In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, traditional talking-head interviews can feel stale, forced, and ultimately forgettable. If you’re aiming to produce compelling video content that actually resonates with your audience, it’s time to reimagine the way interviews are filmed.
The most powerful interviews don’t feel like interviews at all. They feel like conversations – natural, fluid, emotionally charged. Whether you’re shooting a brand story, testimonial, corporate video, or documentary, making your interviews feel authentic is the secret to capturing your subject’s true voice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to film interviews that don’t feel like interviews – the kind that draw your viewer in and make them feel like they’re part of the story.
1. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Ditch the sterile boardroom and opt for a warm, familiar setting that puts your subject at ease. This could be a cosy lounge, a workspace with personality, or even a quiet café. A relaxed space helps your subject behave more naturally and less formally.
It’s important the environment also supports technical quality—good lighting, minimal background noise, and visual appeal. Choose settings that reflect the subject’s personality or industry for added authenticity. The surroundings should complement, not distract from, the story.
The more comfortable the physical setting, the more genuine the emotional tone. People tend to open up when they feel grounded and safe. Start with an environment that fosters connection.
2. Avoid Over-Directing
While it’s tempting to guide every detail, too much direction can make your subject feel scripted. Keep your cues light and your encouragement consistent, allowing them room to be themselves. A natural tone emerges when people don’t feel like they’re “performing.”
Instead of strict instructions, offer prompts that inspire spontaneous thoughts. You might say, “Tell me what that moment felt like” instead of “Say this line.” The former invites emotion, the latter invites memorisation.
You’re not directing a film—you’re facilitating a conversation. Let their body language, word choice, and rhythm unfold organically. The best insights come from comfort, not control.
3. Use Off-Camera Interviewers
Having the subject speak directly to the camera often results in stiff, unnatural responses. Place the interviewer just slightly off to the side of the lens. This lets the subject make eye contact with a person, not a machine.
Off-camera interviews encourage authenticity. They allow subjects to forget the technical setup and simply respond to another human. The goal is to create a conversation, not a performance.
This technique helps the audience feel like they’re “eavesdropping” on something genuine. It also reduces the intimidation factor that often accompanies direct-to-camera speaking. Let the subject connect to the person—not the lens.
4. Keep the Camera Setup Discreet
Large cameras, boom poles, and multiple lights can make even confident subjects nervous. Try to keep your gear setup minimal and unobtrusive. This doesn’t mean compromising on quality—it means being clever with positioning.
Use compact cameras, wireless mics, and hidden lighting where possible. Position lights out of sightlines, and give the subject space to breathe. Keep it quiet, professional, and low-pressure.
A discreet setup makes people forget they’re on set. When you remove the physical reminders of production, the mood shifts toward conversation. That’s exactly what you want.
5. Start With Casual Conversation
Before the camera starts rolling, take a few minutes to simply chat. Ask about their day, compliment their outfit, or talk about something light and unrelated—like their commute, recent travels, or the coffee they’re sipping. These seemingly small exchanges go a long way in creating comfort and connection.
This informal approach helps shift their mindset from “I’m being interviewed” to “I’m just having a chat.” When you engage as a genuine human being—not just as a director or producer—you build a rapport that sets the tone for the entire shoot. That trust leads to more open, thoughtful, and emotionally honest responses once filming begins.
You’ll notice the difference: the interviewee’s posture relaxes, their tone becomes more conversational, and there’s a natural rhythm to the dialogue. Smiles come more easily. Pauses feel less awkward. The energy shifts from stiff to sincere.
These early, off-camera moments can make or break the authenticity of your final footage. So always lead with humanity—it’s not just about warming up the subject, it’s about honouring the story they’re about to share.
6. Avoid Reading Questions Word for Word
Having a printed list of questions is helpful, but reading them robotically kills the vibe. Instead, familiarise yourself with your talking points and let the questions emerge naturally. Improvisation is your ally.
This doesn’t mean being unprepared—it means being responsive. Ask follow-ups based on what’s just been said. Flow, not format, is your friend.
Subjects respond better to curiosity than checklists. When the interviewer listens actively, the conversation feels alive. Keep it conversational, not clinical.
7. Use Natural Light When Possible
Natural light makes everything feel warmer and more inviting. It removes the harsh shadows and overly “produced” look of studio setups. If you have access to a bright window, use it.
Diffuse the light with curtains or reflectors to avoid glare. Position your subject so light falls evenly across their face. This creates a balanced, flattering image.
The look and feel of natural light support the emotional tone you’re aiming for—real, human, and approachable. Sometimes, less artificial light means more authentic content.
8. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of “Did you enjoy the project?” try “What did you enjoy most about the project?” The difference may seem small, but the effect is massive. Open-ended questions open doors.
They allow the subject to take control of the direction, which often leads to unexpected and beautiful insights. Emotion lives in details—not yes or no.
Use prompts like “Tell me about…” or “Can you describe…” and watch how responses grow. This helps stories emerge naturally. Stories are what viewers remember.
9. Keep the Energy Level Natural
Not every interview needs to be upbeat or brimming with excitement. In fact, some of the most powerful moments come from a quieter, more reflective tone. Let your subject’s natural energy guide the flow of the conversation. If they’re calm and introspective, don’t rush to inject artificial enthusiasm—lean into that mood instead.
Trying to hype up the energy when it doesn’t match the subject creates tension and can make the conversation feel forced. People sense when something is off, and that disconnect can undermine the authenticity of your content. Instead, mirror their cadence, speech patterns, and emotional cues to create a sense of ease and trust.
This doesn’t mean you can’t guide the interview—you absolutely can. But do it gently. Use tone and pacing that align with your subject’s comfort level rather than trying to override it. A thoughtful pause or a soft-spoken answer can be just as impactful as a passionate soundbite.
When you allow the energy to stay natural, the final video feels more human, believable, and relatable. It respects the emotional truth of the moment, which is what makes the story truly resonate with your audience.
10. Capture B-Roll and Cutaways
While your subject speaks, you can collect supporting visuals to enhance the story. This includes shots of their workspace, their hands gesturing, or them walking through a familiar place. These images ground the story in reality.
B-roll also gives you flexibility during editing. You can use it to cover cuts, hesitations, or restarts. It keeps the viewer visually engaged.
Strong cutaways add context and emotional tone. They also build a rhythm in the final piece. Let your visuals support your voice.
11. Encourage Stories Over Statements
Instead of asking for opinions or short answers, guide your subject to share experiences. Stories naturally contain emotion, texture, and character. They also help audiences relate to the content on a human level.
Ask things like, “Can you walk me through that day?” or “What was going through your mind at the time?” This opens the door for longer, more vivid responses. Stories have a beginning, middle, and end—just like any good video.
Viewers are far more likely to remember stories than statistics. They create emotional anchors and build empathy. Let stories be the centrepiece of your interview content.
12. Minimise Interruptions During Recording
Nothing breaks the flow of a heartfelt answer like a phone buzzing or someone walking in. Protect the shoot space by making it a no-interruption zone. Turn off phones, place signs outside the door, and brief the team in advance.
This also means holding back on mid-answer feedback unless absolutely necessary. Nodding is fine, but talking over the subject or correcting them can break their rhythm. Silence is your friend when someone is opening up.
An uninterrupted atmosphere builds emotional safety. It gives the subject space to go deeper. Respect the moment, and the moment will reward you.
13. Keep Crew to a Minimum
An audience of five behind the camera can make anyone self-conscious. Keep your team lean and purposeful. Ideally, one camera op, one sound tech, and one interviewer is more than enough.
Introduce the crew to the subject beforehand so it feels less like an anonymous production. When everyone’s roles are clear and calm, the energy on set stays grounded. Familiar faces reduce tension.
The fewer people watching, the more natural the subject will be. Treat the interview like a conversation, not a performance. Small crews make big conversations possible.
14. Maintain Eye Contact and Positive Body Language
Interviewers aren’t just voices—they’re signals of safety. Maintaining gentle eye contact and open posture makes the subject feel supported. You’re silently saying, “I’m listening. I’m with you.”
Mirror the subject’s energy without mimicking them. Smile when they smile. Nod when something resonates. These cues encourage them to keep going.
Your physical presence affects their performance. Stay calm, focused, and warm. That emotional openness reflects right back on camera.
15. Let the Subject Take Pauses
Silence is not your enemy—it’s part of the process. When someone pauses, they’re usually searching for the right words or processing a memory. Honour that space.
Avoid jumping in to fill gaps unless they’re clearly stuck. Many of the most powerful statements come after a breath or a long pause. Give time for that to emerge.
A few seconds of quiet can feel like an eternity to you, but to them, it’s clarity. Patience pays off in meaning. Let the gold rise to the surface.
16. Keep Water or Comfort Items Nearby
A bottle of water or tissues might seem small, but they signal care. When a subject knows their comfort matters, they relax. This small kindness can ease nerves dramatically.
Also consider the temperature of the room, seating comfort, and personal space. These practical details create emotional readiness. A thoughtful set-up supports vulnerability.
Comfort creates connection. When people feel looked after, they give more of themselves. That generosity comes through on camera.
17. Record a Bit Before and After the Official Take
Some of the best, most candid moments happen just before “Action” or after “Cut.” Don’t rush to stop recording—leave the camera running for a few extra seconds. Let the mood carry through naturally.
Sometimes a casual laugh, reflection, or side comment is the moment that makes the final cut shine. These transitions often reveal real personality. Authenticity lives in the in-between.
Of course, always get permission to use those segments. But keep your lens ready—you never know when the magic will happen. B-roll emotion is still emotion.
18. Edit for Flow, Not Perfection
You don’t need to strip away every “um” or hesitation. Real conversation has texture. Over-polishing can remove the charm and honesty.
Instead, focus on narrative arc, emotional flow, and clarity. Trim where needed, but preserve the personality. People want to see the human behind the message.
Smooth is good—but real is better. The best edits feel invisible. Let the conversation breathe even in post.
19. Use Music and Sound Design Thoughtfully
Audio isn’t just about clarity—it’s about feeling. Choose music that supports the emotional tone of the piece. Use light, ambient tracks that underscore rather than distract.
Sound design can also guide the pace of the story. Fades, pauses, and subtle transitions help maintain rhythm. Match the sonic world to the subject’s voice.
Too much can overwhelm—less is more. Let the sound enhance, not dominate. The right music gently shapes viewer emotion.
20. Always Thank and Acknowledge the Subject
After the camera stops, the gratitude shouldn’t. Thank your subject genuinely for their time, openness, and trust. Remind them of how valuable their story is.
People remember how they were treated more than how they performed. A few kind words can build lasting relationships. It also increases their willingness to participate in future projects.
Close the shoot with the same warmth you started it with. You’re not just collecting content—you’re building connection. That connection lasts beyond the video.
Final Thoughts: Making Interviews Feel Human
Filming interviews that don’t feel like interviews is ultimately about being intentional at every step of the process. It’s not just about setting up a camera and asking questions—it’s about how you create an atmosphere that puts people at ease. From choosing a comfortable, quiet environment to using soft lighting and a conversational tone, every detail contributes to a more natural and relaxed experience for your subject.
When someone feels safe, seen, and genuinely heard, they open up. That’s when the magic happens. You move beyond surface-level answers and start to uncover real insights, emotions, and moments that stick with your audience. Natural interviews aren’t just more engaging—they’re more human. And in a world flooded with polished, impersonal content, that authenticity is what truly sets your video apart.
Prioritising human connection over performance creates video content that resonates on a deeper level. These interviews have the power to build trust, inspire empathy, and leave a lasting impression. If your subject forgets they’re being filmed and just talks to you like a person, you’ve already succeeded.
The result? Not just decent footage—but moments of real value that feel alive. That’s the kind of video content people remember, share, and come back to. If you’re ready to take your video production to the next level with expert storytelling and authentic interviews, get in touch with us today.
