Video Interviews 101: Essential Skills and Rules for Getting the Best Responses

Engaging in a thoughtful interview, an effective journalist listens attentively while maintaining a warm smile, embodying the principles of open-ended dialogue and genuine interest.

Conducting video interviews can be a game-changer for gathering insights, stories, and opinions. However, to ensure you get the most valuable responses, it's crucial to develop certain skills and follow specific rules. This guide offers practical advice to help you ask the right questions and avoid common mistakes during your video interviews.

Understanding the Importance of Preparation

Preparation is essential for a successful video interview. Start by doing your homework on the interviewee and the topic you want to discuss. This foundation will help you craft relevant questions and create an inviting atmosphere for your guest.

To encourage detailed responses, use open-ended questions. For instance, instead of simply asking, “Did you like the project?” try, “What aspects of the project did you find most rewarding?” This approach not only elicits more information but creates a space for the interviewee to express themselves fully.

Crafting Effective Questions for Video Interviews

How you frame your questions can greatly affect the quality of the answers you receive. Consider these proven strategies for crafting effective questions:

1. Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward language. Questions should be easy for the interviewee to understand.

   
   

2. Use Open-Ended Questions: These questions prompt deeper discussion. Instead of asking, “Is this your favorite book?” consider, “What makes this book stand out to you?” This invites a deeper exploration of their thoughts.

   
   

3. Follow Up: Engage with your interviewee by asking follow-up questions based on their answers. For example, if they mention a book that influenced them, you could ask, “How did that book change your perspective on your work?”

   
   

4. Encourage Storytelling: Stories engage listeners. Ask questions that lead to personal anecdotes. For example, “Can you share a memorable experience from your journey in this field?”

   
   

Creating a Comfortable Environment

A cozy reading nook perfect for thoughtful conversations

A comfortable interviewee is more likely to give thoughtful and authentic responses. Here are some effective strategies to foster a relaxed environment:

• Establish Rapport: Start with light conversation, such as discussing a shared interest or commenting on their background. This small talk helps break the ice and makes everyone feel at ease.

  
  

• Be Mindful of Body Language: Your non-verbal cues matter, even on screen. Maintain eye contact and nod to show engaged listening, signaling your interest in their words.

  
  

• Minimize Distractions: Ensure that both you and your interviewee are in quiet spaces. Turn off notifications on devices to maintain focus during the conversation.

  
  

Things to Avoid

While there are many ways to enhance your video interviews, it's equally important to recognize what to avoid. Keep these pitfalls in mind:

1. Leading Questions: Steer clear of questions that imply a preferred answer. For instance, instead of asking, “Don’t you think this is the best solution?” opt for “What are your thoughts on this solution?” This allows for an unbiased response.

   
   

2. Interrupting: Give your interviewee the space to complete their thoughts before jumping in. Interrupting not only disrupts their flow and can lead to incomplete answers, but overlapping voices are also difficult to hear and understand on film or video—so it’s best to let one person speak at a time.

   
   

3. Overloading with Questions: Too many questions can overwhelm the interviewee. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Ask questions that truly matter and adjust based on their responses.

   
   

4. Neglecting Technical Aspects: Ensure your video and audio equipment works well. According to a study by HubSpot, 85% of interviewers found audio quality to significantly influence their impression of the interviewee. Poor quality can distract from the conversation and make the interviewee uneasy.

   
   

Wrapping Up

Mastering video interviews is all about a blend of preparation, effective questioning, and creating a comfortable environment. By following these essential skills and rules, you can enhance the quality of your interviews and elicit the best responses. Aim to foster genuine conversations that allow your interviewee to share their insights and stories. With practice and attention to detail, you can become a skilled interviewer, whether for video journalism or any other purpose.