TRUST
Trust your instincts. Trust that you know what to do and that whatever your gut instinct or first reaction is is “right”! You are interesting, funny, engaging, smart enough without having to force anything. The camera is like a magnifying glass that is able to catch everything the actor does so less is often more. Trust that you have everything you need without overdoing it.
FAITH
Faith is a crucial component in confidence. Without faith, despair sets in. When that happens, it’s only a matter of time until we give up mentally and in our hearts, and that is fatal to any dream. Faith has us digger deeper, work harder. The gratification is not instant in on-camera work because you are not in the same room with the audience. You must have faith that your hard work will pay off in the end.
SELF-AWARENESS
Camera work provides a unique opportunity for you to see the work that you are doing immediately. You perform then watch it back. You have an instant example of what can be changed or improved. It can then help you remain objective. Seeing yourself on camera is scary but once you can accept how you look or sound with love and move on to critiquing your performance, then there is nothing that can stop you.
ACTIVE LISTENING
When you are involved in a real conversation you are already actively listening; your attention is on the other the person, not on yourself; and their focus is on you, not themselves. Full attention is given to the other person and what they are saying. Active listening is crucial to on-camera acting. The camera can pick up, through the actor’s eyes, if they are zoned out or thinking about other things.
FAIL BOLDLY
Make the choices that you are scared of. Experiment. Play. Push yourself to the edge and occasionally fall off that edge. It is our individuality that makes us unique, and those unique ideas will be what will help you realize who you truly are! Since you have the luxury of playing back your performance, dare to be bold, and see what is working and what doesn’t.
PRACTICE
This is a new skill and with new skills come the feeling as if you will never get better at it. Practice holding on to the faith and trust that you have cultivated. Don’t fight the negative thoughts that will inevitably creep in, and don’t be upset when you lose the moment. Remember, this is just a practice. But when you’ve lost it (and once again, it’s okay if you do), re-center yourself and begin again. This time, you might hold on a little longer. Next time, maybe longer still. Work on staying in trust and faith a little more each time, so soon you’ll find yourself there more and more often in your daily life and calling it up at will. The goal is progress, not perfection.