Screen-ready success:
excelling at online video interviews
In the dynamic world of corporate communication, the ability to convey your company’s message with clarity, authority, and finesse is paramount. Now more than ever, as businesses navigate through a landscape where every interaction is magnified through the lens of the media, the importance of honing executive communication skills cannot be overstated.
Beyond traditional communication strategies, video interviews offer a unique and invaluable platform for companies to refine their narrative, enhance executive presence, and navigate the nuanced challenges of the media spotlight. In this article, we’ll share ten tips that’ll help you approach video interviews in the right frame (pun intended!).
1. Horizontal frame
Nowadays, the choice of recording platforms is vast, ranging from Teams and Zoom to Riverside and StreamYard. However, one fundamental principle holds true across all these platforms: the frame should always be horizontal, never vertical. This seemingly simple guideline carries profound implications for professional presentation. A horizontal frame not only aligns with industry standards but also ensures a visually appealing and polished appearance, offering a broader view of the speaker and their surroundings.
2. Background
During online video interviews, virtual backgrounds tend not to work. It’s therefore important to tidy the space you are in, ensuring that reflects your professional identity while maintaining a sense of depth, steering clear of any distractions that could potentially undermine your corporate image. As a representative of the company, it’s essential to choose elements that resonate positively and avoid any controversial or distracting items.
3. Webcam positioning
A good camera angle is key for a professional and engaging virtual presence during media interviews. Positioning the webcam between the nose and the mouth ensures a flattering and balanced perspective, fostering a direct connection with your audience. You can also use supports such as books under your PC, and before initiating any virtual engagement, take a moment to wipe a cloth over the webcam to eliminate dust or smudges. This guarantees a crisp, clear image, underscoring your commitment to a polished and technically proficient virtual appearance.
4. How to sit
Maintaining proper posture is a key element in projecting confidence and professionalism during virtual engagements. A straight back is synonymous with attentiveness and poise. To achieve this, sit on the edge of your chair, a subtle yet effective technique that naturally encourages a straightened posture. Opt for a chair with a low back or one that doesn’t obscure the background excessively, allowing for a seamless and unobtrusive visual experience.
5. Print out any documents
Maintaining eye contact and a seamless flow of conversation is paramount for a polished presentation. To avoid constantly glancing at your screen for prompts, it is advisable to have any necessary notes printed and neatly arranged in front of you. This strategic placement ensures that you can reference your points seamlessly without distracting rustling sounds or noticeable shifts in your gaze. This way, you not only convey a heightened level of preparedness but also foster a connection with your audience, projecting confidence and expertise throughout your virtual interaction.
6. Body language
Effective body language is a silent but powerful communicator, especially during video interviews. To convey openness and a sense of ease, maintain a relaxed posture and allow yourself to occupy the virtual space confidently. By consciously owning the space and breathing from the diaphragm, you project reliability and competence. In the absence of physical proximity, these subtle cues become all the more essential in fostering a positive and impactful impression on your audience, solidifying your image as a poised and credible communicator.
7. Audio quality
Minimize background noise by creating a quiet environment—close windows, turn off appliances, and silence phone and PC notifications. This simple yet crucial step ensures that your message is delivered clearly and without unnecessary distractions. Utilizing headphones is a practical solution, provided the microphone functions effectively, enhancing the overall audio experience. By prioritizing a quiet space and investing in quality audio equipment, you eliminate potential disruptions, allowing every word to resonate with clarity and impact.
8. What to wear
Selecting the right attire plays a crucial role in presenting a visually appealing and distraction-free image during video interviews. To ensure that the focus remains on your message and not on your clothing, steer clear of patterns such as stripes or checks, as they can be visually disruptive on video. Instead, choose casual clothing that strikes a balance between professionalism and comfort—shirts without ties or polo necks are ideal, offering a polished yet relaxed appearance. Additionally, choose colours that contrast with your background to create a visually distinct and harmonious presentation.
9. Lighting
Effective lighting is a real game-changer. To ensure optimal visibility and a well-lit presence, position a light source in front of your face to achieve even illumination. In scenarios where natural light falls short, supplement it with a desk lamp directed towards your face. Testing the lighting setup is crucial—aim to strike a balance where you are clearly visible without being overexposed.
10. Relax!
For every interaction with the media, but especially in video interviews, it’s important to prioritise a calm and authentic approach, so take your time and try to relax. If you can edit or retake parts you are uncomfortable with, make sure to ask for retakes and remember you are supposed to sound natural and not rehearsed.
Do you need support with video interviews? Contact us at team@outspokenpr.com!