5 Tips for Being Interviewed on Camera
When creating video content for your company, interviews with employees can be a great way to bring authenticity, diversity, and life to the final product. However, being interviewed is not typically where people feel most comfortable. Now throw in a couple cameras, microphones, and lights… It’s a recipe for nerves! So let’s run through our 5 best tips for preparing for, and NAILING, your video interview.
Tip #1: We want to make you look good!
As the video producers, our goal is ALWAYS to make you look good. This isn’t TMZ. We will be there to light you in a flattering manner, catch those flyaway hairs, and use the power of editing to make sure you sound concise and professional for the final video. So, don’t be worried about screwing up phrasing or taking long pauses to think about your answer– that’s what the delete button is for!
Tip #2: Don’t script your answers!
One of the most powerful aspects of capturing interviews is the honesty and authenticity it brings to your video and your brand image by extension. We want you to sound like you. If you try to script your answers and repeat a memorized monolog, it can suck the life out of the conversation. Thinking about the questions ahead of time is fine, but the words should come naturally on the day. If you’re worried about sounding silly, refer to Tip #1.
Tip #3: Choose the right outfit!
If the video team has time to scout the filming location ahead of time, we may have thoughts on the colors or style to wear for your chat. However, we rely on the subject to choose their own look. Here are some simple things to note when getting dressed that morning.
Avoid logos: Showing love for your company is fine, but leave Nike or other brand logos at home for the day
No tight patterns: Your new herringbone jacket may be stylish, but it causes a distracting and wavy artifact on camera known as moire. Avoid plaids, tight stripes, and checks on all clothing items.
Think about noise: It’s paramount to capture audio as cleanly as possible during your interview. Don’t wear loud clothing like noisy windbreakers, squeaky leather, or jingly necklaces and bracelets!
Tip #4: Repeat yourself!
Oftentimes during interviews we will ask you the same, or nearly same, question multiple times throughout. This is fully intentional. Sometimes it can bring up new info missed in the first answer, or maybe we just wanted to have a clean take of it. The main point is that you don’t need to feel self-conscious if you start giving similar answers, remember Tip #1: Our goal is to make you look and sound great!
Tip #5: Repeat the question!
When editing your interview, we will be cutting out the voice of whoever is conducting the interview. Because the audience won’t hear what the question was, having you repeat the question in your answer is a helpful way to keep the viewer in the know. Here is an example:
Interviewer: How did you get so dang good at being interviewed?
Interviewee: I became good at being interviewed after I read a blog post on Blue Key Media’s website.
No one is going to blame you for getting some jitters before you go on camera, especially if you’ve never done so previously. Hopefully this helps you feel more prepared for your debut! If your company is looking to create some video content, reach out for a free, no-pressure meeting to discuss the project!
