Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. We’re looking forward to it.

Our main concern is to provide the best platform for sharing your ideas with our audience. It is therefore important that we make sure you sound and look your best, especially given some of the limitations of video conferencing and typical office or home setup.

Even though we’ll use Skype to have you join the interview, the session will be managed and recorded using a unique broadcasting platform that will result in a markedly different, more professional look compared to a standard video conference call.

Please read our list of best practices below and let us know if you have any questions. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can.

Tip: consider watching the “Zoom Call Protocol” video at the bottom of this page. Some of it demonstrates many of the points on this page.

Short on time? If nothing else, please read this section and watch the video below.

1. Think about and capture your key talking points ahead of the interview. 10 minutes pass by quickly and we want to make sure your points come across.

2. You will receive a link to video calling via your browser (it’s called vMix). You’ll be prompted for permissions to access your camera/microphone.

3. Your audio quality is critical; please use earphones/earbuds - ideally wired. If you can, sit in a room with little or no echo.

4. Good lighting will make a big difference. Natural light (but not direct sun) works best. Sit facing the window. Or if that’s not an option, have soft light in front of your sitting location.

5. Make sure the camera/webcam is at eye level. Use a solid stack of books to prop laptops. Look directly at the camera when speaking - not your screen. This makes a big difference in audience engagement. Remember: wired power is better than batteries!

6. Pets, house noises and adorable toddlers? Interruptions happen. It’s all good. But try and create a quiet, comfortable setup for the interview.

7. Makeup? Absolutely. And not just for women. Shy Alter, as an example, is using a matting powder to make his bald head a tad less shiny!

8. We hope you’ll enjoy the conversation.

Your Knowledge Shines Through

We try and keep an interview episode to around 10 or 11 minutes. It may be a one-on-one with Shy Alter, or possibly have one or two additional panelists join in. In this relatively short time span, we would like to have our viewers and listeners absorb the most important takeaway ideas you’ll be sharing with them. After a preliminary pre-interview discussion with Shy Alter, the general outline of what’ll be discussed should be reasonably clear. Don’t hesitate to have with you, in written form, key points you’d like to make sure come across.

Strong opinions especially when well articulated are welcome!

Connecting to the Interview

You will receive an invitation to participate in video call. We are using a specialized platform called vMix. It works using your browser (Chrome, Safari or Firefox). You’ll be prompted by the browser for camera/microphone access permissions. After calling in, we will take a few minutes to adjust your settings, ensure best possible audio and video connection and troubleshoot any technical issues. We will then chat a bit about the forthcoming interview and its highlights, and start the interview when you’re comfortable and ready.

Your Audio

Even in an age of video enabled connectivity, audio is critical. We will try and maximize your setup to ensure your voice comes across as clear as possible.

We recommend using earphones or headphones with a built in or separate microphone. This reduces environmental sounds such as echo loops and generally ensures higher voice quality. Wired earphones or earbuds are superior to wireless (earbuds) in most cases.

If you are regularly using video conferencing, you may want to consider purchasing a USB Lavalier (also known as a lapel microphone). It is worth a $30.00 investment as it dramatically improves your audio quality.

Your Lighting

Right after audio, lighting can make the biggest difference to the quality of how an interviewee comes across. For most, the best source of light is natural, usually a northerly window but in any case bright enough but no direct sunlight. If you have reasonably transparent window coverings that will soften the light, even better.

In situations when natural light is not feasible, It’s best to have a source of light that’s not too harsh and is reasonably positioned in front of you.

Your Camera

Please try and make sure that your webcam or your choice of a video camera is positioned in front of you at or as close as possible to your eyes level. If you have a laptop, as an example, we recommend you elevate it using a solid stack of books so the embedded camera is at eye level.

While not the first choice for this kind of interview, if you have no other choice but using your smartphone or tablet, please ensure it’s in front of you, and reasonably elevated to be as close as possible to eye level.

Remember: wired power to your laptop or mobile device is the way to go! Or: make sure your batteries are fully charged.

Most important advice: a simple trick that distinguishes standard video conference calls from a professional looking interview, is looking straight at the camera when talking and even when listening. Glancing quickly at your monitor to see what’s going on is ok. Please return your gaze to the camera. It feels awkward at first, but the results are striking.

House Pets, Background Noises and Adorable Toddlers!

It is likely that you will join the interview from home. House noises and interruptions are normal and we can pause and restart the interview if need be. If possible, however, it’ll be great if you could find a quiet enough spot in your residence for an uninterrupted interview. It’s also advisable not to have someone vacuum while you’re interviewed!

Makeup?

Yes please. This is welcome not only for women. Shy Alter, as an example, is using a matting powder to make his bald head a tad less shiny! Consult your makeup wearing spouse, partner or friend. It’s not crucial, but will make a difference.

Enjoy!

Most of us enjoy a good conversation. We like to share hard earned experience and wisdom. I hope that you’ll enjoy the conversation. I know I will as will our audience.