How to Look and Sound Better in a Remote Video Interview

A remote video interview can be a practical way to capture someone’s expertise when filming in person isn’t possible. But your camera, microphone and the way you set yourself up all shape the finished video.

A little preparation can improve the recording and help you feel more comfortable on camera. Here’s what to consider before your next remote interview or presentation.

Choose a quiet space

Choose somewhere you can speak without interruptions. Listen for traffic, conversations, air conditioning and other background noise before you settle in. A room with carpet, curtains and soft furnishings will generally sound less echoey than one with bare walls and hard floors.

Let people nearby know you’ll be recording, silence your phone and pause computer notifications. Keep rustling papers away from the microphone and avoid tapping on the desk or wearing jewellery that makes noise when you move.

Give your microphone some attention

Clear sound makes your interview easier to follow. Your laptop’s built-in microphone may be suitable, but a well-positioned external microphone can help capture a clearer voice with less room sound.

If you have a USB microphone, lapel microphone or headset, test it with your production team beforehand. Placement matters as much as the equipment: a microphone sitting too far away can still pick up plenty of echo and background noise.

Make a short recording and listen back. Check that your voice is clear, the volume is consistent and nothing rubs against the microphone when you speak or gesture.

Check your camera quality

Built-in laptop cameras vary in quality. If yours produces a soft or grainy image, an external webcam or another suitable camera may give you a better result.

Before changing equipment, clean the lens and check your lighting. Even a good camera can struggle in a dark room or with a bright window behind you.

Share a test with your production team so they can assess whether your setup suits the finished video. If you’re using an external camera or microphone, confirm that the correct devices are selected before recording.

Put the light in front of you

A window can be a useful light source. Position yourself facing it, with your computer between you and the window, so the light falls across your face.

Avoid sitting with a bright window directly behind you, which can leave your face looking dark. Strong overhead lighting and direct sunlight can also create harsh shadows.

Check your image at roughly the same time of day as the planned interview. A spot that looks good in the morning may be quite different by the afternoon.

Get the framing right

Raise your camera to around eye level using a stable stand or a stack of books. This helps avoid the upward angle you often get from a laptop sitting flat on a desk.

Frame yourself centrally, with your head, shoulders and some upper body visible. Leave a little space above your head, but avoid a large empty area that pushes your face towards the bottom of the image.

Sit far enough back to feel comfortable and gesture naturally, without becoming a small figure in the frame. Once you’ve found the position, try to maintain it throughout the recording rather than leaning towards the screen or swivelling in your chair.

If several people are appearing in the same video, aim for similar framing across everyone’s setup. Your production team can help match the camera height, headroom and distance.

Give your background some thought

Choose a background that feels appropriate to your organisation and the subject you’re discussing. A tidy office, bookshelf or workspace can provide context without demanding attention.

Where possible, leave some distance between yourself and the background to give the image depth. Check for distracting objects, confidential information and anything that appears to stick out from behind your head.

Send your production team a screenshot beforehand. They may spot a simple adjustment that improves the whole image.

Prepare your appearance and delivery

Wear something that suits the message and audience. Simple colours often work well, while fine patterns can look distracting on camera. Check for prominent logos and give your hair, clothing and overall appearance a quick once-over before recording.

Practise speaking with the setup you’ll use on the day. Record a few answers and watch them back to check your pace, eyeline and posture.

Keep notes brief and close to the camera. Prepare the points you want to cover, then explain them as though you’re speaking to one person. Natural expressions and hand movements can help your delivery feel more conversational.

For a direct-to-camera presentation, look into the lens. For an interview, follow your director’s guidance on where to look. Placing the interviewer’s video window close to the camera can help you maintain a natural eyeline.

If you’re appearing in a panel, stay engaged while others speak. You may still be visible in the recording, even when you’re not talking.

Rehearse slides and check the setup

If you’re presenting slides, practise sharing them and moving through the presentation. Keep your mouse or slide controls within easy reach so you don’t need to keep leaning forwards.

Join early enough to test your camera, microphone and connection with the person running the session. Close unnecessary applications, connect your device to power and agree who is responsible for recording.

Ask for a short test recording to confirm that the intended picture and sound are being captured. Once everything is ready, take a moment to settle in. Feeling familiar with the setup makes it easier to focus on what you’re there to say.