Tips for getting execs ready for a PR video interview

Tips for getting execs ready for a PR video interview

Charlotte Stoel

Charlotte Stoel

Like me, I’m sure many of you have been following the Paralympics and feeling very proud of our already very successful Team GB. Someone who has particularly captured my attention is swimmer, Ellie Simmonds. Not only has she smashed world records and won gold for Great Britain, but you instantly warm to Ellie when she’s being interviewed about her successes.

We regularly organise video interviews for our clients and it is a PR’s dream for them to seem as effortless and natural in interview, as Ellie is.  So, how do you achieve the perfect interview? Like many things, it is all in the preparation. Here are some tips from Firefly’s PR consultants on what you should be thinking about: 

Where the video is going? – Is the video to accompany a press release? Is it for the website? Where you’re looking to place your video will impact the content as well as the look and feel of the video. For example, for a company’s website, having logos in the background and emphasising products or services that the company has to offer is ok. However, looking to place this type of video in an online publication might not work. Publications tend to want content that isn’t heavily branded.

In the planning stages, it is worth having a conversation with the media outlets you’re looking to target and find out what types of video they already use/or would consider. For example, some publications like video interviews which covers the business and the market as well as future-gazing statements. Others like short snappy commentary on current ‘hot topics’.

Time with executives is precious so if you want a video for several purposes, consider creating different versions.

Don’t use a script – Write talking points and let your exec express himself or herself in their own words. This will give your video a more natural feel and will allow their personality to shine through.

Do a practice run  This means your interviewee can get a feel for being in front of the camera.  Full media training is even better – ensuring that the exec is more fully armed for future opportunities. 

Recruit a quality video production partner – Handheld camcorders might be good for video blogging but not for an interview. That said, back to my point on where you are planning on placing your video, you need to brief your partner so that the edit is right for where it is going. A lot of online publications are quick to dismiss video content that looks too ‘sleek’.

And with that, you should be on the right track to creating a video fit for purpose.

Thank you Ellie for the inspiration and happy shooting all.

This post was written by Charlotte.

Share this story:

Read more from the blog

Blog

Is AI compromising our curiosity?

As AI becomes increasingly prominent in our lives, it is time for comms professionals to consider the impact on creativity and curiosity. ...Read more

Selina Jardim
Selina Jardim
Technology

Cracking the communication code in technology

Often, when communicating about technology, conversations can become quite technical. How can brands cut through the noise and communicate effectively? ...Read more

Sameer Jama
Sameer Jama
Blog

How Barbie’s reputational overhaul painted the world pink

Barbie's reputation hasn't always been positive, but this year's Barbie film has changed the tides. What can this teach us about reputation shaping? ...Read more

Alexandra Kourakis
Alexandra Kourakis

Add a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Is it time to shape your reputation?

We operate in London, Paris and Munich, and have a network of like-minded partners across the globe.

Get in touch

Sign up to Spark, our newsletter

Receive thought pieces from our leadership team, views on the news, tool of the month and light relief for comms folk

You can unsubscribe at any time, please read our privacy policy for more information