Kids 4 Kids

Toolkit

Tips for Interviewing Someone on Video

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when you interview someone for video:

Preparation:

  1. Get permission to use the video. Tell the person you are interviewing what you are going to use the video for. Be sure you have their permission to use their interview.
  2. Use a tripod for the video camera so that the camera will not jump around during the interview.
  3. Check the picture. Be sure there is good lighting on the person you are interviewing. Make sure that nothing is behind the person that would distract the viewer. Avoid windows or strong back lighting.
  4. Check the sound. If possible, use a good microphone.  Or stand close enough to the interviewee for the camera’s built-in microphone to pick up the sound clearly. If you can hear traffic noise, people talking in the background, ringing telephones or other interfering sounds, wait until it is quieter to shoot the video.
  5. Have any necessary props available. For example, if you are going to ask some one about collecting canned food, ask the person to bring a can or two. If a person is going to participate in a walk for a good cause, he or she might bring a sign to carry or wear a T-shirt with a slogan.
  6. Tell the person in advance what questions you will ask. Before you start, talk with the person about what to say. Encourage the person not to say negative things, like,  "I hate my school — my teacher is dumb." Ask the person to be as specific as possible ("Nine million kids don't have health insurance" rather than "Lots of kids ...")

Interviewing:

  1. Be a good interviewer. Usually the interviewer should be next to the camera. When the interviewee answers, he or she should look directly at the person asking the question, not at the camera. Both should speak clearly and avoid interrupting each other. Ask the person to wait for few seconds after the question is asked before beginning to talk.
  2. Ask the interviewee to make statements, not just answers. The interviewer’s voice might not be included in the edited video. So the interviewee says something that makes it clear what the question was. For example, if the interviewer says, “Tell us what you like about your school”, the person might respond, “There are several things I like about my school. I like ...” Ask the person not to begin an answer with the words “yes” or “no.”
  3. Allow time at both the beginning and end of each “shot.” Record for at least ten seconds before speaking, and continue recording for at least ten seconds before you stop the tape.
  4. Repeat, if you want. If the interviewer or interviewee are not pleased with what they say, try again. It’s not live television and you should be happy with what you do.

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Link: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Link: For parents and leaders