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Body Language Strategies for Standing Camera Video Interviews

June 6, 20267 min read

Insights on body language for media professionals.

Posted September 16, 2025 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

Media opportunities are more plentiful now than ever before, due to the introduction of social media and more media outlets in general. Many professionals have been or may be asked to give an interview on camera about their expertise. Therefore, this post covers body language strategies for in-person standing camera video interviews.

First impressions play an important role in interview effectiveness. Starting with a professional appearance and eye contact with the other person at the beginning should be accompanied by smiling at the beginning, when excited, and at the end. 13 A real smile takes more time to start and finish and has more symmetry. 7 It also consists of tightening the orbicularis oculi muscles, leading to raised cheeks, dropped eyelids, and wrinkled skin beside the eyes (crow’s feet). 12 Smiling too much can (unfairly) lead to perceptions of women appearing less intelligent. 22

Standing for a camera video interview has more body language advantages than sitting, by enabling better breathing, a better camera angle, and more confidence . Standing is even better for phone interviews than sitting. 1 Before a standing interview, observe where both people will stand beside each other and the surroundings to limit distractions such as crosswalks, plants or trees behind one’s head, or objects that appear to extend from your head. 10 Have the light source behind the camera, in front of your face. 8

One should stand up straight with feet shoulder-length apart and one foot slightly forward to prevent swaying; just as importantly, keep arms and hands at your sides when not gesturing. Look a little off camera, making eye contact with the reporter or the last person who asked the question in a group setting for an engaging conversation, breaking eye contact to the side only sparingly, all while ignoring the camera. 2, 9, 18, 23 The audience wants to watch a conversation between the people on screen rather than looking at the camera.

Try using the triangle method to maintain eye contact with the other person’s face by varying your eye contact by looking at either eye and then moving eye contact downward toward their mouth. 24 Speak concisely, louder than usual, and with vocal variety.

Gesturing can help with communication effectiveness. 17 Having a combination of nonverbal behaviors can increase media communication effectiveness, especially when used with consistency. 17 Prior to gesturing, have your hands together slightly above your waist to communicate calmness, and then raise your hands between your waist and chest when gesturing. 3, 6, 17, 18, 20 One nonverbal behavior that can be exhibited is the "sand pinch" gesture that squeezes together the index finger and thumb to emphasize important points. 4

Nonverbal Behaviors to Avoid

Avoid head nodding, indicating you understand or are ready for the next question, because it might be taken as agreement. Head nodding does not help rapport building nor recalling details for standing TV interviews. 5

Avoid touching your face or mouth because it might be interpreted as deception . 6, 16 Avoid higher blink rates that people often have when nervous on TV, overcome a tendency to clamp your lips in order to enable naturally speaking motions, withhold nervous laughter , and do not display an asymmetrical smile. 15

Microphone Utilization

Effectively using a microphone is essential for quality standing camera video interviews. Some context considerations beforehand are surrounding noises, lighting, accessibility, and preventing other people from infiltrating the shot. A handheld microphone is most common for a standing interview because it is directional to capture a speaker’s voice and limit background interference.

The journalist holding the microphone directs the conversation, such as who talks, whether questions are answered completely, and the rhythm of the conversation. 21 The microphone should be held with a steady arm firmly with your dominant hand, in your palm where the grate meets the stick, at a 45-degree angle, and one to three inches away from the speaker’s mouth. There is no need to lean but rather extend and angle it to the mic-point for directing who speaks. When resting the microphone, it should be near your chest when nobody is speaking, and be sure to prevent it from being taken away at any time. 1, 11, 19 Regarding controlling the conversation, if you are ever caught by a reporter performing an ambush or hostile interview, consider standing closer to them and using a light touch on the arm with a smile to reduce its effects. 14

The microphone should always be below the speaker’s mouth and lips, around the chin area. As the speaker’s head moves, so should the microphone to pick up their voice, but also because the audience reads lips. Only the free hand should be used to gesture; the one holding the microphone should be steady. Lastly, make sure the media logo on the microphone is aimed toward the camera. 11, 19

  1. Ainsley, G. (2017). This is a question that I get from time to time from people who’ve done a few media interviews. After I give my answer, the person asking the question gives me their story and it’s usually not a good one . Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-stand-sit-during-media-interview-grant-ainsley

  2. Ainsley, G. (2021). Where Do I Look, at the Camera or the TV Reporter? Canadian media trainers. Grantainsley.com. https://www.grantainsley.com/where-do-i-look-at-the-camera-or-the-tv-reporter

  3. Braud, G. (2014, December 18). Media Training 27: Body Language . Gerard Braud Communications | Protecting Your Revenue, Reputation & Brand 985-624-9976; Gerard Braud Communications. https://braudcommunications.com/media-training-27-body-language/

  4. Basu, T. (n.d.). Why Do the Clintons Make the Thumb Gesture? Science Has an

Answer . Inverse. https://www.inverse.com/article/18913-science-why-politicians-point-hillary-clinton-thumb-gesture-trump-finger-guns

  1. Deeb, H., Leal, S., Vrij, A., Mann, S., & Dabrowna, O. (2024). To Nod or Not to Nod: How Does Interviewer Nonverbal Behavior Affect Rapport Perceptions and Recall in Truth Tellers and Lie Tellers? Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 48(1), 25–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10919-024-00452-1

  2. Fitzgerald, M. (2019). The TV Interview: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success. PRNEWS. https://www.prnewsonline.com/tv-interview-guide/

  3. Guo, Z., Zhang, X., Liang, J., & Yan, W. (2018). The Dynamic Features of Lip Corners in Genuine and Posed Smiles. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 202-202.

  4. Hahn. (2020). Media Training News and Insight. Predictive Media Network.

https://predictivemediatraining.com/the-three-biggest-mistakes-that-make-you- look-bad-on-zoom-calls/

  1. Hahn Training (formerly Predictive Media Network). (2018, October 23). Media Training: The Most Important Non Verbal, Eye Contact . YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoohKTzPu6M

  1. Hellman, J. (2024). Mastering on-camera interviews: Key tips and essential strategies . International Journalists’ Network. https://ijnet.org/en/story/mastering-camera- interviews-key-tips-and-essential-strategies

  2. Jakubsonas, K. (2013, February 28). TV interview tips. Microphone Placement for Interviews . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMXflPbMBXU

  3. Manera, V., Del Giudice, M., Grandi, E., & Colle, L. (2011). Individual differences in the recognition of enjoyment smiles: no role for perceptual-attentional factors and autistic-like traits. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 143.

  4. Martín‐Raugh, M., Kell, H., Randall, J., Anguiano‐Carrasco, C., & Banfi, J. (2023). Speaking without words: A meta‐analysis of over 70 years of research on the power of nonverbal cues in job interviews. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 44(1), 132–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2670

  5. Mudd, J. (2015, July 16). Mastering a TV interview . Axiapr.com; Axia Public Relations. https://www.axiapr.com/blog/mastering-a-tv-interview

  6. Peacock, A. (2023, April 2). Prince Harry hinted “all not well” with family in 2017 interview -body language expert; Harry and Meghan sat down for their first TV interview late in 2017, where the pair were asked about their relationship and Harry was quizzed on his family’s reaction. Daily Mirror (London, England).

  7. Pease, A. (2019). TOP 5 Body Language tips . Video. Facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/AllanandBarbaraPease/videos/1061406023908481/

  8. Pereira, M., Meng, H., & Hone, K. (2021). Prediction of Communication Effectiveness During Media Skills Training Using Commercial Automatic Non-verbal Recognition Systems. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 675721. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.675721

  9. Phillips, B. (2019). Body Language: Tips for Your TV Interview . Throughline Group. https://www.throughlinegroup.com/2019/04/02/body-language-tips-for-your-tv- interview/

  10. Rhodes, T. (2021, March 11). What Is The Proper Way To Hold A Microphone ? (Full Guide). Microphone Nerd. https://microphonenerd.com/how-to-hold-a- microphone/

  11. R Marketing Dept. (2024, April 16). How to Sit or Stand During a TV Interview . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eck1z84IuuE

  12. Tulsa, S. (2024). Scot Media Tulsa - Why Journalists Won’t Let You Hold The Microphone . Scotmediatulsa.com. https://www.scotmediatulsa.com/blog/why- journalists-wont-let-you-hold-the-microphone

  13. Van Edwards, V. (2014, January 7). How to Ace a Job Interview with Effective Body Language . YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qnTzCzjn4Q

This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.

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