How to Look and Sound Your Best On Camera: A Guide for Interviews and Video Appearances
We're excited to work with you on camera and want to make the experience simple and stress-free. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you look and feel your best. Your clothing choices and how you speak can significantly impact how you're perceived on video. To help you feel confident and camera-ready, we’ve put together key guidelines on what to wear and how to deliver your message smoothly and effectively.
What to Wear: Dress for Success on Camera
Your clothing choices can impact how you look on video, both in terms of style and how well the camera captures details. Here’s how to dress for a polished and distraction-free look.
Best Outfit Choices
✅ Stick to darker or neutral colors – Medium grays, blues, and other subdued tones look best.
✅ Choose clothing with smooth outer edges – Fitted, structured outfits tend to look cleaner on screen.
✅ Wear comfortable clothing – If you feel comfortable, you’ll look more relaxed on camera.
✅ Keep jewelry minimal – Large or reflective jewelry can cause unwanted glare.
✅ Enhance makeup slightly – Everyday makeup with a bit more emphasis on lipstick and blush works well.
✅ If you wear glasses, opt for reflection-free lenses or contacts – This prevents glare from lighting.
✅ Style hair away from your face – This keeps your eyes visible and maintains strong eye contact.
What to Avoid
🚫 Avoid solid white or black – These colors can cause lighting issues.
🚫 Stay away from bright colors (yellow, orange, etc.) – They can be too harsh on camera.
🚫 Avoid shiny fabrics – Glossy materials can reflect light in distracting ways.
🚫 Say no to stripes, checkers, or tight patterns – They can cause a distracting and wavy appearance.
🚫 Skip brand-new, stiff clothing – It might feel uncomfortable and restrict movement.
🚫 Avoid getting a haircut right before the shoot – Fresh cuts can sometimes look too sharp or unnatural.
🚫 Limit bright or patterned neckties – Subtle, muted tones work best.
🚫 If possible, skip heavy-frame glasses – They may cast shadows or look bulky on screen.
🚫 Never wear transition lenses – They darken under bright lights and look inconsistent.
🚫 Empty your pockets – Keys and loose change can create distracting noises.
🚫 Avoid large jewlery – They can shift and create visual or audio distractions.
How to Speak Confidently on Camera
Even if you have great content to share, your delivery can make or break how effectively you communicate. Here’s how to ensure your message is clear and engaging.
Key Interview Tips
Make eye contact – Since this is a face-to-face conversation, maintain strong eye contact with the interviewer to build engagement.
Take your time – Speak at a steady and slightly slower pace than usual. It allows for clarity and helps eliminate filler words.
Keep it concise – Avoid cramming too many details into one response. Focus on delivering key points effectively.
Don’t be afraid to redo an answer – If you feel like your response wasn’t quite right, pause and try again.
Don’t rush – While clean takes are preferred, minor edits can be made, so prioritize clarity over speed.
Preparation is Key
Don’t "wing it" – While memorization isn't necessary, preparation is. Be familiar with your key talking points so you sound natural and confident.
Use "flagging" techniques – A "flag" is a phrase that signals the importance of a statement. Using these helps underscore your expertise and reinforce key takeaways.
Examples include:
"What we have found is…"
"What our customers have told us is…"
"The key thing to remember is…"
"What is most important is…"
"The critical issue is…"
"The best part about…"
Most Important Rule: Answer in Complete Sentences
Since the interviewer’s voice might not be included in the final video, your answers should be structured so they make sense without the question being heard. For example:
❌ Bad Answer:
"Yes, it’s been a great experience."
✅ Good Answer:
"This project has been a great experience because it allowed us to connect with industry leaders and bring their insights to a broader audience."
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an on-camera appearance doesn't have to be stressful. With the right outfit, a confident speaking style, and a little preparation, you’ll ensure your message comes across professionally and clearly. Take your time, focus on being engaging, and remember: if something doesn’t go right the first time, you can always do another take!