Being the Expert: Things to Know Before You Say Yes to an Interview
One of the perks of working in the video business is the tremendous variety of people and topics that you are exposed to, even if it is for only one project. When I am conducting a video interview, it can be inspiring to hear the knowledge and passion of an expert flow from them like a mighty river, effortlessly conveyed in a clear and easy-to-understand fashion. Of course, there are also the times where the mighty river of knowledge and passion meets the Hoover Dam of bright lights and a camera. Anxiety, insecurity and a general lack of preparation can stymie even the most knowledgeable and passionate interviewee. If you’re one of those people that can’t seem to get out of their own way when put in front of a camera, or dreads the thought of it - this is for you.
One thing that has stood out to me over the years is the change a person can undergo when that little red light comes on. Years ago, I was making a video for a health and fitness club and scheduled an interview with one of the facility’s massage therapists. In the 20 minutes or so that my production assistant and I were setting up the camera, lights and microphone, she chatted effortlessly with the client and me about massage therapy and its many benefits. She was charming and friendly, and it was very clear she knew everything she needed to know on the subject with many years of experience on which to draw. As I listened to her, I thought, “This interview is going to be great. She knows her stuff.”
Just as we were about to start the interview, she said, ”I should warn you I’m usually not very good with cameras.” She wasn’t lying. She could barely get a full sentence out before she would start to second guess herself and stammer, backtrack, stop and restart a few times, then subsequently chastise herself for “messing up”, and apologize to us. She was frustrated and embarrassed, and none of us quite knew what to do.
After taking a short break, relaxing over a glass of wine and talking through the questions off-camera, we got the camera rolling again. While we still had some difficulty, another half hour later we managed to get just enough good material to use in the video we made. In the end, success.
Now, interviews like the one with the massage therapist are rare. This was the only time I’ve ever seen an interviewee’s anxiety be that much of an obstacle. Most people, to some degree, have a fear of public speaking, and that, of course, easily transfers to nerves when in front of a camera. What if I say the wrong thing? Am I doing this right? Do I look like I know what I’m talking about? What if I don’t know the answer to a question? And so forth.
Rarely, the anxiety may be too much for a person to overcome without coaching by a professional. Most folks, however, will do well to remember these tips when you’re asked to participate as an interviewee in a video:
In General
R-E-L-A-X. Sometimes easier said than done, right?
One thing to be mindful of throughout this process is your own anxiety level. Anxiety is deceitful energy. It will make you think things are worse/bigger/harder than they are. All of us have it, but it can be channeled when you have a plan to deal with it. By knowing, recognizing and accepting your anxiety, you can more easily control it.
Before the Interview
Prepare, but don’t overdo it.
Find out what the overall goal of the video is, what it’s about, where it will be seen and how big a part you’re expected to play.
Ask for the questions they want you to answer (if they haven’t been provided for you) and prepare your answers by creating an outline of the points you need to make.
Do NOT write a script for yourself to memorize or bring excessive pages of notes to check. Depending on the length of the interview, your outline should only be a page or two that you can refer to between questions. The goal is to appear and sound natural, and if you’re reciting a script you memorized or trying to recall everything in your notes, it will show.
Practice! Ask a friend, family member, or coworker to ask you the questions. Remember, don’t memorize your answer. Just be sure you know the outline points. As you practice, you’ll notice that you develop a flow to your words. Be mindful of that, but again, don’t memorize.
During the Interview
You are in control.
You are the center of the universe (as it relates to this interview), so own it.
Bring water, or ask for it when you get there.
Be mindful of your anxiety level as you enter the interview space, and during the interview. If you need a minute to take a few deep breaths, say so.
In most cases, if you answer a question and you’re not happy with the way it came out, you can ask to do it again. Don’t be afraid to go back and reanswer a few times if you have to to make sure it’s right.
If the interviewer tells you your answer to their question is fine, you can usually trust them. They know what they’re listening for. But if you know something got left out of your answer, let them know.
The interviewer is there to help if you get stuck on an answer, or if you’re having any trouble at all.
As your interview goes on, it should feel like a conversation more than a back-and-forth of “questions” and “answers”. Ideally, you're looking for a blend of accuracy and spontaneity in your responses. Don’t worry if you don’t see or feel it right away. It is a talent that is developed like any other, through mindfulness and repetition.
If you’re an executive who wants to overcome some of the on-camera jitters, needs content training for video interviews, or if you’ve done it before and just need some practice, the team at Kane is here for you.
Check out our YouTube channel to see examples of our video work.
