How to ace a media interview over Zoom

Gone are the days when reporters would only interview their subjects in person. In this modern, digital era, many interviews take place over video chat platforms like Zoom. Each format presents its own unique opportunities and challenges, but with a little preparation, you can feel confident going into your interview no matter its format with the tips below.

Recording
Journalists should ask for permission to record a conversation for their notes, but they won’t always do so. If you are concerned about this, be sure to clarify it either before or at the start of an interview.

Lighting
Always check your lighting before going on a video call for an interview. Natural light is great if you can manage it. Natural or not, make sure your light source is in front of you to avoid harsh shadows that will show up on camera.

Sightlines
For the best framing, raise your camera to eyebrow level and look directly into the camera. Your posture is also important even if it is mostly out of view.

Backgrounds
Simple backgrounds are best for a Zoom call. Make sure your background is clean and orderly and avoid digital or blurred backgrounds. Also, consider making the background fit the story. Can you do the interview from the lab or in the field? Can you have an object or equipment in the frame?

Sound quality
Go to a quiet room in your home or office—the smaller the space, the better the sound quality.
Also, avoid speakerphones if you are providing audio using a phone.

Connection
Check your internet connection early to ensure that you won’t have any Wi-Fi or service hiccups during your call.

Know how long your interview will last
An hour-long interview will require you to elaborate and provide specific examples or stories related to your topic. An interview that is less than 10 minutes will require you to provide succinct answers.

Relax and breathe
Once you’re speaking to the reporter, make sure to take a deep breath, relax, and appear confident. Speak in 30-second sound bites, and use your key messages as often as possible.

We’re here to help
If you have questions, concerns or even just a nervous feeling in your stomach when it comes to working with the media—the PR team is here to help. Our team does group and one-on-one media training, interview prep, interview staffing and coordinates all sorts of media engagements each day, to name a few of our functions. Reach out to our team at [email protected] and we’d be thrilled to work together and talk more about how you can get the most out of working with the media.