Learn why trying to “stay calm” often makes you look flat, boring, and disconnected — and how to channel nervous energy into a dynamic, compelling on-camera presence.
Most people think the goal is to stay calm when they appear on camera.
That’s the advice everyone gives:
“Just relax!”
“Try to calm your nerves!”
But here’s the truth:
Trying to completely calm yourself down often works against you on-camera.
It flattens your energy, weakens your presence, and keeps your audience from truly engaging with you.
In other words — the advice you’ve been given might be hurting your performance.
This guide reveals why “being extra calm” is a myth — and how to channel nervousness into your advantage so you look natural, confident, and magnetic on-camera.
When people worry about nerves on-camera, they often:
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Over-relax themselves
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Lose personality
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Deliver flat, monotone speech
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Disconnect from their message
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Look bored — or worse — boring
The result?
Your message doesn’t land
Audiences disengage
You lose authority and confidence
The problem isn’t your nerves.
The problem is what you do with them.
The truth about nerves!
Nervousness and excitement are sister emotions.
They feel similar in the body — the difference is how you interpret and express them.
Trying to numb nervousness kills the excitement that makes you interesting to watch.
Instead of suppressing nervous energy, you must channel it into:
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Warmth
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Focus
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Vocal energy
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Dynamic presence
That’s how the pros do it.
Learn simple steps to transform nervousness into your on-camera advantage:
Calm ≠ Compelling
Know Your Nervous Patterns
Channel Energy, Don’t Suppress It
If you have something important to say, this helps you deliver it clearly and powerfully.
Perfect for:
Professionals preparing for video or livestream
Founders & executives speaking to teams or investors
Content creators & influencers
Speakers & presenters
Anyone who feels nervous when the camera turns on
With this guide, you will:
✅ Show up with more energy & personality
✅ Maintain audience interest
✅ Look more confident & authentic
✅ Feel more in control of your performance
✅ Replace fear with excitement
✅ Turn nerves into a strength
Why learn from Shannon O'Dowd
Shannon O’Dowd has spent more than a decade coaching people on both sides of the camera.
She’s seen brilliant experts try to flatten their nerves — only to lose their spark.
Her method teaches you how to:
→ Identify your nervous tells
→ Correct them
→ Let your natural excitement shine
This is how you deliver with life, presence, and impact.
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Happy Customers
Kaeleya Rayne
Business Coach & Founder Soul Conscious Business Women
“I knew that my message needed to be crystal clear and easy to speak and share on camera. Shannon delivered big time! I shared my work, and my deeper vision and mission with her, she got it immediately… and she seemed to understand my style without any direction from me whatsoever! Her work is a true expression of her genius in action! I highly recommend her to anyone who is serious about taking their work out into the public eye with grace and professionalism, she is THE BEST.”
Karamo Brown
"Queer Eye" & Talk Show Host
“Shannon was my first Hosting coach ever and I am soooo glad she was. She is an amazing and caring teacher. She really took the time to focus on my weaknesses and didn't stop working with me till I felt that I was a strongrer host. Since her class I have been booking commercial and hosting work. I thank Shannon for the tools she gave me to be a working host.”
Kyle Kittleson
Animal Behaviorist & TV Host
“Shannon O’Dowd is a great coach because she is also a working television host. If you want to learn from the best, Shannon is the person to go to. She not only is great for helping you improve on-camera, but also offers excellent career advice and tips to help you book jobs and appearances. Your career is an investment and Shannon provides a wonderful return.”
