There will always be good and bad days when you’re camming and although there is no quick fix to dealing with a quiet or even a silent chatroom, there are tips and tricks that can help get things moving.
We all know that a silent chat room can be daunting, somewhat inevitable, and in most cases painful. It can really have an impact on your confidence, energy and morale, not to mention that if it is happening too often, it may take a toll on your income and financial goals.
What kinds of kinks, fetishes, stories and fantasies do you have? When you talk about these sorts of things, viewers will also chime in and give you an idea of what they like.
Nonetheless, a big part of camming successfully is having a positive attitude and ensuring that viewers know you are having a good time. If people aren’t chatting, there’s minimal activity and fans are barely tipping, then naturally that good time won’t last for long. Viewers can tell when you aren’t having fun and from that point the downward spiral begins. It can be tough to get out of these situations during a live broadcast.
For those who have experienced many silent rooms during their live show, you know all too well that awkward feeling that arises — you’re in a room, staring at yourself on a screen and hoping that people are entertained, all the while not a single person is talking.
A lot of models explain to me that they are often talking, but still suffering from a silent chatroom, and when I ask them what sort of conversations they are starting, I tend to frequently hear a lot of “I ask viewers how their day is going or how they are.” I have found that asking viewers questions like this do not often lead to a conversation.
Instead, I actually suggest that broadcasters talk to themselves. What I mean by that is, act as if you were having a conversation in your head, but instead have that conversation externally. We all do it, usually within our own thoughts, but with a little practice and effort you can vocalize those thoughts and show off your personality in ways that will create interest.
It can certainly be difficult coming up with constant conversation points, so in order to avoid awkward silences and stumbles, create a broadcast plan for yourself with talking points. Take out your pad and paper and outline the following (just my personal recommendations):
Topics to Talk About:
Hobbies: It can be great speaking about a current hobby that you are taking on or something you enjoy doing. Viewers love knowing about a broadcaster and what they like to do in their daily lives; it gives them a deeper understanding of who you are. While discussing your hobbies, slip in some viewer questions like “What do you guys like doing in your free time and do any of you have interesting or secret hobbies?”
TV/Movies: I have never met anyone that doesn’t enjoy shows or movies, so bring up some of your favorites. It’s the perfect ice breaker, lets you see how many viewers share this common interest with you and gets some viewers to come out of their shell. Prior to your show, jot down three movies you might discuss and three shows you are really interested in (I’ve always been terrible remembering show/movie titles, so for anyone that relates, this is a must do).
Food: Everyone loves talking about food. Did you know this is even classified as a fetish? Many viewers love watching a performer eat and also love the verbal communication about food. Prior to your show, prepare a list of foods or dishes you like, talk about why you like them and ask your viewers if they have the same thoughts. Some viewers may have unique foods they want to talk about. This can then segue into a cucumber conversation. Pro tip: do not point out specific restaurants, as it can be a location giveaway — stay secure and safe!
Travel: Since the world is currently still working through the pandemic, many people across the globe are itching to travel. A good conversation starter is talking about destinations you have travelled to, where you hope to travel once the world opens up again and giving viewers a way to talk about their favorite travel experiences. Let viewers visualize your favorite memories.
Erotic Questions and Stories: Like many of us, viewers want to know what turns you on. What kinds of kinks, fetishes, stories and fantasies do you have? When you talk about these sorts of things, viewers will also chime in and give you an idea of what they like. This can also be a helpful tool in understanding what some of your viewers are looking for during your live broadcast.
Never Have I Ever: Previously known as a drinking game, “Never Have I Ever” has become very popular, in part due to a TikTok trend. This conversation starter will get your viewers to have fun and also get them out of their shell. The premise is simple. Everyone holds up a hand (or two) and you ask a series of 10 questions based on something you have never done, while saying: “Never have I ever...” If your viewers have done this, they must put down their finger (in their own homes, but they can communicate how many fingers remain if it’s not cam2cam chat). It’s a silly game, but will get them interacting and discussing how many fingers they are left with.
Camming and the Adult Community: I don’t think viewers really get to understand the great benefits of performing live. Even though viewers are tuned-in, I think we assume they understand the cam community, but truth be told they don’t. Talking to viewers about why you love camming, the freedom it gives you, how you got into it and the many ways you are able to connect with people globally is a great conversation piece. Not only does it give them insight into our world, it helps support thousands out there who may not get the chance to articulate how amazing this community is.
These are just some topics amongst hundreds that you may choose to speak about, and you can totally get sexual with it. I’ve tried to include some non-sexual options as well, because sometimes performers think it’s all about sex, when in reality, viewers want to get to know you and connect! However, when you are taken into a private show, I definitely recommend making things a little racier — find out what your viewer is interested in, maybe there’s a fantasy you could help fulfill or a certain fetish they might be looking to explore. Let your viewers know that you offer private shows and are excited to provide a more intimate space for your viewer to step out of their shell.
You don’t always need to go in with a list of topics to touch on. If you are feeling chatty, just switch on your cam and let viewers know how your day is going, but always try to stay positive. I know we all have bad days sometimes, but don’t forget that you still want to maintain somewhat of an illusion so that viewers are having fun. No one wants to sit around and hear someone complain for hours — it’s draining!
If you want your camming career to take off, then you need to take it seriously. It’s helpful to record your own sessions, watch them and pinpoint what you need to do in order to improve or at what point did things become a bit awkward. Reviewing old broadcasts helps you avoid issues like this in the future. Put together a plan to improve your approach — talk to yourself on cam, share your interests and your day. The more you do this, the more comfortable you will get with silent rooms and the more connections you will build with your fans and viewers. You are offering them a genuine side of yourself that they want to know and chat about!
Vicki Gray is a CAM4 account manager who can be followed @VickiGrayxxx on Twitter. To learn more about CAM4 and the many perks of being a cam model on the award-winning platform, contact Vicki@CAM4.com.
