When you come in for the interview talk it up a little bit with the other people in the room. The director, your boss, your fellow employees, even the cameraman the more small talk you make the more you loosen up and it helps calm the nerves.

The last thing you want to do is go into the interview with the mentality of oh I’ll just wing this it’s no big deal. What just about every interviewee forgets is how intimidating the lights and the camera lenses can be. It has an incredible effect and wiping out your memory. I’ve seen it done too many times. Also if you decide to just ramble on it would be arduous in the editing room to find out the best words to piece together! It’ll end up sounding and looking like a radio edit. What’s that look like? Choppy sentences to convey a thought and all it effectively does is distract the listener and the viewer from what you’re trying to say and wonder why do you sound like a computer trying to talk. I highly recommend having bullet points of what you want to say on an index card. Have it in big print that way if you want to look down on your lap and refresh your memory. It’s just a glance and you’re looking back up you look professional and educated. You’ll come across more engaging and genuine interviewer and no one will be none the wiser.

Just know that it’s OK to stumble over a few words or lose your train of thought it’s very, very common. What you should know is that you have the leverage to ask the director or cameraman to re-ask the question. This allows you a second or even a third time to answer the question. The important thing here is to come across knowledgeable and poised. Very few things are as engaging as watching someone talk with authority and command. If you didn’t feel it came off as good as you like,  they’ll have no problems re-phrasing the question again and letting you have another shot.

So many times people don’t realize what their resting face looks like. Someone needs to tell you. When you smile or at least smile when you talk it comes off more genuine and engaging and makes it easier for people to pay attention.

Some of you reading this are the type to talk with your hands and that’s absolutely fine. You’ll wanna let your cameraman know that you talk a lot with your hands so they can pull a little wider and not cut off part of you. But fidgeting, comes from nerves. Small talk a little bit with the people if you feel the fidgeting is coming from not being prepared. Write a few bullet points on the spot and then flesh out the thought on camera.

For over 20 years McLean Corporate Video has created client testimonials and marketing videos and helped prepare owners, management and employees to tell their story in the most engaging and genuine approach. Looking to tell your story to your potential customers? Give us a call we can help.