How to be a great vodcast guest

Webcam video interviews are on the rise; be memorable in a good way

In-person interviews are almost always best; however, in times of breaking news, national interviews, or during a pandemic, when you can't be in the studio or have the cameraperson come to you, a webcam or livestream interview is a great option. 

Webcam video interviews are on the rise, especially as more people work from home. We’ve all seen an interview where something has gone wrong, such as the person not wearing pants or someone else walking into the live shot, like this man's children. While these moments make for entertaining content, they certainly aren’t the goal of a serious interview.

There are a number of things that you can do to prepare for a video interview. You can be an effective vodcast guest by following the tips that we listed below. 

For the best experience, video, and sound quality:

• set up in a quiet room with no echo or background noise
• place the light and lighting facing you (not behind you)
• use a computer with a high-speed wired internet connection
• use a wired headset or headphones with a wired microphone
• use Google Chrome browser (free download link)

Camera tips

• If you’re using a smartphone or other device, position it in landscape mode.

• Use a stand for your phone, shaky hands won't work.

• Make sure your audio is clear and your voice isn’t muffled or distorted.

• Under cam/mic settings, set the camera resolution to the highest your device allows (preferably high definition 720p or more).

Display and background tips

• Under display name, use your first and last name (upper and lower case: “First Last”).

• If you want to use a green screen, you should use Google’s Chrome browser. In order for it to look good, you need to light your green screen well.

• Be sure not to wear green if you’re using a green screen.

• If you aren’t using a green screen, verify what’s in your background. You don’t want something embarrassing in the background that makes it look like you have horns coming out of your head or an inappropriate book on display. 

• Turn on a light facing you to light your face. Lights placed in the background or behind you will likely make your face appear dark.

Other tips

• Review these TV interview tips to help you prepare. 

• Tell people around you, in your home or your office, that you will be doing a video interview. This is to ensure that people don’t walk in while you’re recording. 

• Lock your door so that people can’t come in; download a do not disturb sign for your door to let people know you’re recording. 

• Consider wearing headphones to ensure that you can hear the person speaking to you. 

Don’t forget to review Axia Public Relation’s tips for being a great podcast guest as well. Having this information and the vodcast information will help you rock the interview. Practice helps more than you know! If you’d like to learn more about how to give effective interviews, contact us for spokesperson training today.

Clients love Marjorie’s work ethic, speed and diligence. She has worked with Axia Public Relations since October 2011. Marjorie graduated from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and loves to cheer for her hometown Kansas City Royals. Learn more about Marjorie.