Where Do I Look, at the Camera or the TV Reporter?

One question I often get is whether the person being interviewed should look at the reporter or the camera during a TV interview. The answer is simple though - you almost always look at the TV reporter as you’re speaking. The reason you don't want to look at the camera is because this results in you looking at somebody watching the interview at home. It's a bit of a creepy feeling when somebody looks right at you on TV, so it's something to be avoided.

Doing this also gives the viewer the clear impression you’re looking at the reporter, even if the reporter doesn’t appear in the shot. The reporter is seen quite often as a neutral third-party and conveying your thoughts to a person like that, while looking at them gives the viewer the impression you’re confident and credible. When you look away from somebody it’s the opposite – it looks as though you’re nervous and insecure.

There’s nothing wrong with looking away from the reporter for a few seconds as you speak. Just make sure you look up, or to the side and not down. Looking at the ground makes you look guilty.

At times, TV reporters will stand next to the camera to provide a different angle and ask their questions from there. That's ok, just keep looking at the reporter. They want to stand next to the camera because it provides a better angle for the shot.

In many cases, TV newsrooms are now sending "videographers" to do interviews and there are no reporters involved. Many people being interviewed are asked to look just slightly off camera when they provide their response. This can be problematic because not having a reporter to look at and have a conversation with can be challenging. For those doing interviews on behalf of their organization, I suggest practicing this to become more comfortable doing interviews with videographers. Be prepared to tell the videographer your news, instead of getting questions to answer.

In some cases you’ll be interviewed by a news anchor in the studio and you’ll be asked to look into the camera as you speak. There’s nothing wrong with this because you’re basically looking at the person interviewing you from the studio. Since you’re not ignoring a reporter who’s standing next to you, there’s now nothing wrong with looking into the camera because it’s not as jarring to the viewer.

When you’re being interviewed by a radio or newspaper reporter, nobody will actually see the interview, but I still suggest you look at the reporter as you speak, even if no video is being shot. It’s good practice and it’s easier to do interviews the same way all the time, rather than alternating between looking at the reporter and not doing it.

Once you’re finished your answer, don’t look away from the reporter and as they’re asking you another question. Looking at them as they’re speaking is a sign of respect and shows the reporter you’re paying attention.

The bottom line is, the more you can look at the reporter as you’re speaking and they’re asking the questions, the more credible you’ll look on camera.

Next Question: Are There "Rules" When Speaking to Reporters?

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