At Long Haul Films, we’ve interviewed hundreds of people over the years, ranging from small business owners to global CEOs. While some people thrive in the spotlight, we’ve found that most experience at least a bit of nervousness when the camera is rolling.

As video continues to grow in importance for conveying your organization’s mission and values, it’s likely you’ll find yourself in front of a camera at some point for an interview. To help you feel calm, confident, and prepared, we’ve put together these tips.

Dress Comfortably and Professionally

The key to looking your best on camera is comfort. Don’t choose interview day to try out a new outfit—wear something that makes you you feel confident and comfortable. If the video is related to your company, dress in a manner that aligns with your organization’s culture. For example, if your workplace is more casual, there’s no need to wear formal attire. Just make sure your outfit is appropriate and makes you feel at ease. Avoid wearing all black (which can be draining for your complexion on camera) or all white (which might be overexposed in certain lighting), and stay away from busy patterns that can distract from your message. Additionally, avoid clothing with visible logos, unless it’s your company’s logo.

Request the Interview Questions in Advance

If you’re working with a production company on a branded content video featuring interviews, don’t hesitate to ask to review the questions ahead of time. This gives you an opportunity to organize your thoughts and decide on the key points you want to highlight during the interview. Having a clear sense of what to expect will help you feel more confident going in.

Avoid Memorizing Answers or Reading From a Script

While it’s important to have a general idea of what you want to say, avoid the temptation to memorize answers or read from a script. Rehearsed responses can come across as stiff and inauthentic, which may feel disengaging for viewers. Instead, focus on communicating your ideas naturally, as if you’re having a real conversation. The more you relax and speak in a genuine way, the more your energy will shine through, creating a connection with the audience.

Contextualize Your Answers

Always consider the level of knowledge your audience has when answering questions. If the video is for new visitors to your website, for example, they might not be familiar with your organization, so providing some background will be essential. A simple technique is to “restate” the question in your answer. For instance, if asked, “What is the most significant moment in the company’s history?” you can begin by saying, “The most significant moment in our company’s history occurred in our first year…” This helps provide important context for your viewers.

Take a Deep Breath and Relax

Before the interview begins, take a deep breath or two to calm your nerves and center yourself. Focus on the interviewer and maintain steady eye contact, which will help you appear engaged on camera. Remember, if the video will be edited, there’s no rush to get everything perfect the first time. Take time to gather your thoughts and answer in a way that feels right. If you’re not happy with an answer, feel free to pause and start over—there’s no need to apologize. The interviewer’s job is to support you in getting it right.

Finally, don’t forget: it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous in front of the camera. Most people experience some level of anxiety, and those who admit it often end up being the most prepared and natural when the camera starts rolling. So, embrace the nerves and trust that you’ve got this!