How to make people feel comfortable on camera during interviews
Being on camera can feel weird—even for the most confident professionals. The bright lights, the looming lens, the pressure to “say the right thing”... it’s no wonder people freeze up or stumble over their words. But here’s the thing: looking and sounding great in a corporate interview video isn’t just about appearances—it’s about feeling at ease in front of the camera.
Let me explain. When someone is comfortable, their authentic personality shines through, making the interview feel natural, engaging, and most importantly, trustworthy. That’s why top brands and media professionals invest in making their speakers feel relaxed—it leads to better storytelling, stronger connections, and ultimately, more compelling content. Before we start filming, we take the time to walk our guests through the process—explaining how the recording will go and giving them a sneak peek into the editing process. We also let them know that while the interview might run long, the final video could end up being just a couple of minutes. We're really after those golden nuggets of insight, so perfection and one flawless take aren’t the goal here.
So, how do you help someone feel comfortable on camera and make sure they look and sound their best? Here’s what you need to know:
1. Set the right environment
Picture this: You walk into a meeting room that’s either too bright, too cold, or filled with awkward silence. Would you feel comfortable? Probably not. The same goes for video interviews. Creating a relaxed, low-pressure environment is key to getting your interviewee to open up.
Choose a quiet, well-lit space that feels inviting—not intimidating.
Have a casual pre-interview chat before hitting "record" to help ease nerves.
Minimize distractions (no loud AC units or flickering lights).
2. Guide the conversation like a pro
Even the most experienced speakers need a little help sometimes. Instead of diving straight into the tough questions, warm them up with light, open-ended prompts.
Instead of "Tell us about your company."
Try: "What inspired you to start this business?" (It feels more personal!)Instead of "How does your product work?"
Try: "Can you share a story of a customer who benefited from it?"
See the difference? The goal is to make the conversation flow naturally, so your interviewee forgets they’re even on camera. In most cases, it’s best to provide the questions or subject matter in advance. This will give them a headstart. This can be extremely useful for situations where they are not super confident in what they will be saying.
3. Master body language and eye contact
Ever watched an interview where someone looked stiff, fidgety, or too rehearsed? It’s a quick way to lose an audience’s attention. Encourage your interviewee to:
Sit comfortably with good posture (but not too rigid).
Use natural hand gestures to emphasize points(if that’s how they normally talk).
Make eye contact with the interviewer or camera (whichever is more natural for the format).
Small adjustments like these can make a huge difference in how confident and engaging someone appears on screen. Ask to see yourself on a monitor or ask your producer or videographer to play back some sample footage so you can see yourself on camera. This will help enable you to adjust your posture and body language as needed, which is closely tied to how viewers perceive your content.
4. The secret to sounding great? It’s simpler than you think
Good audio is non-negotiable. If your audience struggles to hear or understand what’s being said, they’ll tune out—fast. Here’s how to ensure crystal-clear sound:
Use a high-quality external microphone.
Speak slightly slower than usual to improve clarity.
Avoid filler words like “um” and “uh” by taking natural pauses.
5. Editing magic: making every Moment Count
Even the best interviews can benefit from a little polish.
At the end of the day, the best video interviews don’t just look good—they feel genuine and engaging. By focusing on comfort, authenticity, and smart production techniques, you’ll create content that resonates with audiences and elevates your brand’s presence.
So next time someone says, "I hate being on camera!"—you’ll know exactly how to turn that around.
Need expert help with your next video production project? Contact us now!
