How to create great video Interviews : Review of our ZOOM #2

How to create successful video interview: This was the challenging topic that we broke down for you in ZOOM #2, which consisted of three key parts:

• a round table with two video experts who explained the best practices to adopt for a successful video interview;
• our product news presented by our product manager, who reported on our new designs and features;
• Customised media training workshops providing tips for coaching when filming and for performing successfully in front of the camera.

For those who were unable to participate in our event, don’t worry:

• Our next event will take place in March 2019. You can now include this next date on your agenda;
• Below we have compiled a list of the best practices to adopt for successful video interviews. Happy reading and enjoy the media training;
• To see a review of our first ZOOM on scripts, click here.

The checklist for ensuring success in video interviews

Off camera: preparation

• Write the script for the video and plan out the set (and accessories), the right lighting and a quiet, attractive and neutral environment;
• Write the speech. This will allow you to structure your narrative/speech even if you are comfortable. Think about writing in a direct and verbal style.  Leave out complicated words and convoluted wording. Then write it out in the form of bullet points or keywords;
• Think about the framing, your main shots and illustrations;
• If you are outdoors, do not hesitate to mark the place where you will stand. This will allow you to ensure consistency despite interruptions in the shoot;

 Media training during the video interview

• Take the time you need to focus before filming;
• Do not hesitate to exaggerate your expressions, because the camera always blurs emotions;
• Mark the end of your sentences. Emphasise intonation by varying your pitch;
• Look at the camera. Or talk to one of your colleagues without having to span the camera’s field of view with your eyes. In other words, if you are slightly to the left of the camera, make sure you look at someone who is to the left of the camera*;
• When there are two people in the video, be careful to observe the “180° line law”: if you take several shots, imagine a line going from the first to the second speaker. Once your main shot has been determined, do not cross this line and place the camera between 0 and 180° of this line to take new shots*;
• When there are two speakers, alternate speaking, but be careful not to speak at the same time to facilitate editing;
• Stand or sit with your elbows on the table to be able to supplement your speech with appropriate gestures;
• Clasp your hands if you don’t know what to do with them and do not hesitate to use them / For example, do not hesitate to open your hands to give an encouraging message / Or if you wish to convey a unifying message / Close them if you wish to emphasise seriousness.
• Breathe before speaking. Avoid talking too fast because you will not be understood and you may stutter.
• Emphasise your wording as if you were telling a story.
• Don’t forget to smile.
• If you are asked a question, do not forget to rephrase the question and don’t start by saying “Yes”. You are the only person in front of the camera. Your colleague who is asking the questions will not appear in the final video.
• Keep talking if you stammer, because a shot that you consider to be useless could be used once edited.

End of the Video Interview: Things to Remember

• Don’t hesitate to take several shots in order to work with enough rushes to be cut, edited or cropped regardless of the final duration of the video interview;
• Check the quality of the rushes (sound and image).