Preparing for Your Video Interview
Does the prospect of speaking on camera make you feel a bit queasy?
Do the lights and mics make you instantly freeze up?
Are you worried that you'll say something wrong?
If any of your answers to the above is yes, then have no fear!
A good videographer or crew will guide you through the process of filming so it need not be daunting. Fellow freelancer Kostis standing in for me this time.
“If you’re familiar with the interview process beforehand, then you’ll soon find it to be a much more comfortable experience than first thought.”
For those of us who aren't media trained, going on camera can be an understandably daunting task. After filming many interviews over the years I've noticed how even the most confident people, many of whom have extensive public speaking experience, can stiffen up as soon as the camera starts rolling. If you’re a bit nervous then I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear that you're not alone!
The good news is that doing an interview doesn't actually have to be daunting at all. If you’re familiar with the interview process beforehand and are guided effectively by your videographer or crew, then you'll soon find it to be a much more comfortable and hopefully, enjoyable experience than first thought.
If you are doing a video interview at an event, for social media or a promotional video, without an autocue, as the only person on camera, and won’t be doing it live, then the following tips will guide you, so you'll know what to expect and can fly through it like a pro!
1. Don't look into the camera - speak to the interviewer instead
Speaking into the lens without an autocue can be notoriously difficult for most of us mortals! Talking to someone off camera is much easier.
Most single person interviews without a presenter will usually involve someone asking you questions just off the side of the camera. Therefore, by looking off-camera rather than into the lens, the pressure is immediately reduced. Talking to a fellow human being rather than a bit of glass is also much more natural, so you’ll find this far more comfortable.
The way I like to describe a typical interview is ‘documenting a conversation’. Remember that!
2. Have a practice run whilst the camera operator checks the sound
Everybody’s voice is different and therefore sound levels need to be adjusted before filming. Your videographer will either mic you up using a lapel mic that is physically attached to your clothing, or will use a handheld microphone, similar to the ones that news correspondents use.
Once the mic is setup, this is a great opportunity while they’re checking the sound for you to discuss with the interviewer what will be said, perhaps thinking how you might phrase certain answers. If not, then you’ll probably get asked what you had for breakfast, or in most cases, what your ideal breakfast would be, because so many people seem to skip this meal. Naughty!
When you’re ready to go, feel free to loosen your arms and relax. Animated hand gestures look great when speaking, so don’t hold back! However, make sure you don’t lean too far forwards or backwards, as you might go out of focus.
3. Answer in full sentences
This is the trickiest bit as it’s easy to forget this, however, in time you’ll get used to it. Because the video editor will be cutting the interviewer’s questions out it’s important that the audience has an idea of what you’re talking about. You’ll need to somehow get the question in your answer or phrase your sentence in a way so there is some context. Here are a couple of examples of questions with correctly phrased answers:
Interviewer: How are you finding the event today?
Subject: Today’s event has been fantastic because I got to meet so many great people..
Interviewer: Why should people use Joe Bloggs’ services?
Subject: Joe Bloggs Ltd. is an industry leader in it’s field, offering unique products to..
“If you remember that we are ‘documenting a conversation’, then your answers will all be natural and you will come across as confident.”
Another thing to mention is that it can be tempting to always repeat the question for every answer if you’re being asked several questions. Try not to do this, as it limits what the editor can do if needing to juggle your answers around in the sequence.
If you remember that we are ‘documenting a conversation’, then your answers will all be natural and you will come across as confident.
4. Make sure there is a gap of at least a second between the question and your answer
This is so the editor has room to cut around your answer. Try also not to talk at the same time as the interviewer. They should be aware of this too!
During editing we’re looking for suitable gaps in the audio to make the cuts. In this example where the vertical blue line is, you can see how there is a gap in the waveform where the sound levels are very low. This should ideally occur at the beginning and end of every answer.
5. If necessary, be concise
If you’re not sure how long the video is going to be, ask your camera operator. There’s no use giving 5 or 10 minute answers if the whole video is only 1 minute long. Therefore if the video is a short one, be concise!
“Try to avoid saying ‘as I just mentioned’ and similar phrases.”
Another thing to bear in mind with this point is that referencing earlier questions can restrict where the editor puts your answers in the sequence and even how much of your interview gets used at all! Therefore, try to avoid saying ‘as I just mentioned’ and similar phrases.
6. Let your answer end naturally
Don't extend the answer just because you feel you need to say something. Extra lines can always be added. Ending an answer in a natural way will ensure your tone of voice is correct and the final video doesn’t sound too edited. Authenticity is key to capturing a great interview!
7. Be prepared to answer again (but it doesn't mean you've made a mistake)
An example of how the final shot may look, from a behind the scenes of animated feature film ‘Strike’. As Trevor demonstrates, passionate answers are always good!
There are many reasons why you may get asked to answer again, but don’t instantly assume it’s because you’ve done something wrong. Camera and sound issues, rewording difficult phrases, making answers more concise (see point 5 above), interruptions..it doesn’t really matter. If you’re prepared to answer again and can spare the time to, the editor will have options to choose from and the final result is likely to be much better. Remember, there is no pressure to get it in one take!
8. If you do make a mistake don’t worry - it can be edited out
Obviously it’s good to get things right first time, but occasionally mistakes happen. Before a video goes live you’ll probably be able to see the result first (unless it’s very quick turnaround). Speak to the interviewer and get their contact details so you can see an edit at a later stage. If you have said something incorrect by mistake, just ask them to remove it.
9. Remember to give the microphone back!
Ah, I’ve lost count of how many times people have nearly walked off with the lapel mic. Once or twice I’ve put my headphones on only to realise I can hear the last person I interviewed in the toilet! To avoid doing this or a classic ‘Gordon Brown’, I’d recommend giving the microphone back after you’re done!
So, are you ready to go?
Whatever your subject matter, hopefully now you will feel a bit more prepared!
As you can see, interviewing isn’t really as hard as it first appears. Really, if you know what you’re talking about and speak with conviction then you’ll be fine. Depending on who you’re working with, a good camera operator, producer or interviewer will guide you so you’ll feel relaxed.
If you’d like to see some examples of how interviews are edited into final videos, you can view my corporate and event portfolio pages where there are plenty for you to look through.
Thanks for reading.
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