How to Perfect the Zoom Media Interview and Eliminate the “Thoroughbred Effect”
As expert communications coaches with hundreds of trainees on our alumni list, we can speak to the quirks that impact how you are perceived on camera. The necessary evil that has arisen to haunt us all and may be here to stay remote live or taped interviews, presentations and meetings. If you are your own technician, how to look and sound your best during a remote presentation or interview puts a great deal of pressure on you to become an expert director of photography and/or sound engineer typically using your laptop computer. Here are common questions we receive about how to look and sound your best remotely and a few of the tips we share as part of the Reilly Communications Training Method™.
Should I Be Seated During a Zoom Media Interview or Presentation? It is important to remain stationary. If you are in a chair that does not swivel rather than standing this reduces the likelihood of doing any Casanova moves whether your interview is live or taped. Swinging and swaying is fun in a dance club but on Zoom it is distracting to the viewer.
What is the Best Camera-Angle for Zoom Media Interviews? If it is up to you to position the camera for a Zoom interview. Set up a Zoom with someone in advance and practice. Work to adjust the height and position of your computer and camera. You don’t want your nostrils to become your focal point so strive to have the camera just slightly above eye level to avoid the “Thoroughbred Effect”. Here is a great article from Bustle about computer stands with comparative costs.
Where Should I Look on a Zoom Media Interview? This is probably one of the most common questions we receive during our media training workshops and one-on-one media training sessions - and one of the most important tweaks to look your best. You must fixate on the camera and do your best to not look away AT ALL as this can be misperceived as disengaged, disinterested and even sketchy. We prefer exterior webcams as they are easier to stare at than cameras built in to your computer. Here is a great review from Forbes by accomplished technology writer Jason Rich reviewing web cameras. If, however, you prefer or must use your built-in camera, place a very small sticker next to the camera on your computer to make it easier for you to gaze into it.
Can You Share Any Other Technology Tips for Zoom Media Interview Success? While Zoom is the most popular software applications today, make sure the media outlet shares with you their tech specs. And be sure to download the most current version of any software application to ensure optimum performance. A hardline wired connection to your computer vs. WiFi also reduces any likelihood of unstable connectivity which could disrupt and even end your interview abruptly. You should also avoid virtual backgrounds as they can appear distorted. Choose simple soft colors. Avoid cluttered backgrounds that are overly branded or attempt to share a history of your life to limit distractions. Also consider avoiding stark overhead lights or shooting into windows. Unless you have invested in a 4K webcam, consider purchasing lighting to look your best. Here is a great article on some options to consider along with pricing by Jason Parnell-Brookes the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at www.Space.com.
Reilly Connect is an award-winning PR, brand and digital content marketing agency headquartered in Chicago. One of the firm’s core competencies is communications training using the Reilly Communications Training Method™, a make no bones about it approach to helping people prepare and deliver messages in multiple formats with power, credibility, and authenticity. We offer one-on-on communications training, group trainings and workshops. Learn more here.
