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From Awkward to Authority: How New Agents Can Conquer Camera Shyness and Build a Video Presence That Gets Clients

Written by Coach Emily on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Struggling to get on camera as a new real estate agent? This step-by-step guide will help you overcome video fear, grow confidence, and attract leads.

You know video works. Everyone says it. Your coach says it. Instagram says it. The agents you follow who are getting listings every week? They’re all using video.

But here’s the truth — you still haven’t hit record.

Not because you’re lazy. Not because you don’t want to show up. But because every time you think about filming yourself, that voice in your head kicks in:

“What if I look awkward?”

“What if people judge me?”

“What if I mess up and sound dumb?”

I hear this every week from agents I coach. And I’ve helped hundreds of them move past the fear — not by becoming someone they’re not, but by building real on-camera confidence, one small step at a time.

So, if you’ve been hiding behind Canva graphics and overthinking your way out of video, this post is for you. It’s your complete roadmap — from hesitation to high-impact video that gets results.

Let’s get into it.

Why Camera Shyness is Blocking Your Growth (And Costing You Clients)

Here’s what most agents don’t realize:

Camera fear isn’t about the camera. It’s about visibility.

It’s the fear of being seen — and judged — by people you know (or strangers on the internet). And for new agents, that fear is especially loud because everything already feels unfamiliar.

But here’s the data:

  • 73% of sellers say they’re more likely to hire an agent who uses video
  • Listings with video get 4x more inquiries
  • Only 38% of agents use video consistently

Which means — if you’re willing to work through the fear — you’re going to stand out.

“Video isn’t just a marketing tactic — it’s your most scalable trust-building tool.”

Why Most Agents Stay Stuck (It’s Not a Tech Problem)

You don’t need better equipment. You don’t need a ring light or teleprompter or fancy editing software.

You need a mindset shift.

Most agents don’t post videos because of one or more of these fears:

  • Fear of judgment – “What will my friends think?”
  • Fear of comparison – “I don’t look as polished as other agents.”
  • Fear of mistakes – “What if I stutter or forget my words?”
  • Fear of visibility – “I’m not ready to be seen.”

The good news? Confidence is not a trait. It’s a skill — and it’s trainable.

Let me show you how.

The CONFIDENCE Framework: My 7-Step Method for Beating Camera Shyness

I’ve used this process to coach dozens of agents from zero video to consistent content — some who now generate 90% of their business from YouTube and Reels.

Step 1: Comfort Through Private Practice

Don’t start with public posts. Start private.

  • Record 1–2 minute videos on your phone that you’ll never publish
  • Topics can be light — “my favorite coffee shop,” “how I got into real estate,” “3 things I learned this week”
  • Watch them back — not to criticize, but to notice that the worst-case scenario never happens

Coach Tip: Use your phone’s selfie camera in mirror mode. Most agents prefer how they look that way.

Step 2: Outline > Script

Reading from a full script will make you sound robotic.

Instead:

  • Use 3–5 bullet points
  • Practice talking about each point naturally
  • Imagine you’re FaceTiming a buyer, not presenting to a crowd

Start with the “Problem → Tip → CTA” formula:

“If you’re a first-time buyer in [your city], you’re probably overwhelmed by rates right now. Here’s one thing I’m telling clients…”

Step 3: Simplify the Setup

Your video will never be perfect — and it doesn’t need to be.

Start with:

  • Your smartphone
  • Natural window lighting (no need for a ring light yet)
  • A $20 clip-on mic (optional but helpful)
  • Eye-level camera placement

Teleprompter apps like BigVu or Captions can help at first — but don’t rely on them forever.

Step 4: Shift Focus From You to Your Viewer

This is the biggest confidence unlock.

When you stop thinking “What do I look like?” and start thinking “Who does this help?” — the nerves drop dramatically.

You’re not performing. You’re serving.

Speak to one person. Picture a buyer you’ve helped. A nervous seller. Your best friend buying their first home.

Step 5: Start Small, Then Scale

Confidence builds with exposure. Here’s your ramp-up:

  • Week 1–2: Daily 30-second Stories (even if they’re just “checking in”)
  • Week 3: One short-form video (Instagram Reel, TikTok, YouTube Short)
  • Week 4+: Add 1–2 weekly evergreen videos (buyer/seller tips, market updates)

Coach Tip: Use my TEACH framework to self-review:

  • Tone – Do you sound approachable?
  • Energy – Is your voice animated or flat?
  • Authenticity – Do you feel like you?
  • Clarity – Can a viewer understand it in one watch?
  • Hook – Did you grab attention in the first 3 seconds?

Step 6: Build Your On-Camera Persona

You don’t have to become a “personality.” Just a consistent, confident version of yourself.

Practice:

  • Looking directly at the lens
  • Using your hands (don’t keep them off-screen)
  • Smiling — even if it feels awkward
  • Amping your energy 10–15% (cameras flatten expression)

Small imperfections build trust. A stutter, laugh, or pause makes you relatable — not unprofessional.

Step 7: Systematize Your Strategy

Once you’re past the fear, you need a system to stay consistent.

Start with three content pillars:

  • Local expertise: Market updates, neighborhood tours, events
  • Buyer/seller tips: Prepping a home, financing, offer advice
  • Personal insight: Why you got into real estate, behind-the-scenes of a day in your life

Repurpose everything:

  • A 2-minute YouTube video → 3 Reels → 1 blog → 1 email → 5 Story slides

Stories from the Field: Real Agents, Real Wins

Hailey, a new agent in Spokane, told me, “I hate how my voice sounds. I can’t watch myself back.” We started with voice-only Reels. By month two, she was doing weekly market updates. That shift brought her 3 warm leads — one closed, one under contract.

Marco, a former teacher in Arizona, couldn’t get through a video without freezing. We reframed his mindset: he wasn’t performing — he was teaching. His first buyer tip video got shared by a lender partner and led to a podcast invite.

What changed? Not their personality — their process.

Real Talk: What to Do When You’re Having a Bad Video Day

Not every day will feel great. Use these emergency confidence boosters:

  • Record standing up — it increases energy and flow
  • Wear an outfit you feel confident in
  • Do 10 jumping jacks and say your hook out loud 3 times
  • Watch one of your own videos where you nailed it
  • Remind yourself: You’re not filming for perfection. You’re filming for connection.

FAQs: How to Beat Video Fear as a New Real Estate Agent

Q: How do I get over being camera shy?
Start with private recordings. Post only when you’re ready. You don’t build confidence by waiting — you build it by doing.

Q: What’s the easiest type of video to start with?
Stories or Reels under 30 seconds. No editing required. Talk about something current — a rate change, a showing, a tip.

Q: Do I have to show my face in real estate videos?
No — but you should eventually. Face-to-camera builds trust faster. Start with voiceovers or screen shares if needed.

Q: Should I post to Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok?
Start where your audience is and where you’re most comfortable. Instagram is great for SOI visibility. YouTube is better for long-form and search.

Q: What if I make a mistake on camera?
Keep going. Imperfections humanize you. If it’s not a huge error, post it anyway. People want real — not rehearsed.

📚 Additional Resources

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about doing video “when you’re more confident,” here’s the truth:

Confidence doesn’t come first. Reps come first.

Your first videos will be awkward. That’s how it’s supposed to be. But five videos in? You’ll surprise yourself. Ten videos in? You’ll start getting messages from buyers and sellers who say, “I feel like I already know you.”

That’s the power of showing up.

You don’t need to be loud. Or perfect. Or even polished.

You just need to start.

Let me know if this resonated — or DM me with your questions. I’m in your corner every step of the way.

—
Emily Terrell
 #1 Real Estate Coach & Speaker at Tom Ferry
Top AI Coach | www.coachemilyterrell.com | @coachemilyterrell

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