If getting on video makes you nervous, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share simple, realistic tips to help tutors and education business owners feel more confident on camera.
I cover the best tools, lighting, microphones and apps to make video creation easier, along with quick ways to improve quality and save time.
If you want to use video marketing to attract clients and grow your tutoring business, this episode will help you get started with confidence.
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So I am not gonna lie, but I feel like a bit of an imposter recording a podcast episode about confidently getting on video because it's something that I have really struggled with in the past and something I still kind of struggle with sometimes. But I've learned not to overthink it because that’s actually the thing that has always paralysed me.
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The reason I decided to just go for it and share my top tips is because one of my email subscribers, client and friend, Tamsin Stack, dropped me an email with a request. She said she’d love a podcast with ideas for techy bits of equipment or apps that make going live or producing good photos easier.
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She asked things like, what’s a good setup for photos or recordings, a good microphone, or an app for prompts when you go live. So thank you, Tamsin — here I am sharing my top tips, things I’ve learned through experience and from others, to make it all easier and less daunting.
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When we think about this episode, I want you to think of it in three categories — going live, video recording and editing. Everything I talk about applies to those, with a few do’s and don’ts for images and videos.
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The first thing is related to video recording. After years of trying different things, I’ve really enjoyed using Instagram’s Edits app. I don’t use it for Instagram itself, but because it helps me gather and organise short video ideas quickly using the sticky notes feature.
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You can dictate ideas, jot down short scripts, and even record using its in-built teleprompter. I find that gathering and collating ideas there keeps me organised, though it’s best for short scripts because of its word limit.
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For longer notes, I use ClickUp to organise my whole business — including this podcast. But I love using teleprompters in general because they make me feel more confident and reduce editing time.
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I aim to get high-quality raw footage so editing is easier and faster, and teleprompters really help with that. I use Descript for editing videos, especially this podcast, and while it has a teleprompter, I find it a bit unstable.
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That’s why I also use Riverside. Both Descript and Riverside allow recording and editing, but I find Riverside’s recording quality higher and more stable. I record there, then edit in Descript, because its editing tools are powerful and efficient.
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I know it sounds odd paying for two apps that do similar things, but it’s cost-effective for me because I produce this podcast every week. My VA edits it using these tools, which saves time and money compared to outsourcing to an agency.
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Now, let’s talk lighting. If you want good lighting, the easiest method is a three-point lighting system. I use a soft box behind my camera, a ring light to my side, and another soft box lighting the background.
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This balances the light nicely. I also consider natural light from the windows. Usually, I make the room darker and rely on my lights so I’m not competing with daylight, which changes throughout the day.
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For quick videos on your phone, just experiment. Facing a window works well in daylight, but sometimes it causes overexposure, so adjust based on what looks best. I don’t overthink these short recordings.
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Lighting isn’t just about aesthetics — it also improves video quality. I use my MacBook webcam or my Logitech one, and good lighting helps both produce clearer footage that stays sharp even after compression on platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
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I also record more of myself — down to my waist — so I have flexibility to crop for different platform dimensions without things looking too zoomed in or pixelated.
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Next, microphones. I use a Shure microphone now, which is pricier but gives great clarity. Before that, I had a Blue Yeti, which was too sensitive and picked up too much background noise.
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If you’re recording on your phone, something simpler like a Rode clip-on mic works well, though I’ve found mine sounds a little muffled. Still, most people love it, so it’s worth trying. Even normal headphones often work fine.
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Now for a few do’s and don’ts. First, be comfortable. Wear clothes you feel relaxed in, because that affects your posture and how natural you look on camera.
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I always record in a simple black T-shirt and leggings, with light makeup and my hair done — it makes me feel confident. Do whatever helps you feel calm and at ease.
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Use tools that make things easier — like teleprompters — and position your camera at eye level or slightly above. Avoid leaving too much space above your head in the frame.
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Think about where your video will be published and record accordingly. For example, if you’ll add graphics or text, leave space around you. But don’t overcomplicate things — simple videos can be just as effective.
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Don’t be a perfectionist. Most people care more about what you’re saying than whether it’s flawless. Small mistakes are fine — leave them in.
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If hitting publish feels too hard, record anyway. You don’t have to share those videos, but the practice will help you get more comfortable. Imagine speaking to one person — like I imagine talking to Tamsin — to stay natural and conversational.
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That’s everything I can think of. My setup is simple but effective. I hope this episode has given you ideas and confidence to start recording your own videos. Thanks for staying with me till the end — you’ll hear from me on Wednesday.
