implement. Also, the improv thing is spot on!!!!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad to hear you enjoyed!

[@hbtCHIEFS]

I don’t know why this was recommended to me, but since I speak on camera for a living, I figured I could learn a thing or two. Nice work bro.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Cool that it was!

[@somaticconsent510]

love your stuff, learned a lot, thank you so much

[@kevinmespiritu]

My pleasure

[@Enlighten.Essence]

Wonderful video, well done, Kevin

[@GardeningBuds]

This is gold! You're the third or fourth person that mentioned improv as a tool to grow. Gonna do it!! Really great stuff here!!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yourguardianchef]

So good to hear you are also a Toastmaster. I am a Food blogger, and when I tell other bloggers that I am taking public speaking classes, they look very skeptical. It was great to hear you validate my thoughts!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Wise decision!

[@MrGRockin]

Funny every struggle I'm dealing with as I'm producing now, your new content seems to predict. Thank you for the insight again and picking back up on this channel to share the wisdom you've gained through experience.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad it's helpful

[@AlienTux]

Thank you. I've been trying to make videos for a long while now (consistently) and watching this right now made me realize that I've been speaking to the camera wrong and that's why I sound like I do... Monotonous... I have been teaching for over 10 years, but talking to a camera makes me nervous... And it's just me getting in my own head...

[@kevinmespiritu]

It is! You'll improve

[@johnleesuccess]

keep up the amazing work my man!

[@LittleHomesteadOnHinerPond]

Thanks!! I’ll try your tips. I’m definitely new to this, at age 70 😀

[@OTRFlyer]

Holy smokes that was deep! Thanks man love it! Going to practice this!

[@harmannymusiceducation]

Awesome insights!! Thanks Kevin!!

[@kevinmespiritu]

My pleasure!

[@yesitsthattime]

Thank you for the info. Now I know why you seem so genuine on camera

[@CrystalRicotta]

Wow, appreciate your wisdom on the subject.

[@AussieAquatic]

Can I just say......Tremendous speaking tips, Bravo :)

[@kevinmespiritu]

Thank you! 😃

[@Lupinsx]

Love it!! Some of my best videos were when I had someone filming with me and we did it together. But when I don’t have that interaction I definitely struggle. During my career I was actually was made to hold public presentations for about 10 to 20 people and actually became quite comfortable doing this, most likely because I had someone to interact with weather it was eye contact or answering a question. So this video really gives me some ideas on how to overcome the poor flow some of my videos have. Thanks!! Enjoy your day.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad to hear this :)

[@ahtemmathehun3506]

Thank you for the excellent advice, Kevin. Especially the philosophical mindset.

[@kevinmespiritu]

My pleasure!

[@ryantatemedia]

Thank you bro still finding my voice. God bless you bro!

[@LearnCreateLove]

You are a very intelligent person, Kevin. Thanks for sharing and inspiring others to grow and be better.🌻

[@kevinmespiritu]

So nice of you

[@dtpbarbr87]

True but not everyone is pleasant to look at or listen too . God blessed you with both

[@Flanuora]

Super helpful!! Thank you!

[@mikeello6303]

Your video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@TheLifeMidwife]

This was super helpfu, thanks Kevin!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SavvyInsuranceLady]

Toastmasters changed my life. I was thrilled to hear you recommend finding and joining a club to those watching. Learning to speak confidently in public has allowed me opportunities I never would have had without that skill. Thank you for the great tips!!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Wonderful! It did a lot for me too

[@jessecunninghamv]

Great video! The more you do it, the more comfortable it becomes. And the beauty of recording is that you can re-record until you are satisfied.

[@nocheckinbags]

Great video, very helpful. We are a travel vlog and in the beginning of the first at least 10 videos both myself and Natalie would get a little nervous infront of the camera because were always in public, now i still sometimes do get nervous but it is definitely much less. But reading, toastmasters and improv are definitely great suggestions and something we will look into more. Thank you for the great content and sharing your years of knowledge with the community!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Yeah, speaking in public is definitely more nerve-wracking! Eventually you realize no one truly cares, but it takes a bit to get there. Good luck with the channel!

[@RoyHolder]

Excellent advice, thanks Kevin, cheers! 👍

[@kevinmespiritu]

Very welcome

[@ModernResilience]

haha I loved hearing about Mr. Applebottom. That's hilarious and makes sense how improv could help you in ways you might not expect.

[@smitinathan]

Love the point about reading!

[@cultivateclaremont2940]

Dude, this was really great. As someone who seriously struggles with being natural in front of the camera, I so appreciate you sharing your no nonsense approach, and the experiences that helped you build your confidence and skills. Looking forward to more real talk with Kevin!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Awesome! Thank you! More to come

[@JonathanBarrientos]

Great video. Made me think about what I struggle with when speaking.

[@billvinson7859]

Excellent advice thank you. ❤

[@GuidedMeditationChannel-pz3my]

I'm loving this video! Outstanding!

[@kevinmespiritu]

So glad!

[@michellewood3940]

That’s so interesting you brought up improv as improving your public speaking skills. I was involved in improv for about 5 years (both in classes and with a improv troupe) and there was a businessman that joined our class specifically to learn how to become a better public speaker for his profession. It was amazing to see his transformation from a stiff to a very “yes - and” kinda guy. He loved it so much he stayed with the class for years and joined a troupe. Highly recommend taking an improv class to boost confidence and it’s just SO much fun as well! 😁👍🏻

[@kevinmespiritu]

So awesome to hear this

[@SandieCastaneda]

I’ve been loving your content lately ☺️🤍🩷🎙️

[@kevinmespiritu]

Happy to hear that

[@brongulus2617]

This is amazing. Talking to a camera *about* talking to a camera would make me so self-conscious as to destroy whatever skill in it I otherwise had. And you didn't let that happen. Have you considered that maybe you might have the natural talent for being an actor?

[@kevinmespiritu]

Unfortunately I am not great at being anything besides myself

[@minanada41]

Really awesome video. I wish I heard this advice years ago when I first starting filming reels on Instagram. I appreciate the insight Kevin, thank you! One of my year's resolution was to create longer videos for my KZbin channel after getting over the anxiety you described. Looking forward to applying what you said for the next video I make ✨

[@kevinmespiritu]

Best of luck with it :)

[@wanderersinblack]

Thank you for the video & info. It took me quite a while to get the confidence to speak into a camera. I had no confidence at all in the beginning but it did grow over time. Now we are constantly Youtubing everywhere! Big cheers from Melbourne 🍷!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Absolutely love to hear this! Small steps really add up

[@glennahoki6476]

Thank you for your suggestions! This is a really helpful video. My kids used to take a writing class from a gifted writer who focused a lot on writing from your gut, which was different from your heart or your head. I hadn't thought about applying that to speaking, but it makes a lot of sense!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad it was helpful

[@microflowerfarm6712]

I remember doing Toastmasters in highschool. We had an "um counter" where they loudly dropped a penny in a cup every time you said "um" as you gave your speech. still sticks with me. 😆

[@Ebencrowe]

Dude, right on! Been performing (music) for decades. “Getting out of your head” is the most important part.

[@AaronPendergastphoto]

Hooked me at 39 seconds. Good content. Saved to watch the last half when I can.

[@SageSabey]

Thank you for sharing, this is so helpful. Starting on a journey of being less self-judgemental now 😅

[@operator1192]

These are some excellent tips, thank you Eric…..😉

[@growinginportland]

That was very helpful Kevin. I’ve been trying to make a video for a week now and I keep getting caught up in my own head. I will practice this weekend, talking to my friend, my friend, the camera thanks again

[@kevinmespiritu]

Keep it up!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I was in Toastmasters for several years. I was even a VP for my chapter, lol. Totally geek club but so helpful.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Absolutely full nerd club

[@owlbestitching8839]

Great info!

[@DearDesignCoach]

Thank you so much! I am just starting on KZbin and this video really helped!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@froggie211]

Great helpful information! Thanks for sharing your advice. I do struggle with this problem. I just can't do it, lol

[@aidenplants]

thanks, Kevin before i started KZbin it was weird to see myself on camera but been better it's not so weird anymore so thanks for making this video love all of your channels you have been and the good advise thanks.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Takes time, thanks for the kind words!

[@plantsoverpills1643]

One of the reasons, I have maintained a watch on your videos is the easy going manner in which you present your content. You have been blessed with a calm soothing voice, a knack for getting to the point, knowing when to wrap up and an ability to steadily speak without constant um, uh and duh, not to mention the trendy and annoying to me, upspeak, that plagued “Generation Y” and beyond. Your playful antics with Jacque and your humble disposition puts fun in your gardening channel. Especially important is your knack to be neutral and matter of fact when offering honest critique on gardening hacks and the like. It will be a treat to have you expand your topics and the experiences that have brought you where you are today.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Appreciate this breakdown, always cool to see an outside perspective

[@atnoahshouse]

Could not agree more about improv. I am in my 50’s and was a performer for years. I saw many people over the years come out of there shell and really embrace and enjoy performing…….

[@trainmoveimprove]

Visualizing the camera as a good friend of yours is such a powerful tactic!

[@LinneaofBorealis]

Thanks!

[@JerryDechant]

Reading out loud, I think that is what you were referring to, and I agree especially if what you are reading has different characters in it that you can express by changing your voice, or cadence, etc. Also, standing in front of a mirror and talking to your mirror self can get you use to seeing yourself on video, so that when you are in front of the camera, you can amp up your performance so that you appear more engaging. (LOL! I should take my own advice! Actually, I have but I could do it more to become better at it.) Another thing you could do is put a picture of someone you are comfortable talking to in real life, right above the camera Lense, then look at that picture while recording in the same way you'd look at that person in real life. There, that's my 2.5 cents worth ;) the .5 is for inflation :)

[@kevinmespiritu]

These are all awesome suggestions

[@gardeningwithkay]

Omg I’m everything you have said.. I say a thousand ums.. I don’t have good jokes, I voice over.. I don’t like looking at myself on screen and I don’t like listening to myself. I don’t know how to stop this self judgment 😂😂🙈🙈🙈 How on earth you can speak without even one cut of the frame in this video😅😅you are definitely a pro.

[@kevinmespiritu]

It takes time!

[@jannetolentino613]

This was the best advice I have ever received

[@HiStuartWard]

I'm uploading my first "talking to the camera" video Friday. Wish I found this before I recorded it. I will definitely use this information in future videos. Thank you!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Best of luck

[@raisingwildflowers]

“I don’t have that in my brain.” 😂 is so relatable

[@Narrative1234]

This video is awesome , well say , well done well welcome 🤗

[@soggybawsmoto]

I've presented to live audiences for years prior to covid, but only started filming YT videos since. I've really struggled with this, especially in my last few films. I presented to my first live audience dince covid last week, and was amazed at my improv, and feeding off individuals in the crowd. Was such a buzz, I'm going to try and apply that feel to my next film

[@AJsGreenTopics]

I had a habit of using both hands when pointing at something. They would be in the praying position. Once I saw it on camera, I stopped doing it. Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@kevinmespiritu]

Interesting!

[@WorldsWorstGardener]

Kevin, Thanks for this video! I'm a (work from home) trainer by vocation, so making videos doesn't bother me EXCEPT (as you mentioned "stop judging yourself.") I hate watching my trainings/videos. The big one I struggle with is a lot of umms and uhhs. I really appreciate you sharing your own experience and how you've developed your skills. You make really good points about speed and intonation (I tend to go too fast and keep the same tone!) It for sure takes practice - I took some udemy courses on speaking and instructional design and learned a lot of what you're talking about, but still struggle to implement it!

[@kevinmespiritu]

Takes some time to get it...every time you speak is practice :)

[@alwayskateellen]

Super helpful ❤

[@AdamHazelton33]

I’ve been watching you for 5 years and I really appreciate these kinds of videos. I think that I’m okay about talking to camera, I just hate my voice on camera when I go to edit.

[@kevinmespiritu]

It's common! It goes away eventually

[@jaecubed592]

Great advice

[@pxpkxrn]

Thank you bro