Being interviewed on camera can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re not used to it. The lights, cameras, and microphones can make even the most confident person feel a bit uneasy. But with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn your interview into a compelling piece of content. In this article, we’ll share essential tips for interviewees in video production, ensuring you’re camera-ready and confident.
Start with the Basics: Your Physical and Mental Preparation
The foundation of a great interview starts well before the cameras roll. It’s all about taking care of yourself. Begin by making sure you’re well-rested. A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your energy levels, focus, and overall appearance. You don’t want to show up to an interview with dark circles under your eyes or feeling sluggish. Similarly, staying hydrated is crucial. Not only does it keep you feeling fresh, but it also ensures your skin looks its best on camera. Dry lips and a hoarse voice are avoidable distractions that hydration can help prevent.
A light, balanced meal is also important before the interview. If you’re someone who eats breakfast, make sure you do so on the day of your interview. You don’t want to be distracted by hunger or, worse, have your stomach rumble during a key moment. However, if you’re not typically a breakfast eater, it’s okay to stick to your routine—just make sure you’re not running on empty.
Understanding the Content: Familiarize Yourself with the Questions
One of the biggest mistakes interviewees make is not preparing adequately for the content of the interview. At Shoemaker Films, we work closely with your team to develop the direction of the video. This means that the questions you’ll be asked will align with the overall theme of the project. You should receive these questions in advance, typically a week or two before the interview. This gives you ample time to think about your answers and to formulate a few key points you want to highlight.
However, it’s important not to script your responses. While it’s beneficial to jot down bullet points to keep yourself on track, you want your answers to feel natural and authentic. Over-rehearsing can make your responses sound robotic and detached, which is the opposite of what we want. We aim to capture your story in your voice, not a rehearsed version of it.
Selecting the Perfect Location: Creating the Right Environment
The environment in which you’re interviewed plays a significant role in the overall quality of the video. Ideally, your interview should take place in a spacious room with a visually appealing background that’s not too cluttered. This setup allows for optimal camera placement and ensures the background adds depth to the shot without distracting from you, the subject.
When selecting a location, think about the audio quality as well. Large rooms with high ceilings can create an echo, while outdoor settings might introduce unwanted noise like traffic or wind. If you’re indoors, be mindful of sounds like air conditioning units, refrigerators, or office chatter. Communicate with your video production team about these potential challenges so they can plan accordingly.
Nailing the Audio: Ensuring Clear and Crisp Sound
While video quality is important, good audio is absolutely crucial. Audiences are generally forgiving of less-than-perfect video, but poor audio can ruin the entire experience. At Shoemaker Films, we use both boom mics and lavalier mics to capture the best possible sound. The boom mic is positioned just out of frame, while the lavalier mic is discreetly attached to your clothing. This dual setup ensures that we have backup audio in case one source fails or picks up too much background noise.
If you’re being interviewed in a noisy environment, make sure to alert the production team so they can adjust the equipment accordingly. Remember, clear audio is key to conveying your message effectively.
Dressing the Part: Choosing the Right Outfit
What you wear on camera can significantly impact the final product. Solid colors are generally the safest bet, as they don’t distract from your face or the message you’re delivering. Avoid wearing clothes with busy patterns, stripes, or logos, as these can create visual distractions and may even cause technical issues on camera. Additionally, bring a backup outfit to the shoot. Accidents happen—a spilled coffee or a sudden change in weather—and having a backup ensures you’re prepared for anything.
If you’re filming multiple short segments, like social media content, consider bringing a few different outfits to change into. This not only adds variety to the content but also allows for a more dynamic presentation.
Staying Comfortable: Relaxation Techniques and On-Camera Delivery
Being comfortable in front of the camera is essential for delivering a great interview. At Shoemaker Films, we do our best to create a relaxed environment, but there are also things you can do to help yourself feel at ease. Simple techniques like taking deep breaths, squeezing your fists to release tension, or having a glass of water nearby can make a big difference.
It’s also helpful to think of the interview as a conversation rather than an interrogation. Engage with the interviewer, ask questions if you need clarification, and don’t be afraid to take pauses to gather your thoughts. Remember, the goal is to capture your authentic story, so it’s okay to take a moment to think before you speak.
When responding to questions, try to incorporate the context of the question into your answer. For example, if asked about your name, respond with, “My name is [Your Name]” rather than just stating your first name. This technique makes it easier for the editors to create a cohesive narrative in the final video.
Bringing It All Together
Being interviewed on camera doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By preparing physically and mentally, familiarizing yourself with the content, choosing the right location, ensuring good audio, dressing appropriately, and staying relaxed, you can deliver a compelling and authentic interview. Remember, the team at Shoemaker Films is there to guide you through the process, making sure you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
If you have any questions or are interested in working with us on your next video project, feel free to reach out through our website. We’re here to help you tell your story in the most engaging and impactful way possible.