Mastering the On Camera Interview: Pro Tips That Work
Lights, camera, questions. For many professionals, an on camera interview can feel like unfamiliar territory. Whether you're a seasoned executive or stepping in front of the lens for the first time, it’s completely normal to feel nervous.
At Acclaim Media, we’ve filmed hundreds of interviews—from corporate boardrooms to bustling charity events—and we know what separates a shaky take from a confident, compelling performance.
We've had clients who've worked with media trainers in past. But it is really not necessary, following the advice from this article is all you need. Don't worry if you make a mistake, our skilled team can edit around any issue.
On Camera Interviews
Here is our best advice to help you look great, feel confident, know what to expect, deliver your message with impact, and take the stress of a video shoot away.
“Reading this article before the interview eliminated 90% of my fears.”
Dress for the Role You’re Speaking To
Your wardrobe should reflect the tone and context of your message.
For formal topics (e.g., financial leadership, executive messaging): Stick to professional attire like suits or blazers.
For lifestyle or location-based topics: Dress appropriately for the environment. A golf pro on the green? A logoed polo and slacks feel just right.
If you're unsure, have a conversation with your video producer - we’re always happy to guide your wardrobe choices.
Color Tips:
Stick to earth tones like navy, charcoal, forest green, or maroon.
Avoid bright whites, yellows, or shiny fabrics—they can reflect too much light and complicate the lighting setup.
Avoid fine prints or tight patterns, which can create distracting moiré effects on camera.
Need more wardrobe tips? Our Chicago Videography team is always just a call away.
To Makeup or Not to Makeup?
While it’s not required, a professional makeup artist can be a game-changer—especially under hot production lights. No doubt, a makeup person adds to the budget, but your footage will look better. You can't go wrong if your budget allows it.
If you're bald or prone to perspiration, we often use matte products to reduce shine and help maintain a polished look on camera.
Ask us about NYX Shine Killer Mini—an under $20 solution that can dramatically improve the shot!
Calm Nerves with Preparation, Not Scripts
Sometimes you'll receive the questions in advance, other times you will not. More on this later.
If you do receive the interview questions in advance—take a look, reflect, but don’t memorize.
Why?
Authenticity matters. We want natural, conversational answers.
Short answers work best. Think in soundbites. 2–3 sentences always beats long-winded explanations.
Avoid reading from notes. Scripted answers don't work. It breaks eye contact, and mic’d-up paper rustling? Guaranteed distraction. You will also concentrate on reading what's on the paper, not trying to answer the exact questions. It's an interview process, reading from prepared typed out answers rarely works.
Instead of scripting, try this: jot down bullet points of your talking points. But just list your key messages. Then as you prepare, practice your answer aloud a few times before the shoot. Please remember to speak the words out loud- as we read faster than we talk. Saying the words out loud will help you with your timing and to know if there are any tricky pronunciations that might trip you up.
Pro-tip: Record yourself on your phone as you practice, then watch it back to critique your performance.
Sometimes, it is just not possible to send the questions in advance. Your producer will come up with them based on your pre-interview conversation. The next section should give you an example of what to expect.
What Kind of Questions Will I Be Asked?
The questions you'll face in an on-camera interview usually fall into one of these categories:
Background or Role-Based Questions
“What do you do in your current role?”
“How did you get started in this field?”
“What’s a typical day like for you?”
These help establish credibility and give the viewer context. Keep your answers concise and conversational, but don’t undersell your expertise.
Mission, Values, or Culture Questions
“What makes your organization different?”
“How would you describe your team or workplace?”
“Why do clients trust your company?”
These are common in corporate videos, culture films, or recruitment pieces. They should feel warm, authentic, and aligned with your brand voice.
Problem-Solution or Process Questions
“What challenge were you facing before…?”
“How did your team solve this?”
“What steps are involved in your process?”
Often used in testimonial videos or training content, these questions help tell a story of transformation or expertise
Call-to-Action or Viewer-Focused Questions
“What advice would you give to someone just starting out?”
“What should a client do next?”
“Why should someone choose your company?”
These usually appear near the end of a video and aim to guide the viewer’s next step. Keep it positive and confident.
Where Do I Look During the Interview?
Most interviews are framed so you're looking just off-camera, directly at the interviewer. It keeps the shot natural and professional. Just maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
Occasionally, for direct-to-camera messaging (think: a CEO message to stakeholders), we may ask you to speak directly into the lens. On these occasions we'll typically bring out a teleprompter which should make things easier and help you with your confidence.
Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it before the cameras roll. Lastly, keep focus and don't forget to smile!
What Do I Do With My Hands During the Interview?
We get this question often before we start filming. Do with them as you wish. If you talk with your hands, feel free to do so. But just be aware we have a certain camera shot for your answers.
If we have a medium shot (stomach up) your hands might not be seen in your lap. Often lower thirds (graphic titles of your name and title) will also appear at the bottom of the screen. So if you talk with your hands, make sure to raise them up a bit.
Also remember to maintain a proper sitting posture during your interview. Sitting "tall" can help helps you look confident and engaged on camera, which can enhance your overall presentation.
Evergreen Answers Are The Best Way to Achieve Interview Gold
Try to avoid time-sensitive phrasing like:
“I’ve been at the company for 10 years.”
Instead, say:
“I joined the company in 2013.”
This helps your video stay relevant year after year—a smart move if your content will live on your corporate video page.
Recap the Question in Your Answer
In most interviews, the viewer won't hear the question when the segment is edited. That means your answers need to stand alone. Please repeat or rephrase the question in your answer, here's an example:
Instead of:
“Ten years.”
Try:
“I’ve worked in cybersecurity since 2014, following my time in the military.”
This simple trick makes your message clearer, more natural and much easier to edit into a powerful final cut.
Key Mindset: You’re the Expert
Feeling pressure to “perform”? You don’t need to. You were chosen for this interview because you know the subject better than anyone else.
No reason to be afraid. Relax. Breathe. We’ve got you!
Most people over think an on camera interview. If something goes sideways, we simply reshoot. That’s the beauty of post-production—our team takes care of the polish so you can focus on sharing your message.
“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”
Final Thoughts: We’re Here to Make You Look Great
We get it—being interviewed on camera can feel intimidating. But with the right prep and the right production partner, it becomes a collaborative, creative process. You'll appear naturally in the final edit, and the audience will be captivated!
At Acclaim Media, we’ve helped leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs deliver their best interviews in corporate videos, marketing campaigns, and training content across Chicago and beyond.
If you're planning a video that includes interviews, we’d love to help you make it shine.
Ready for Your Close-Up?
Connect with our team at Acclaim Mediato plan your next on camera interview. We offer full-service production, from scripting to final edit.
Or explore more of our services:
Want to Look and Sound Your Best on Camera?
Whether it's your first on-camera interview or your fiftieth, the right team makes all the difference. At Acclaim Media, we don’t just press record—we guide you through the entire process, from prep to post, so you feel confident and come across like a pro.
Let’s bring your story to life. Contact our team today to start planning your next interview-driven video.
Acclaim Media is a Chicago-based video production company helping brands nationwide create high-impact content—from marketing and corporate messaging to training and events. With 25+ years of experience and hundreds of successful projects, we make video production simple, strategic, and results-driven.