How to Get Comfortable with Video + Interviews as a Business Owner
You don’t have to love being on camera to realize that it can be a very effective form of communication - and really great for your business.
It’s not easy for most people to get in front of the camera, especially introverted creatives who are used to being hidden behind a computer screen (or just normal people who have been avoiding any form of public speaking since their last speech class in high school or college).
But it’s worth it. And here’s why: you get people’s attention. Maybe it’s more impressive than a blog post because we all know a lot goes into it from preparation to production to editing. Through video and podcast interviews, you have an opportunity to share yourself alongside your expertise. You have an opportunity to help people feel like they know you, which will contribute to their trust of you.
Setting up at Widecast in Peoria, Illinois.
Videographer: George Bean, Interviewer: ShamRA Robinson
Initial conversation at Widecast in Peoria, Illinois.
Videographer: George Bean, Interviewer: ShamRA Robinson
Five tips for videos and interviews:
Allow your fear to serve as energy. Being nervous is completely natural - channel it productively. Accept that it will happen to various degrees, depending on the specific opportunity, and roll with it as best you can.
Practice. Take it seriously and show up prepared. Even if you don’t know the specific questions being asked, you can think ahead about some stories or examples that you frequently pull from or might be great to illustrate a general idea you’d like to communicate.
Speak with authority and confidence. Remind yourself that you do, in fact, know what you’re talking about. You are being asked to interview because of your expertise or unique perspective.
Ask questions! There is nothing wrong with clarifying any areas that seem unclear in advance of your interview. Information can be incredibly empowering in this situation and ease nerves.
Remember that it is okay to mess up. Especially in pre-recorded videos or interviews. Politely let your interviewer know if you’ve said something incorrectly or would like to rephrase.
Video interview at Widecast in Peoria, Illinois.
Interviewer: ShamRA Robinson
Quick tips to feel confident during an interview:
1. Wear clothes you feel good in
2. Smile
3. Practice ahead of time
4. Give yourself a positive pep-talk beforehand
5. Remember that you are being asked to speak for a reason
Video Interview at Widecast in Peoria, Illinois.
Videographer: George Bean, Interviewer: ShamRA Robinson
Having confidence in yourself and your business is part of building a strong brand. Lettering Works can help you develop a strategy that boosts your confidence in the work you are putting out into the world. Get in touch to learn more about our strategic branding offerings and how they can help take your business to the next level.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelsie Tamms is an award-winning lettering artist and designer based out of Chicago. She is the owner of Lettering Works, a branding studio that connects businesses to their audience through creativity and strategy. With over 10 years of practice of lettering and design, Chelsie is passionate about craft and intention. When she’s not designing, she can be found eating ice cream, traveling internationally, or starting a new passion project.
