Will you appear in a corporate video production, and are you nervous about being interviewed on camera? Follow our seven simple tips for being interviewed on camera, and you’ll breeze through it like a pro!
1. Plan your message before the shoot, and keep it short. Video is a powerful communication tool that works best when communicating short, simple messages. Audiences have a far shorter attention span for viewing video than for other communication media, such as reading an article. We live in the age of the soundbite, and brief, powerful quotes work best on video.
2. Choose neat, classic clothes in darker shades when selecting your wardrobe. More classic attire will ensure that the clip does not date as quickly, and darker shades will give more of a sense of authority. Generally, it is best to avoid wearing red, which tends not to show up as well on video. Also, avoid clothes with intricate patterns or tightly placed stripes. They do not show up well on video and may divert attention from your message.
3. Inject extra energy – The camera has a strange way of appearing to siphon off the apparent energy of the person in the video. What comes across as a lively and energetic response in person may seem slightly flat on video. This could be because we are so used to seeing presenters on television over-emphasise and over-deliver that, in comparison, our efforts may seem lifeless. The solution to this challenge is to inject an extra 20% of enthusiasm and emphasis into your delivery on camera. While it may feel slightly unnatural, the result on video will appear normal, and make your piece to camera far more engaging.
4. Pause briefly before answering a question. This will help the editor edit the content more cleanly and give you the opportunity to gather your thoughts and give a more considered reply.
5. If you are being interviewed, keep looking at the interviewer and avoid looking at the camera. Also, avoid looking around the room. If you do look around a lot while being interviewed, it can create an impression in the viewer’s mind that you appear to be distracted and potentially unreliable.
6. Make sure you’re happy with your answer. Ask for another chance to answer the question in a way that you feel does justice to you.
7. Enjoy the experience. While appearing on camera may make some people nervous, it is a great opportunity to share your ideas with an audience. The more comfortable you come across, the more engaging your message will be to the audience.
If you have any more questions about presenting on camera or would like to share some of your own tips, contact us today.
