Will you be appearing in a corporate video production and are 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 prior to the shoot, and keep it short. Video is a powerful communication tool, but it works best when communicating short, simple messages. Audiences have a far shorter attention span for viewing video, than another communication medium such as reading an article. We live in the age of the soundbite, and short powerful quotes work best on video.
2. When it comes to selecting your wardrobe, choose neat, classic clothes in darker shades. More classic attire will ensure that the clip does not date as quickly. 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 lively and energetic response in person may appear to be 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 to 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 to edit the content more cleanly. It will also 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 mind of the viewer 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 for some people appearing on camera may make them nervous, it is a great opportunity to share your ideas with an audience. The more comfortable that 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, get in contact with us today.
