Tips for Conducting a Virtual Broadcast Interview
If you're a PR professional, more thank likely you have noticed that interviews via Skype are increasing in popularity. You might have also noticed that many of these are not done right. Bad lighting, moving around too much, not enough eye contact, not speaking clearly... these are things that you and your clients need to take into consideration when preparing for an online interview via Skype, MSN Messenger or any other tool that allows you to stream video. Broadcast stations are allowing these type of interviews because it makes it easier for them, and having experts on call is invaluable.
Getting Started
Give your full attention to the participant as if you were in the studio. Make sure you're in a quiet area that is echo free where you will be free of distractions and free of disturbances. Make sure your computer's background sounds are turned off or on mute (Outlook alerts, TweetDeck alerts, AIM, MSN Messenger and others sounds that your computer can make throughout the interview)
Treat this like a real interview
It's a real interview after all, being in front of your computer screen doesn't mean that no one is watching. Keep the viewer in mind and also think about how video-conferencing works. Usually there is a delay between when you and the broadcast station so make sure that above all you speak and elaborate when asked. Learn to speak
Do's of Webcam Interviews
1. Maintain eye contact with your camera
2. Get an HD webcam if possible. With today's technology there is no excuse for you to have a low resolution webcam. They run between $29 and $149, the Microsoft HD cam series is my favorite.
3. Speak clearly and when addressed
4. Quit moving around so much. You'll come out like nothing more than a blur
5. Make sure you're dressed for broadcast. Just because you're in front of your computer doesn't mean that you can be on your pajamas.6. Make sure you're excited about your topic. Nothing can make a more boring subject than someone who's not excited about what they're talking about.
7. Learn to pause. Say what you have to say and then stop, these cues will give the person doing the interview the chance to comment or ask questions.
8. Lighting is key. Make sure that you're in a well light room to make sure you're not coming out as a dark shadow.
9. Do an mock interview before going live. Make sure that your camera, mic's and everything else works before going live. There is nothing more embarrassing than finding out that you've been talking and no one is listening.
Don'ts of Webcam Interviews
1. Don't yell at the camera. These microphones are sensitive and can pick up most sounds, there is no need to shout.
2. Don't move around too much
3. Don't go into your closet or restroom. Just because you can lock the door doesn't mean that these areas are good for an interview. There is usually an echo in this room which will make your interview sound like you're far far away.
Above all have fun and stick to your key messages. As PR professionals it is our job to prepare our clients for any type of interview, just because it is through webcam doesn't mean that you should take short cuts. Stick to these tips and you'll be a producer's best friend.
The Latino PR Guy
No comments:
Post a Comment