From Camera-Shy to Confident: How Sherwood Media unlocks on-screen potential

Most people who sit in front of a camera are convinced they’re terrible on camera. And honestly? They’re not wrong.

The moment the cameras start rolling, minds race, hands fidget, and the first thing out of their mouth is a robotic version of the script they rehearsed 348 times on the drive over. It’s stiff, unnatural, and completely lacking the warmth and authenticity that makes an interview compelling.

So how do we help someone relax, be themselves, and deliver a great interview?

It all comes down to setting the right atmosphere, asking the right questions, and making them feel like they’re talking to a friend rather than a lens. 

Do you feel awkward or stiff on camera? You’re not alone. At Sherwood Media, we help professionals and business leaders overcome camera shyness to deliver authentic, confident interviews that connect.

Here’s how we do it:

Preparation

A great interview starts before the first question is even asked. The job of an interviewer isn’t just to record answers but to create an environment where the person on camera feels safe, confident, and comfortable enough to speak from the heart.

Casual Pre-chat to Build Rapport

Before the cameras are on, we begin with casual conversation. We might talk about their day, comment on something they’re wearing, or ask about a hobby they love. This isn’t about the interview content but about helping them feel like they have an ally in the room.

When people feel seen and valued before they ever answer a question, they naturally relax. And a relaxed interviewee gives a much better performance.

Clarify Expectations and Lower the Stakes

People get nervous on camera because they think they only have one shot to get it right. But that’s not how interviews work.

We reassure each person that they can take their time, rephrase answers, and pause when needed. The magic happens in the edit. We tell them the goal is not perfection, it is authenticity. And the best, most real responses come when a person stops trying so hard and is just present in the moment.

This isn’t a performance. It’s a conversation. Our job is to help the interviewee feel comfortable and engaged.

Remind Them of the Purpose

When someone understands why their story matters, they stop focusing so much on “sounding right” and instead start focusing on what they want to say.

Before we start filming, we remind them how their words will be used and why their story is valuable. When a person feels like they’re contributing to something meaningful, they’ll speak with more passion and authenticity.

At Sherwood Media, we guide our clients to focus on the value they’re delivering rather than on any perceived imperfections.

Skillful Inquiry

Once the camera is on, the conversation should continue flowing naturally. This is where skillful inquiry comes in. Asking the right questions and framing the conversation the right way helps ensure that the person on camera feels supported and able to communicate freely.

Positive Language

One of the most effective tools we use is positive language. We frame questions in a way that highlights the positives and encourages open, constructive responses. We use words like “excited,” “passionate,” and “favorite” to guide them toward enthusiasm. Instead of “What do you do?” we ask, “What’s something you love about the work you do?” This naturally pulls out their passion.

Conversation Threading

To keep the conversation feeling like a natural discussion rather than a checklist, we use conversation threading. We draw on details from earlier conversations or pre-interview chats to bring more depth and cohesion.

For example, if someone mentioned that their team recently finished a residential construction project, we might ask, “What did it feel like to hand over the keys to the new homeowners?”

Beyond using the threads they’ve given us, we ask questions that offer new threads for them to carry forward. Instead of broad prompts like “What was that like?” we ask, “What did it feel like when…” or “What most excited you about…” These types of questions invite inspiration and emotional connection.

Contrast Questions

To keep things dynamic and insightful, we use contrast questions. These highlight differences or changes and invite reflection. For example: “How does your approach now differ from when you started in the industry?” or “How does your current project compare to previous ones?”

Contrast questions help people articulate growth and insight. They also invite vulnerability, which makes for a more compelling interview.

Probing

Probing is one of the most powerful tools in our interviewing toolkit. Follow-up questions like “Can you explain that further?” or “What happened next?” encourage deeper, richer answers. They also show that we’re listening and value what the person has to say.

Active Listening

Active listening isn’t just about hearing words. It’s about understanding the meaning behind them and creating space where the interviewee feels seen and heard.

Show Engagement Through Body Language

People mirror what they see. If we look distracted, the person on camera may feel self-conscious. If we show interest and engagement, they’ll feel at ease.

We maintain natural eye contact, lean in slightly during key moments, and avoid fidgeting. Small cues can make a big difference.

Reflecting and Validating Their Words

To show we’re actively listening, we reflect and validate what they’ve shared. For example: “It sounds like that experience really shaped your perspective” or “I can see how that would have been challenging for you.”

These affirmations help people feel heard and valued, and often encourage them to share even more.

Matching Energy and Tone

We match the energy and tone of the person we’re interviewing. If they’re excited, we meet their enthusiasm. If they’re more subdued, we adjust our tone accordingly.

This mirroring builds trust. And if the interview needs a shift in energy, a small adjustment in our tone can help guide the mood without being disruptive.

Strategic Silence

Sometimes the best tool we can use is silence. A well-placed pause gives the person time to reflect and often leads to deeper insights.

Space for Reflection

After asking a meaningful question, we don’t rush to fill the silence. Giving them space often leads to thoughtful and candid responses.

Letting Emotion Breathe

Silence also gives room for emotion. If someone is processing something heartfelt, a pause allows them to gather their thoughts. We help our clients be okay with these moments. Genuine emotion is what makes content feel real.

Using a Gentle Follow-up

After a pause, we might follow up with, “What was going through your mind at that moment?” These gentle prompts keep the conversation flowing and allow people to go deeper.

Gentle Coaching

While the goal is a natural conversation, a little coaching can go a long way.

Redirecting Without Disrupting Flow

If someone veers off-topic, we use soft redirection. We might say, “That’s a great point. Let’s circle back to our main topic for a moment.” This keeps the interview on track without making the person feel shut down.

Reframing Mid-Interview

Sometimes a person struggles with a question. In those moments, we reframe it to make it more accessible. “That’s a tough question. Let’s try looking at it this way…” This shift offers clarity and support.

Gently Steering Off-Tangent Responses

When someone goes off on a tangent, we guide them back by gently re-centering the conversation. This might sound like, “Let’s go back to the part about your latest project…”

Helping Them Sound Natural

We help people move from stiff or rehearsed answers to something more conversational. Encouraging them to speak as if talking to a friend helps loosen up overly technical or formal language.

For example, if they’re getting too detailed, we might say, “How would you explain this to a friend?”

In Summary

With the right preparation, skillful inquiry, active listening, strategic silence, and gentle coaching, anyone can feel confident and authentic in front of the camera.

At Sherwood Media, we help individuals and organizations communicate their message in a way that resonates. Whether you’re nervous about being on camera or just want to improve, we’re here to help you shine. Let’s make your next video a success.