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Nov 15 — 2024
So, you’ve been asked to participate in an on-camera interview…
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, being on camera can feel intimidating. But with a little preparation, you can look great, feel comfortable, and deliver your message confidently. Here’s a guide to help you make the best impression.
Your outfit and hairstyle play a big role in the impression you make on video. Here are a few pointers:
Smudged lenses can be distracting. If possible, consider wearing contacts—especially if you have blue-light blocker lenses on your glasses, as they can cast an unflattering purple tint under your eyes.
The amount of preparation varies by person, but here’s our #1 piece of advice: Have a Plan, but Stay Natural.
Review the interview questions ahead of time and jot down key points, but avoid over-rehearsing. Audiences can tell when someone sounds scripted—they prefer authentic, from-the-heart responses. Trust your producer to guide you and help bring out your most natural conversational tone.
To help ease any anxiety, here’s a rundown of what you can expect on the day of the shoot:
Getting lighting, sound, and cameras ready can take anywhere from 45 to even 90 minutes per set-up, so please be patient as the team sets up for the best-quality interview possible.
Don’t be surprised if we ask you to answer the same question more than once. We do this to capture the best sound bites possible. The final edit won’t include previous takes—so please avoid using phrases like “as I said before” or “again…”
Unlike media interviews, where questions are often “one and done,” a corporate video interview is a collaborative process designed to make you look and sound your best. We may pull different parts of your responses from various points in the interview to craft a polished, impactful message. To help you sound as confident and natural as possible, we might suggest ways to start or finish an answer differently. Having multiple options gives us more flexibility in editing and ensures your message shines.
Here are a few more tips to make your experience smooth and successful:
Unless the style is “Direct to Camera,” focus on the interviewer, not the camera. This helps you stay relaxed and keeps your gaze natural.
“Um” and “uh” are natural, but too many can disrupt your message. If you notice them, pause briefly to gather your thoughts. We’ll also help you avoid “starter words” like “so” at the beginning of each answer.
There’s no rush. Pausing to collect your thoughts not only helps you feel more relaxed but also gives editors cleaner sound bites to work with.
When answering, it sometimes help to try to rephrase the question to give your response context. For example, if asked, “What do you love about your job?” trying starting with “What I love about my job is…”
Sit or stand comfortably with relaxed shoulders. Avoid crossing your arms, which can seem closed-off. Keep your hands open and relaxed, or gesture naturally—this adds authenticity.
Staying hydrated keeps your energy and voice clear. Avoid too much caffeine, as it can increase jitteriness. Also, I do suggest you avoid lunch time cocktails. You might think it will help you relax, but the last thing you want is any unintended slurring on camera.
A warm smile at the beginning and end of each answer can make you come across as approachable and confident, even with more serious topics.
The on-camera interview process can be enjoyable with the right preparation and mindset. Following these tips will help you look and sound your best, sharing your message with confidence and clarity.
Remember, you were selected to participate for a reason! A great production team will be there to support you every step of the way. Relax, have fun, and let your authentic self shine through!
Crystal is Owner and Executive Producer at Urban Video Inc.