5 Tips from a Creative Producer to Beat Pre-Interview Nerves
So you're going to be on camera soon and you're feeling a little ~nervy~.
Have no fear! We promise the process is less scary than it sounds. Here's 5 tips from a creative producer on how to beat those pre-interview nerves and have a great time on camera.
1) Remember we are only asking what you already know
Your interview is your time to shine. You already know the answers to what we'll ask you on the day because we’re asking you about your life! Our interviews feel much more like conversations where you get to share the wealth of knowledge about your business, product, or history. And by sharing with us, in turn you share with your audience.
We aren’t going to suddenly ask you about quantum mechanics or to give an oral history on The Spice Girls (although we would LOVE that), we’re asking about what you know. So there’s no need to feel nervous about what you will say, because you already know the answers.
2) Focus on the camera
Ok this is a weird one, but this is my go to way of relaxing when appearing on camera. It helps to remember that the camera is your friend, not your foe!
A lot of the time it feels scary to look into a camera or have a camera pointed at you because we’re thinking about the end result. We’re thinking about where it’s going to end up, who will see it, what they will say. But in that interview space it’s just you, a couple of pieces of equipment and a small production team. There’s no audience or comment section.
Focus on the camera and the fear will float away.
3) Dress to impress
Wearing something you’re comfortable in will make a world of difference. I don’t mean rocking up to set in pyjamas and Uggs, but wearing something that feels like you. Right before an interview isn’t the time to try and bring galaxy tights back into fashion or try a radical new hairstyle.
It's also a good idea to bring a 1-2 backup outfit options, just incase you arrive on set and your top clashes with the lights or you spill coffee on your shirt. No one wants that last minute stress and scramble adding to their nerves, so come prepared with a few alternate options based on the brief provided by the producers.
Feeling comfortable in your skin will allow you to relax into the interview and that comfort will shine through on camera.
4) Practice with a friend or colleague
This is a great way to get the giggles or stress out. Ask someone you trust to help you practice being interviewed . Let them throw crazy questions at you! Practicing will make you feel more comfortable and gives you a chance to consider what story you will tell.
Don’t practice too much though! You don’t want to sound too rehearsed or only be able to answer when the question is asked in the exact way you practiced. You want to do just enough to help break the nerves and keep you sounding authentic and candid.
Another great thing to ask of your friends is for them to give you two or three facts about yourself from their perspective. Most of us find it hard to say nice things about ourselves, or be subjective about our work. Your friends can provide you with suggestions and make it much easier to talk about yourself in interviews.
5) Trust the process
A key thing to remember is that when you work with a video production company you’re working with a team of experts who know exactly how to walk into an interview room with questions and walk out with an amazing story.
Our interviews are candid conversations. You can laugh, make mistakes, and reword an answer. There's no pressure to answer perfectly eloquently (that's what editors are for!) or nail an answer first go.
Trust that the team around you know what they're doing and want you to do well, and you’ll find you feel much calmer and at ease in the space.
Still feeling a little nervous?
