When it comes to video production, especially in a vibrant location like Santa Barbara, the quality of your interviewees’ on-camera performance can make or break the final product. Whether you're shooting a brand video, a documentary, or a commercial, getting the best out of your interview subjects is crucial. In this final part of our series, "The Art of the Interview," we’ll dive into the techniques and strategies for coaching your interviewee to deliver an engaging and authentic performance that elevates your Santa Barbara video production.
Why Is Coaching Your Interviewee So Important?
The people you interview are the stars of your production. Their comfort, confidence, and authenticity on camera can dramatically influence how your audience perceives your video. In a competitive market like Santa Barbara, where businesses thrive on connection and authenticity, it’s essential to ensure that your interviewees shine.
Interviewees who are well-coached are more likely to convey their message clearly, resonate with the audience, and ultimately, contribute to the success of your video production. Without proper coaching, even the most knowledgeable experts can come across as stiff, nervous, or unconvincing. In Santa Barbara video production, where the goal is often to capture the laid-back yet professional vibe of the area, effective coaching is non-negotiable.
What Are the Nuts and Bolts of Coaching Your Interviewee?
Coaching your interviewee isn’t just about giving them a pep talk before the camera rolls; it’s about guiding them through the process, from preparation to delivery. Here’s how to do it effectively:
But why Is This Topic So Important?
When I first started doing video production in Santa Barbara, I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of coaching interviewees. I’d go into interviews without much of a strategy, thinking that if I just asked the right questions, everything would fall into place. But I quickly realized that my lack of preparation was affecting the quality of my content. My interviewees often appeared stiff and uncomfortable, which showed on camera. It wasn’t until I started focusing on creating a comfortable environment and guiding my subjects with intentional coaching that I noticed a significant difference. The interviews became more natural, and the stories we captured truly resonated with our audience. This experience taught me just how vital it is to have a solid strategy in place when conducting interviews.
Now, let’s dive into the strategies I’ve developed to ensure every interview is a success, bringing out the best in your subjects and elevating your Santa Barbara video production to new heights
1. Pre-Interview Preparation: Set Them Up for Success
When I first started conducting interviews, I made the mistake of diving straight in without much preparation, often overwhelming my interviewees with too much information. I quickly learned that the first step in effective coaching is making sure your interviewee feels prepared, but not over-scripted. Now, I always provide them with an overview of the topics we’ll cover, allowing them to think about their key messages and stories, but I emphasize the importance of keeping the conversation natural and relaxed.
For example, when I recently interviewed a local business owner for a Santa Barbara video production, I encouraged them to reflect on what makes their business unique, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they connect with the Santa Barbara community. This approach helped them feel confident and ready, while still allowing for spontaneity in their responses.
Pro Tip: I always arrange a pre-interview meeting or call to discuss the process and address any concerns. This small step builds rapport and makes the interviewee feel much more at ease when the camera starts rolling.
Part 2: Warm-Up: Break the Ice and Build Confidence
I used to jump straight into interviews, thinking that getting to the questions quickly was the best approach. But I soon realized that this often left my interviewees feeling tense and unsure. One time, I was interviewing a local artist in Santa Barbara who seemed particularly nervous. Instead of diving right into the interview, I decided to chat with her about her favorite spots in Santa Barbara and the recent art exhibits she’d attended. Within minutes, her demeanor completely changed—she relaxed, laughed, and became much more open.
Now, I always take a few minutes before the interview to engage in casual conversation. This warm-up helps break the ice and builds the interviewee’s confidence, making them more comfortable and natural on camera. It’s not just about easing nerves; it’s about creating a connection that translates into a more authentic and engaging interview.
Pro Tip: Use humor or share a personal anecdote to lighten the mood. A relaxed interviewee will be more natural and authentic on camera.
Part 3: During the Interview: Guide the Conversation
Early in my career, I’d stick rigidly to my list of questions, worried about missing any key points. But during one interview, an unexpected comment from the interviewee took us off script. Instead of steering back to my planned questions, I decided to follow their lead, asking more about this new topic. What followed was one of the most genuine and compelling conversations I’d ever captured on camera. That moment taught me the value of flexibility in an interview.
Now, I focus on guiding the conversation while allowing my interviewees the freedom to express themselves. If they say something intriguing, I don’t hesitate to dive deeper, even if it wasn’t on my list of questions. This approach often leads to richer, more meaningful content that resonates with the audience.
Pro Tip: Listen actively and be ready to adapt your questions based on the direction of the conversation. This keeps the content focused but also allows for those unplanned, golden moments.
Part 4: Encourage Authenticity: Let Their Personality Shine
In one of my early interviews, I noticed that the interviewee seemed overly rehearsed, almost like they were reading a script in their head. The result was a stiff and unconvincing performance that didn’t connect with viewers. I realized then that I needed to encourage interviewees to be themselves, rather than trying to deliver a perfect answer.
Since then, I always emphasize to my interviewees that it’s their personality and authenticity that will make the interview impactful. For instance, during a Santa Barbara video production with a local chef, I reminded him that the viewers wanted to see his passion for food, not a polished presentation. When he began talking about his love for fresh, local ingredients with genuine enthusiasm, the entire tone of the interview shifted, and the content became much more engaging.
Pro Tip: Compliment your interviewee on what they’re doing well. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and improve their on-camera presence.
Part 5: Post-Interview Support: Reinforce Their Success
I remember finishing an interview with a local entrepreneur in Santa Barbara who was visibly nervous throughout the process. After we wrapped, instead of just packing up and leaving, I took a moment to thank him and gave specific feedback on what he did well. His relief was palpable, and he mentioned how my comments made him feel much more confident about how the interview would turn out.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit to provide post-interview support. After the cameras stop rolling, I always take a few minutes to reinforce what the interviewee did well and express my appreciation for their time. This not only boosts their confidence but also leaves them with a positive experience of the production process, making them more likely to participate in future projects.
Pro Tip: Follow up with an email or message once the video is completed, thanking them again and sharing the final product. This reinforces the relationship and opens the door for future collaborations.
Wrapping It All Up: Mastering the Art of the Interview
There you have it— the complete guide to mastering the art of the interview. From creating a comfortable environment to coaching your interviewees for a compelling on-camera performance, these five key strategies will elevate your Santa Barbara video production to new heights. By focusing on preparation, building rapport, guiding the conversation, encouraging authenticity, and providing post-interview support, you’ll capture the genuine, engaging stories that resonate with your audience and make your content truly unforgettable.
The next steps? Start applying these insights to your upcoming projects—whether it’s preparing your interviewees more effectively, fine-tuning your question strategy, or ensuring your technical setup is flawless. Each step you take will bring you closer to producing professional, impactful content that truly stands out.
Ready to take your video production to the next level? Visit Island Fox Media and let’s create something extraordinary together.
If you enjoyed this series, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your feedback or let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see explored in the comments below.
Cheers!
Joe Mahany
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