Whether you’re creating a documentary, a corporate video, or a personal story, the essence of a captivating interview lies in its genuineness and the emotional connection it forges with the audience.
Below, we’ll dive into the art of conducting interviews that go beyond surface-level answers. After all, it’s about creating a space where interviewees feel comfortable enough to reveal their true selves, their stories, and their emotions.
We’ll explore various strategies – from setting the right tone and environment to asking insightful questions – that help you draw out sincere and engaging narratives from your subjects.
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting, these techniques will enhance your ability to produce interview videos that are not only informative but also deeply moving and memorable.
Contents
How To Get Authentic Responses For Interview Video
Creating an engaging and authentic interview video is crucial for any business. To ensure that the video is successful, it is important to get genuine and engaging responses from the interviewee.
Here are some tips on how to get authentic responses for interview videos.
Key Questions to Ask For Genuine Interview Answers
When conducting videography interviews, it’s essential to ask questions that not only put the interviewee at ease but also guide them to share meaningful and passionate responses. Here are some tailored questions that can help achieve this:
- “Have you done a video interview before? How does that experience compare to what you’re expecting today?” – Studies show that around 75% of people have a fear of public speaking. That includes interview videos. So, this question can help gauge their comfort level and address any apprehensions they might have about being filmed.
- “Is there a particular question or topic you’re hoping to discuss today?” – This gives the interviewee an opportunity to steer the conversation toward subjects they are passionate about, ensuring their enthusiasm comes through in the interview.
- “Why did you agree to participate in this interview, and what do you understand about the purpose of this project?” – This ensures both you and the interviewee are on the same page regarding the interview’s objectives and can lead to more targeted and relevant responses.
- “Are there any aspects or stories of your life or work that you feel are important to share in this context?” – Encouraging the interviewee to share what they deem significant can result in more authentic and engaging content. You also need to gauge the interviewee’s relationship to the story to potentially disclose if there’s an inherent bias or certain point of view.
- “During our conversation, was there a moment you felt particularly strongly about? Is there anything you’d like to expand on?” – This gives the interviewee control over the depth and direction of the conversation and a chance to rethink ideas that they could’ve missed. This often leads to more heartfelt and compelling segments.
Techniques for Building Rapport In Video Interviews
Building rapport with the interviewee is essential to getting authentic responses. Here are some techniques to build rapport during video interviews:
- Start with an icebreaker to help the interviewee feel more comfortable.
- Use active listening skills to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation.
- Maintain eye contact and nod your head to show that you are listening.
- Avoid interrupting the interviewee and let them finish their thoughts before responding.
- Use positive body language to show that you are interested and engaged.
- Be clear about the process and let the interviewee know what to expect.
There are some high-profile and celebrity interviewers who recommend keeping your phone in your pocket, but that’s not always feasible if you have notes or use your phone for practical purposes. Still, the point remains: be as attentive and engaged as possible.
Some of these tips may seem simple, but by following them, you will have more than enough material to create a successful and engaging interview video. At the end of the day, remember that listening, showing empathy, and being kind can go a very long way.
Creating a Comfortable Interview Environment
Creating a comfortable interview environment is crucial to ensure authentic and engaging responses in your interview video. Here are some best practices for setting up a comfortable interview environment:
- Choose a quiet and well-lit location: Find a location that is free from distractions and has good lighting. Avoid noisy areas unless the situation specifically calls for it in the context of the video.
- Provide comfortable seating: Make sure that the interviewee is comfortable during the interview. Provide a comfortable chair and ensure that it is at the right height. This will help the interviewee to relax and feel at ease.
- Use a professional camera and microphone: Invest in a good quality camera and microphone to ensure that the interviewee’s responses are captured clearly. A professional camera and microphone will also help to create a more polished and professional look for your video.
How To Structure a Compelling Interview Video
When creating an interview video, it’s important to structure it in a way that will keep the audience engaged and interested. Here are some tips on how to structure a compelling interview video:
1. Start with an Introduction
Begin the video with a brief introduction of the interviewee and the topic of discussion. This will help to set the tone for the rest of the video and give the audience a clear understanding of what to expect.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
When conducting the interview, ask open-ended questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer. This will encourage the interviewee to provide more detailed and engaging responses.
3. Use Visual Aids
Incorporating visual aids such as charts, graphs, and images can help to break up the monotony of the video and provide additional context for the discussion.
4. Keep it Concise
While it’s important to provide enough information to keep the audience engaged, it’s also important to keep the video concise and to the point. Avoid going off on tangents or providing unnecessary information.
5. End with a Conclusion
Wrap up the video with a brief conclusion that summarizes the key points discussed in the interview. This will help to reinforce the main takeaways and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Conclusion
The techniques highlighted above are designed not only to enhance the quality of the content but also to bring out the most genuine and engaging sides of the interviewee.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced videographer, these insights will assist you in capturing the essence of your subject’s stories and emotions, making your interview videos not just informative but also deeply resonant with your audience.
Remember, the key to a successful interview video lies in its authenticity and the emotional connection it establishes with viewers. With these techniques, you’re well-equipped to create interview videos that truly stand out.