You’ve prepared your message, maybe even conquered some initial camera nerves. But are you aware of what your body is communicating while you speak? Nonverbal communication is incredibly powerful, especially on video. Your body language can either reinforce your message, making you appear confident and credible, or undermine it, signaling insecurity or disinterest – often without you even realizing it.
Even subtle cues can significantly impact how your audience perceives you and your expertise. Are you accidentally sabotaging your videos with these common body language blunders? Let’s identify 7 frequent mistakes and, more importantly, learn how to fix them.
1. Mistake: Avoiding Eye Contact with the Lens 👁️
Looking away frequently, glancing down, or focusing on your own image on the screen instead of the camera lens is a major connection killer.
- Why it Ruins Your Video: It makes you appear insecure, untrustworthy, distracted, or unprepared. Viewers feel disconnected, as if you aren’t speaking directly to them.
- The Fix: Treat the camera lens as the eyes of a single person you’re having a conversation with. Maintain steady, consistent eye contact with the lens throughout most of your recording. It might feel unnatural at first, but it translates to direct eye contact for your viewer, building trust and engagement.
2. Mistake: Closed-Off Posture (Crossed Arms/Legs) 🚧
Crossing your arms tightly across your chest or even crossing your legs while standing can create a physical and psychological barrier between you and your audience.
- Why it Ruins Your Video: This posture often reads as defensive, resistant, uncomfortable, or closed-off to connection. It can make you seem unapproachable.
- The Fix: Keep your posture open and relaxed. Let your arms hang naturally at your sides or rest gently in your lap if seated. Use open hand gestures (see next point!). Ensure your shoulders are relaxed and not hunched forward.
3. Mistake: Hiding Your Hands 👐
Tucking your hands in your pockets, clasping them behind your back, or keeping them rigidly still below the frame can inadvertently signal nervousness or dishonesty.
- Why it Ruins Your Video: Visible hands are associated with openness and trustworthiness. Hiding them can make viewers subconsciously uneasy. It also prevents you from using gestures effectively.
The Fix: Keep your hands visible within the camera frame when appropriate. Use natural, purposeful gestures to emphasize your points and add energy to your delivery. Relax your hands when not gesturing, perhaps resting one hand lightly over the other if seated.
4. Mistake: Fidgeting & Nervous Gestures fidgeting: fidgeting: fidgeting:
Constantly touching your face or hair, adjusting clothing, tapping fingers, playing with a pen or jewelry, shifting your weight excessively, or even biting nails are all tell-tale signs of anxiety.
- Why it Ruins Your Video: These repetitive, unconscious movements are highly distracting for the viewer and scream “nervous!” They pull focus away from your message and undermine your perceived confidence.
- The Fix: Increase your self-awareness. Record practice sessions and watch specifically for fidgeting habits. Try grounding yourself by planting your feet firmly if standing, or resting your hands calmly if seated. Practice controlled, intentional gestures instead of random movements. Deep breathing before recording can also help calm these nervous ticks.
5. Mistake: Lack of (Genuine) Smiling 😊
Appearing overly serious, stern, or completely devoid of expression can make you seem cold, unapproachable, or even intimidating. Conversely, a forced or nervous smile can seem insincere.
- Why it Ruins Your Video: A genuine smile conveys warmth, confidence, and enthusiasm. It helps build rapport and makes your audience feel more comfortable.
- The Fix: Aim for a natural, authentic smile, especially at the beginning and end of your video to create a welcoming and positive impression. Let your expression match the tone of your content – smile when discussing positive points or sharing relatable anecdotes. Think about the value you’re providing, which can often bring a natural smile to your face.
6. Mistake: Looking Down or Away Too Often (Besides the Lens)
While direct eye contact with the lens is key, constantly looking down (as if reading notes excessively) or frequently darting your eyes around the room can also signal discomfort or lack of preparation.
- Why it Ruins Your Video: Looking down can be interpreted as insecurity or shame. Looking around distractedly suggests you’re not fully present or engaged with your message or the viewer.
- The Fix: Prepare your content well so you don’t need to rely heavily on notes. If using notes or a teleprompter, position them as close to the camera lens as possible to minimize eye movement. Practice delivering your key points confidently while maintaining that crucial connection with the lens.
