Videos are becoming more and more ubiquitous for both large and small companies. At some point if you’re a decision maker in an organization, you will likely be asked to do an on-camera interview. Some folks thrive in front of the lens, while others dread the thought of being filmed. Nothing will tank interview content faster than talent who isn’t comfortable on camera. This list will help you prepare so that you can feel confident and relaxed the day of your shoot.
1. It’s OK to feel like a fraud. You are not.
Seth Godin, one of my personal heroes, wrote in The Icarus Deception that after a dozen best sellers, he still feels like a fraud all the time. It’s a normal feeling for even some of the greatest minds of our time. You have been asked to do this on-camera video appearance. Someone believes you have something important to add to this video – and you do! Share your knowledge. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s your truth. Have fun and own it!
2. Carefully select your wardrobe. Don’t wait till the last minute.
Do not leave picking the clothes you’ll wear for your video shoot ‘til the last minute. You need to be comfortable and more importantly, confident. Clothing should lift you up, not let you down. If your clothing is tight in spots that make you uncomfortable and you feel like you need to constantly adjust, you have chosen the wrong outfit. Find out if you are going to be sitting or standing for your interview and plan accordingly. Do not wear the following colors unless instructed by the director or producer; bright red, green (in the case of green screen interviews), or white. Do not wear very thin stripes as they can cause moire patterns with certain cameras.
3. Understand the content of the interview, but avoid having the exact questions you will be asked in advance.
Unless I am forced to, I do not let my interviewees see my questions. I give them detailed parameters about the general content of our conversation and that is all. Giving on-camera talent the exact questions often causes the interviewee to try to memorize a response. When they do that, they are typically perceived to be less genuine. It can also make the subject nervous. They are so worried about remembering what to say they don’t connect with the audience. If you appear nervous, you appear weak and often unlikeable. It’s the reason Nixon lost the presidential debate with Kennedy. Kennedy was as cool as a cucumber. He just spoke honestly and confidently and his responses were conversational rather than rehearsed. Most importantly it felt sincere. Nixon (who refused to wear makeup) was sweating his face off, and made just about every mistake in the book. Audiences, by and large, found Nixon to be completely unlikeable.
Don’t get caught up with trying to memorize what you are going to say. Chances are you already know what to say, or you are enough of an expert on the topic to be able to respond thoughtfully to unexpected questions. Often the questions will be centered around your job or your business, and that should be a piece of cake. The production crew is there to help you. It makes their job easier in post if you are comfortable and they’ll be happy to take the time to get multiple takes if you aren’t happy with a response. They want your voice. Let them have it. If you get asked a question during your video interview and you need to take a second to think, all you have to do is look at the person interviewing you and say…”That’s a great question. May I have a moment to think about that?”. It’s not like film where you are literally burning up dollars with each unused second; it’s ones and zeros and nowadays we can store a lot of them. Take your time and if you don’t have a good answer, don’t make one up. Ask if it’s OK to skip that question. Be authentic.
4. The camera loves a smile.
Have fun, or failing that, look like you’re having fun. Make sure to smile at the beginning and end of your responses (if it fits the content, of course). No one likes to look at a grumpy face. Be happy that you are lucky enough to be doing so well in life that people care about what you have to say. Be proud. Smile and enjoy the moment.
5. It’s ok to be nervous but…
Being nervous when presented with a new experience is natural.Taking part in a video production can be a bit unnerving because you are the center of attention. For many people this is pure torture, but you need to think about it differently. Making a video is a huge team effort. You have people who light the set, people who write the questions, camera operators, sound engineers, producers, and the director. Everyone on set has a job to do and you are just another person doing a job. Together you all are a team trying to create a piece of art. Yes, it may be a corporate video or some other “non-exciting” project but, in a very real sense, it’s also a calling card for both you and the production team; a calling card that both parties are committed to making great. Don’t be nervous, you are not alone.
6. Water!
Make sure you have a bottle of water (or your beverage of choice) near you during your interview. When you get thirsty, drink it. When your mouth feels even a little dry, drink it. There is nothing worse than the sound of a dry mouth. Plus being thirsty isn’t fun either. If you are really thirsty, then you won’t look relaxed, and you won’t be free to focus on your responses.
7. Hair and Makeup
Unless told otherwise you should come to set with your hair and makeup done. We call this “camera ready”. Ladies please make sure to bring your makeup with you for touchups if needed. Don’t go over the top with your makeup. It’s way easier to add more than to remove it. Men, don’t worry, most video production crews will carry powder to keep you shine free. Also, it’s fairly regular to see men at the Macy’s makeup counter getting a light foundation that matches their skin tone. Each day thousands of videos are shot professionally around the U.S., and men want to look good too. Don’t be like Nixon – if makeup makes you feel more comfortable and lets you focus, don’t be afraid to wear what you feel makes you look your best.
8. Understand the power of video editing.
It’s the video production company’s job to make you look great. The editor will remove any flubs, big breaths, coughs, etc. and keep all the best footage. If you need to answer a question six times and you don’t feel like any one answer was perfect, it’s not a big deal. Don’t worry about going back and starting over. This is one time when they really will “fix it in post.” As long as you provide the pieces they need, the post team will make you sound like a great, poised speaker (even if you aren’t one).
9. Arrive to set early.
Plan to be thirty minutes to an hour early. Get comfortable in your environment. At ECG Productions we take our clients comfort very seriously. That’s why we have video games, multiple televisions, plenty of comfortable couches, darts, beer, wine, a full bar, nerf guns and even musical instruments – these aren’t just for our team, they create a relaxed, comfortable environment where appearing on camera doesn’t feel like a chore. No matter where you are, get relaxed. Talk to crew members, meet the director and feel the scene out. The last thing you want to do is be rushing to set. Arrive with a calm mind and your interview will be much better.
10. Be you.
Don’t say things you wouldn’t normally say. Just speak from your experiences and your heart. Have fun and don’t forget that it’s just a video. No one will die if you are not absolutely perfect. Do your best and the more interviews you get under your belt, the easier it will feel and the better the results will be. I’ve shot literally thousands of interviews since I started in this business and one thing never changes: genuine, relaxed people come off great, while people who are trying too hard are almost always awful. BE YOU!
