The $100 MBA Show | Episode MBA2727

"How To Be More Natural On Camera"

Host: Omar Zenhom
Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

Omar Zenhom tackles a common challenge for entrepreneurs and content creators: how to appear more natural and authentic on camera. Drawing from his experience with hundreds of video lessons and webinars, Omar breaks down the practical steps, mindsets, and habits that can help anyone shed awkwardness and develop on-camera presence. He promises actionable, no-nonsense advice—including his favorite "FaceTime trick"—and issues a 30-day video challenge to get listeners out of their comfort zones.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Feeling Awkward Is Normal (03:35)

• Everyone feels strange on camera at first because it's not a typical human interaction.
• There's a tendency to enter “performance mode” and lose authenticity.
  • Quote: “If your voice changes, if your shoulders tense up, if you suddenly forget how to act...welcome—you are normal.” (03:12)
• The key is realizing this discomfort is a sign of inexperience, not incapability.

2. On-Camera Confidence Is a Trainable Skill (05:00)

• Omar emphasizes that ease on camera comes from repetition, not innate talent.
  • Quote: “It means you just haven’t had enough reps yet. A lot of people ask me, hey, how do you feel comfortable? Honestly, it’s a skill that I had to build over time.” (05:19)
• He shares his personal journey, noting he's produced thousands of videos and webinars, but struggled early on.

3. The FaceTime Trick (06:11)

• Omar’s favorite hack: imagine speaking to one specific friend or student, as if you’re on a FaceTime call.
  • This small mental shift makes tone, body language, and delivery more relaxed and genuine.
  • Quote: “I literally think of a specific person...and all I do is imagine I’m just updating them...not the audience.” (06:18)
• He suggests physically writing the person’s name on a post-it to keep the focus personal.

4. Be Yourself, Not a Persona (09:02)

• Don't copy high-energy "guru" or "host" personas if that isn't you.
• Audiences want real personalities, not forced bravado.
  • Quote: “The secret I found was that what people actually want now is personality, not a persona.” (09:48)
• Omar’s own example: He talks with his hands (“Arabs, they move their hands a lot...”), and he brings that energy on camera because it’s authentic for him. (12:30)

5. Ditch the Script. Use Bullet Points (13:20)

• Reciting scripts causes stiffness and disconnect.
• Instead, jot down 3-5 bullet points before filming to keep things natural and present.
  • Quote: “When you speak in bullet points, you stay present...and you’re able to riff a little bit, which feels more conversational.” (17:34)
• For more extended content, link points and stories together, inspired by the structure of standup comedy.

6. The 30-Day Video Reps Challenge (18:45)

• Record and publicly post one short (sub-1-minute) video every day for 30 days.
  • Posting is non-negotiable; the goal is to publish and move on, not to go viral.
  • Quote: “You got to post them on Instagram stories or on reels or on TikTok or on YouTube shorts... The point is, you want to put it out in the world. That makes it real.” (19:12)
• This builds confidence, reduces nerves, and helps you treat each video as just “one of hundreds” you’ll create—decreasing pressure for perfection.

7. Lowering the Stakes, Raising Authenticity (20:35)

• Reframe expectations: aim to get 1% better each time, rather than expecting every video to succeed massively.
  • Quote: “When the stakes go down, you start to relax...you start to have a little bit more sense of humor. You start to just be yourself.” (21:00)

8. Tactical Tips for On-Camera Ease (21:29)

Omar’s "rapid-fire" tips to help you feel (and appear) more natural:

• Stand up if possible: More energy, more natural gesturing. (21:31)
• Look into the lens, not at your own image: Avoid self-critique and build direct connection. (21:52)
• Take throwaway first takes: Practice talking through your thoughts before hitting record for real. (22:20)
• Warm up your face and voice: Loosen up, shake your shoulders, say sentences aloud, and smile. (22:45)
• Start with shorter videos: 30–60 seconds is great for building confidence and limiting error. (23:05)

9. Why Being Natural on Camera Matters (24:00)

• Authentic video builds trust and relationships faster than almost any other medium.
  • Quote: “When you’re natural on camera, magic happens. People feel like they know you.” (24:35)
• People are more likely to buy from you or trust recommendations if you’re genuine and approachable.

10. The Ultimate Benefit: Improved Communication (25:40)

• The skills you build practicing for camera make you a better communicator in all aspects—sales, networking, leadership.
  • Quote: “Communication is the number one skill...if you know how to communicate it, then it’s pretty much worthless.” (26:00)
• Omar encourages listeners to reject the belief that they’re not “naturals,” emphasizing progress through repeated effort and intention.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On mindset: “Throw away this idea that you’re not good at this or you’re not talented. No, it’s reps plus intention. That’s what I found that actually makes a difference.” (26:38)
• On authenticity: “You want to be the person that you are when you’re just hanging out with a friend, having a coffee.” (10:45)
• On the power of video: “Most people will never get comfortable on camera...which means if you do it, you’ll already be ahead of them.” (24:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:12 – Feeling awkward is normal; why we tense up on camera
• 05:19 – Comfort is built through repetition (“reps”)
• 06:18 – FaceTime trick for authenticity
• 09:48 – Value of personality over persona
• 12:30 – Cultural authenticity; using natural gestures
• 13:20 – Bullet points over scripts for natural delivery
• 17:34 – Staying present and conversational
• 18:45 – 30-day video reps challenge explained
• 21:29–23:05 – Rapid-fire tactical tips
• 24:00 – Why being natural matters: building trust
• 26:00 – The communication skill: why it’s foundational

Final Takeaway

Omar Zenhom’s practical wisdom boils down to this: “Be yourself, get your reps in, and don’t let the camera pressure you out of authenticity.” His actionable challenge and mental reframes offer a direct roadmap from feeling robotic on camera to developing confident, personable video presence—all in service of stronger business and relationships.