Video productions featuring an on-camera interview are useful for promoting a product or service to your audience: whether that is customers, employees or senior management, or to executives or buyers at trade shows. Audiences respond to engaging interview videos. Each audience may look for something different, but there are essentials for on-camera interviews that you should follow. Here’s just a few to get you started.
Prepare Your Talking Points
We live in a fast-paced world and people expect lots of information in a short amount of time. You need to strike that fine balance in your on-camera interview between conveying the information you have without giving too little or too much information. Be ruthless with your writing and remove any unnecessary information and repetition. Think “sound bites”. Remember that how you say it is as important as what you say; so, while preparing your speech, be sure to strike the right tone for the interview. Inflection, pace and delivery are vital components.
Rehearse with Questions and Answers
Before stepping in front of the camera, you will need to rehearse your interview or presentation. Learn and understand what the questions will be and practice your answers. It will also give you time to think about how you might answer difficult questions during your on-camera interview. Rehearsing is about preparation and when you are prepared for the questions, you are more confident in delivering your answers. It is a good idea to use your own video recording software, such as Skype or Facetime, to record yourself speaking. Try to identify your weaknesses and work on them.
Practice Body Language
We know the importance of good body language in an interview, and that is no different when there is a camera present. We naturally lean forward towards the person interviewing us; this demonstrates that we are both engaged in the conversation and confident about the process. Maintain eye contact—it is important to remain focused on the person giving the interview. When you are being recorded, it’s too easy to be drawn to the camera. This is why the equipment is typically positioned at the side, just outside of the peripheral view during recording for most interviews. By focusing on the interviewer, it is easier to maintain focus and think less about the lights and cameras.
Choose the Right Clothing
Whether casual or formal, the interviewee will be the central focus of the interview. Most interview videos focus mostly on your torso so avoid bright colors, like white, light gray, or tan. Darker colors are fine but patterns should be avoided—particularly vertical stripes. If you normally wear glasses, consider using contact lenses for the interview. In some conditions, light will reflect off of your lenses making it difficult for the viewers to see your eyes.
Other Tips for On-Camera Interviews
Relax: Interviews can be stressful, so use whatever relaxation techniques work for you prior to going into the interview.
Smile: Even in a serious interview about your business, your audience will expect an open and engaging manner—and smiling is a big part of that.
Enjoy: Being on camera can quite fun. Yes, it can be nervous at times, but use that extra adrenaline to focus in, respond and engage your audience.
To see some samples of interview videos, take a look at our portfolio.
Top Pup Media is a full-service video production company in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. We produce a variety of videos for clients large and small. If you have any questions about our video production services, contact us today.