Appearing on camera is something that frightens a lot of people. It’s not something you have to do everyday and therefore, most people don’t know exactly what to expect.
We’d like to share four simple tips with you, that you can use to make appearing on camera an easier experience.
- Try to Relax:
It’s easy for us to tell you to relax, however it is actually very useful advice. Unless you are being interviewed on television, your answers are unlikely to be going out live, to a watching audience. This means that you can take time with your answers, think about what you have to say, and if you get it wrong, you can try it again!
There really is no pressure, and no matter how you perform on the day, we can apply some post production magic to your interview to make your answers look, and sound flawless.
“The people ultimately watching the video are likely to be more interested in what you are saying, than they are in you.“
2. Don’t Plan Your Answers Word for Word
Now, it may seem strange to advise against planning or scripting your answers, however if you resist doing this, it will be much easier for you to simply have a conversation with one of our producers, and answer the questions they will ask you more naturally, without thinking about what you have already written down.
Most of the time, you will be looking away from the camera, at your interviewer and you won’t be able to look at a piece of paper with your lines on! Therefore, don’t prepare a script expecting to be able to read from it in front of the camera, just focus on having a conversation with your interviewer and you will come across like a natural.
Nevertheless, if there is a script, familiarise yourself with it, but do not aim to memorise it word for word. You might sound stiff, or speak in a monotone, if you’re reciting from memory. Be comfortable enough with your talking points that you are able to speak naturally during filming, but still cover everything critical.
3. It’s not about you. It’s about what you have to say
It may sound rude, but it’s just the truth. Don’t get bogged down with worry about how you sound or what you look like on camera, because the people ultimately watching the video are likely to be more interested in what you are saying, than they are in you.
If you focus on the key messages you are delivering, and work on emphasising your speech in the right places, your interview will be far more natural. One of our producers will help to ensure that you deliver them with a smile!
4. Try To Stay In The Same Position
Whether you’re standing, or sitting down for your interview, try your best to reduce your movement as much as possible. Of course, everyone moves around when they’re talking, often with their hands, and natural movement is absolutely fine. However, try not to move your chair if you’re sitting, or take any steps if you’re standing, as doing this will mean we have to halt the interview to re-position our cameras.
On the day, the crew will look out for excessive movement, so it shouldn’t become an issue!
Essentially, the key message to take away is don’t worry if you are asked to appear on camera by your company. Treat it as an informal chat and ignore the cameras, lights and microphones. There is no pressure, our crew will be there to make you sound and look as good as possible!