Telling Your Story on Camera: How to Feel Confident, Speak Clearly, and Actually Enjoy the Process

Most people hear the words “We’re filming today” and immediately wish they had a dentist appointment.

Bright lights. Big cameras. Microphones. It can feel like a lot.

But here’s the good news: being on camera is not as scary as it seems. In fact, once you settle in, it can actually be fun.

Why? Because you’re not being asked to act. You’re being invited to talk about something you love.

And if you’re a founder, ministry leader, or executive, you already have the hardest part figured out.

You care. You’ve seen what your product, mission, or message can do. That passion is your secret weapon. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be you.

The Camera Isn’t Your Judge. It’s Your Bridge.

When I coach leaders to speak on camera, I remind them the camera isn’t your enemy. It’s your friend.

It helps tell your story, multiply your message, and invite people into something bigger.

The best moments we capture aren’t perfectly polished takes. They’re the ones where your face lights up because you’re sharing something real.

You Already Know What to Say

Worried you’ll forget your lines or say the wrong thing? Don’t be.

You don’t need a script or fancy words. You just need to talk about:

Why you started this
Why it matters
Why others should care

If you believe it, your audience will too.

This Isn’t a Performance. It’s a Conversation.

Talk to one person, not a crowd.

Visualize a donor, a partner, or a client. You’re not performing. You’re inviting.

When leaders relax and talk like they’re across the table from a friend, people lean in. That’s when trust is built and vision connects.

The Coaching Framework: How to Show Up with Confidence

Here’s how I help people get comfortable, authentic, and effective on camera.

1. Start With Belief: You Have to Believe What You’re Saying

Before anything else, you must settle this: Do you believe what you’re about to say?

Speak from conviction, not from obligation. Share what you’ve lived, experienced, or deeply believe will help others. When you fully believe your message, confidence follows. If you wouldn’t buy your own pitch or trust your own message, neither will your audience.

The most persuasive person in any room is the one who believes what they’re saying. Authenticity isn’t about having perfect delivery. It’s about being aligned internally with your message.

2. You’re Having a Conversation, Not Giving a Speech

Talk to one person, not a crowd. Visualize the one customer, donor, or partner you’re trying to reach.

You’re not performing. You’re sharing something valuable..

3. Prepare Your Key Points, Not a Script

Don’t memorize. Prepare.

Identify three to four simple talking points you want to communicate.

Use transitions like:
What’s most important here is…
The reason we built this was because…
The impact we’re seeing is…

If you try to remember paragraphs, you’ll sound stiff. If you master your key points, you’ll sound natural.

4. Physically Prepare Your Body to Perform

Rest well the night before. Stay hydrated. Avoid difficult meetings before and after filming Dress in simple, solid colors. Avoid busy patterns. Sit or stand tall, shoulders relaxed, open posture.

5. Manage Your Energy for Camera

Smile gently. Warmth builds trust.

Speak slightly slower than feels natural. Use your hands, but keep them controlled. Bring more energy than feels normal.

6. Trust the Crew. They’re Your Safety Net

Let the team handle lighting, framing, sound, and technical details Ask questions if you’re unsure. We want you to feel one hundred percent confident.

Take breaks if you stumble. Everything can be fixed in editing.

7. Handle Mistakes Like a Pro

Trip over your words? We all do it. Pause, breathe, and continue.

Don’t apologize. Don’t panic. Just reset.

Your calmness is what people remember.

The editor will handle clean cuts. Your job is to stay calm and continue.

8. Always Remember the Why

You’re not here to “look good.” You’re here to connect with someone who needs what you have to say.

When your heart is in the right place, your message carries authority. When you believe it, they will too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Memorizing full scripts
Overthinking every word
Speaking too fast or too flat
Trying to be perfect
Getting lost in the tech side

The Real Secret

Calm your nerves.
Simplify your message.
Believe what you say.
Create trust.

Ready to Share Your Story?

If you’re preparing for a campaign, a product launch, a donor message, or a brand film, I’d love to help.

Because people don’t invest in perfect videos. They invest in real people doing meaningful work.

You’ve got the story. Let’s join together to change the world.

Whether you're launching a major campaign,
producing a fundraising film,
or refining your brand message,
let's dream together to change the world.
Message me at emailbp@me.com

Brian Petersen - Storytelling Consultant & Film Production

I empower founders, executives, ministry leaders, and nonprofits to craft films that inspire action, raise funds, and build movements. With 20 years of experience producing media for the world’s leading brands, raising funds for major global nonprofit campaigns, and advising Hollywood brands, I bring creative excellence and strategic insight to every project.

Leaders need more than a camera guy. They need a trusted advisor.

What I deliver:
• Directing leaders, founders, and ministries through the storytelling process
• Executive coaching to help leaders communicate confidently on camera
• Messaging development & brand refinement to sharpen key phrases & talking points
• Global creative production from concept to completion
• Proven fundraising storytelling to drive donor engagement
• Nonprofit storytelling & ministry leadership expertise
• Story-driven films that connect the heart and mind

About My Work:
I am the founder of Petersen Film & Photo LLC, based in California, with expertise that bridges both the global music industry and faith-based fundraising world. I serve as a trusted advisor to leaders needing high-end creative production, consulting, on-camera coaching, and nonprofit storytelling strategy.

I have produced documentaries and fundraising films for ministries, nonprofits, and major brands, contributing to large evangelical fundraising campaigns with Gospel Patrons, Illuminations, Jesus Film, Generous Giving, NCF, and more. We’ve seen hundreds of millions committed to gospel ministry.

Be Great On Camera