Preparing for a professional video interview can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for creating impactful content that promotes your business. At Tallahassee Photo & Video, our goal is to help you excel on camera and produce high-quality videos that highlight your expertise. Whether you're new to being on camera or just looking to improve, here are 10 tips to ensure you make the most of your interview experience.
As part of our "Interview Content Package," clients write 12 questions they'd like to answer on camera, and answer those questions in a multi-camera interview. Their responses yield 12 high-quality videos aimed to demonstrate expertise in their industry, enhance public connection, and market themselves in a more professional light.
However, many of us who have never been on camera before may have an unrealistic idea of what to expect. This article shows you 10 things you can do to prepare for your interview, what to expect, and how you can NAIL it the first time!
1. Choose Clear and Concise Questions
When selecting your 12 questions, make sure they are straightforward and to the point. Avoid overly complex or lengthy questions. For example, instead of asking, "Can you explain your business model and how it differs from others in your industry?" try, "What makes your business unique?" Each video starts with the question in text format on the screen, so try to think about how that text will look in the video when writing it.
2. Practice Your Answers
Get out your phone, hit record, and rehearse your responses to simulate being on camera. The more closely you can simulate the interview environment, the more comfortable you'll be when the time comes. Practicing in front of a mirror or with a friend can also help you refine your answers and make them a bit more concise. Be sure to do this several times, WATCH the recording, and make a list of things you could do better next time. Dillon Quick does an EXCEPTIONAL job responding to the first question of his interview, much of which stems from his consistency posting talking head videos to Instagram:
3. Stay on Topic
Focus on the subject of each question. Rambling can dilute your message. Prepare key points for each answer and stick to them to ensure your message is clear and impactful. Don't be afraid to jot down a list of bullet points for each question. We can put those bullet points right in front of the person interviewing you so that it's not too obvious when you look at it.
4. Be Authentic
Authenticity resonates with audiences,regardless of what industry you serve. Speak naturally and from the heart. Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse viewers. Being genuine will help you connect better with your audience. For example, if you're going to mention something like "escrow," It may be better to take a second to explain what escrow is, or, turn "what is escrow?" into it's own question! Your viewers will resonate more with simplicity than they will with complexity. The way Greg talks about his experience designing a bathroom with their father in mind is a perfect example of this auethenticity:
5. Maintain Good Posture
Good posture conveys confidence and professionalism. Sit up straight, and avoid slouching. Sit at the edge of your seat to let the audience know that you're STOKED to be talking to them, and try not to sit too still when talking. Anyone talking about something their truly passionate about usually can't sit still while doing so. This will not only help you look better on camera but also enhance your vocal delivery.
6. Dress Appropriately
Choose attire that reflects your brand and the professional image you want to project. Solid colors work best on camera, as busy patterns can be distracting (and create sharpness issues after post-production processing). Also, consider the background when picking your outfit to ensure that there's a contrast that makes you POP. Robert's red shirt really POPS in constrast with the background in his videos:
7. Focus on Your Audience
Think about your target audience while answering questions. What are their pain points? What solutions are they looking for? Tailoring your answers to address their needs will make your content more engaging and relevant.
8. Use Body Language Effectively
Gestures and facial expressions can help convey your enthusiasm and passion. Use as much of your hands as you can when answering each question. However, be mindful of not overdoing it. Subtle, natural movements are best, but doing nothing at all is unacceptable. AJ didn't necessarily knock his response out of the park, but his hand gestures helped keep viewers engaged the entire time:
9. Control Your Environment
Choose a quiet, well-lit location for the interview. Ensure there are no distractions or interruptions. A controlled environment will help you stay focused and deliver your best performance.
Remember, I'll be there to guide you through the entire process, from question selection to the final edited videos. If you don't answer a certain question well, I'll let you know so that you can try it again. If a certain question just isn't happening, I'll table it for later in the interview so you can get warmed up first. Some questions just take a bit of warming up to be able to answer clearly. I'll also come up with side questions throughout the interview, based on my perspective as an audience member. Just relax, trust in the process, and you'll nail your interview with zero issues!
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your interview and able to deliver compelling answers that highlight your expertise. Remember, the more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel, resulting in a professional and engaging final product.
At Tallahassee Photo & Video, we are committed to providing exceptional Tallahassee video production services. Let us help you tell your story and showcase your business in the best possible light.
To learn more about the "Interview Content Package," CLICK HERE.
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