4 Tips to Prepare for On-Camera Media Interviews
Photo: Felicia Yap, founder of Reel Awesome Productions, prepares a video for her online audience.
By Rachel Henry
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst to encourage community-minded organizations to create a strong online presence. Creating video content that puts you and your organization in front of the camera is great practice for when the opportunity for a media interview arises. Don’t wait until you have an interview scheduled—it’s never too early to prepare, so you can nail your interview and wow viewers.
In this article, we highlight the top 4 media interview tips from Calgary media expert, Felicia Yap of Reel Awesome Productions. Elevate your organization with our media interview preparation checklist so you can share your message in a concise and authentic way:
In this article, we highlight the top 4 media interview tips from Calgary media expert, Felicia Yap of Reel Awesome Productions. Elevate your organization with our media interview preparation checklist so you can share your message in a concise and authentic way:
- How to use your voice with confidence
- How to look good on camera
- Set up the right background
- Draw viewers in with your energy
4 media interview tips to show up with confidence
1. Get used to hearing your voice
Your voice is your greatest tool to tell your story. Prior to your interview, record your answers, then listen to the playback to familiarize yourself with your voice. During the interview, keep water on hand. If you need a moment to think, Felicia’s pro tip is to say you just need a sip of water. “It’s very relatable because everybody does, and it’ll give you a moment to think about what you’re going to say.”
2. Look your best
How to look good on camera starts with basic grooming. “Even if you don’t wear makeup, there are things that you can do to look your best, and that includes removing the shine if possible, and making sure your lips are moist with lip balm,” Felicia says. If you can, wear colour on your lips because it draws attention to your mouth. A fresh haircut or dye can make a big difference to your appearance, as can neatly defined eyebrows. Avoid wearing small prints and patterns that can look busy on camera, or large jewelry that distracts viewers.
3. Consider your background
If your interview is virtual, keep the background behind you simple and tidy. If you have kids, put away their toys. It might be tempting to use green screens, but your audience will almost always wonder what’s behind it, drawing them away from the main focus—you and your organization's message. “Wherever you are is your own mini studio, so you can dress it up, but it can be distracting so you have to be very intentional with what you put back there,” Felicia says. Whether the interview is live or pre-recorded, show your home to increase relatability and trust with your viewers.
4. Convey your energy
Projecting your energy and enthusiasm through video is vital to drawing viewers in. The camera drains energy, so get yourself hyped up before you step in front of the lens. You can do this by getting up and moving your body. Before an interview, jump, shake, or dance to increase your blood flow, so you can think clearer. “Confidence is like a muscle,” Felicia says. “The more you use it, the more it grows, and the easier and easier it will get.”
Your voice is your greatest tool to tell your story. Prior to your interview, record your answers, then listen to the playback to familiarize yourself with your voice. During the interview, keep water on hand. If you need a moment to think, Felicia’s pro tip is to say you just need a sip of water. “It’s very relatable because everybody does, and it’ll give you a moment to think about what you’re going to say.”
2. Look your best
How to look good on camera starts with basic grooming. “Even if you don’t wear makeup, there are things that you can do to look your best, and that includes removing the shine if possible, and making sure your lips are moist with lip balm,” Felicia says. If you can, wear colour on your lips because it draws attention to your mouth. A fresh haircut or dye can make a big difference to your appearance, as can neatly defined eyebrows. Avoid wearing small prints and patterns that can look busy on camera, or large jewelry that distracts viewers.
3. Consider your background
If your interview is virtual, keep the background behind you simple and tidy. If you have kids, put away their toys. It might be tempting to use green screens, but your audience will almost always wonder what’s behind it, drawing them away from the main focus—you and your organization's message. “Wherever you are is your own mini studio, so you can dress it up, but it can be distracting so you have to be very intentional with what you put back there,” Felicia says. Whether the interview is live or pre-recorded, show your home to increase relatability and trust with your viewers.
4. Convey your energy
Projecting your energy and enthusiasm through video is vital to drawing viewers in. The camera drains energy, so get yourself hyped up before you step in front of the lens. You can do this by getting up and moving your body. Before an interview, jump, shake, or dance to increase your blood flow, so you can think clearer. “Confidence is like a muscle,” Felicia says. “The more you use it, the more it grows, and the easier and easier it will get.”
Practice your media interview preparation checklist
“People in this world aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for authenticity,” Felicia says. “You’re only going to get better at being yourself on camera by practicing showing up regularly.”
Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial to preparing for success with tried and true media interview tips and coaching. As a boutique storytelling and communications company, Perch can help you confidently stay on message while adhering to media etiquette so your community-minded organization can effectively reach its goals.
Preen your PR skills with media training from Perch Communications.
Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial to preparing for success with tried and true media interview tips and coaching. As a boutique storytelling and communications company, Perch can help you confidently stay on message while adhering to media etiquette so your community-minded organization can effectively reach its goals.
Preen your PR skills with media training from Perch Communications.
About Felicia Yap
With more than 20 years of experience as a professional in the television and digital content industry, Felicia stepped away from her career as a news anchor and morning show co-host in a leading Canadian news network, and made the leap to video confidence coach and videographer after becoming a mom. She has simplified video creation and shares her proven tips and strategies to help you show up confidently on video so you can share your magic with the world. Learn more at reelawesome.com