Many times, the media won’t be able to get to your library to do an in-person interview and may ask that you join via phone, video conferencing, etc., to conduct the interview. The recommendation from the last article on location and attire when getting ready for an in-person interview are also true for virtual interviews that take place via video conferences (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Thanks to a training I recently attended called “Technically Speaking: Tips for Your Media Encounter” presented by Clint Fleckenstein, here are a few things to think about when you are doing a virtual interview.
For Video conferencing:
Preparation:
With all the different virtual meeting options, you will need to know which platform you will be utilizing for the interview. You will also need to make sure that you have updated that platform and have access to it so you aren’t struggling at the last minute trying to log in or update it. You will also want to make sure your Internet connectivity is good, your camera is in the correct spot (more on this later), your microphone works, and you are prepared to answer their questions (more on this in next week’s article)
Location:
We discussed location in the last article. In addition to finding a spot that has great lighting and not a lot of noise, you may want to look at adding a branded background or backdrop. Avoid using a blurred background if you can.
When thinking about the noise situation, you will also want to ensure that your computer is set to do not disturb to keep from getting notifications that could be distracting.
Camera Angles:
When deciding on your camera angle, watch your framing to make sure that the camera is not too high or too low. Webcams can distort you, so if you have a camcorder or other type of camera that can be connected to your computer and placed a few feet away on a tripod, it might help to make you look more natural. When framing yourself, you will want to keep the camera at eye level and make sure that you can see your head and shoulders.
For Phone Interviews:
There are pros and cons to phone interviews. The pros include not having to worry about background, lighting, attire, etc. The con is that you don’t get the “face-to-face” interaction. Make sure your phone connection is strong and that you are in a quiet area where you can concentrate on the questions and there isn’t a lot of background noise coming through.
References:
Fleckenstein, Clint. “Technically Speaking: Tips for Your Media Encounter.” Webinar, May 30, 2024.
“Tips for Virtual Broadcast Interviews.” University of Toronto Mississauga Office of Communications. Accessed June 17, 2024. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/communications/media-relations/tips-virtual-broadcast-interviews.
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