It is not always easy interviewing people, who may not be used to the cameras. Let's be honest, not every person we interviewed were eloquent in speech or have the 'celebrity' look. What they do have is the heart for the organization they are advocating. So, here's the question. What happens when you don't have the 'status quo' person to interview?  With the following steps, you should be able to get the best interview conversation from any person you interview.

These are the steps:

1.) Have a phone interview, before you do the filming. This helps break the ice between you and your interviewee. He or she will become used to your voice that leads to confidence in your directing. You will also be able to get more out of the phone conversation, because in their comfort, they may say something that can help add to the appeal of the story. This pre-interview will help you plan to get the perfect story. That way, you can navigate throughout the interview, by asking precisely for what you want, and not rabbit trail so much.

2.) Set the mood by selecting a place to film without much interference. Know what works for your interviewees. Set up the interview in places that would not require much of their attention, from their family or staff members. Choosing the correct location can help remove any tension. The camera easily picks up on stressful emotions. Most of our interviews take place in either their homes or place where they received the help. As long as these locations do not take away from the content of your story, it will do no harm.

3.) Make them feel confident throughout the shoot. Kindly, ask them what is their best side to take pictures. Yes, this may sound weird, but you do not want to make them feel subconscious about their look throughout the shoot. Also, let them speak from their heart and do not script everything out for them. Use the phone interview to ask them questions about what you want to include in the video.

4.) Encourage them. Let them be aware of how good they are doing, despite of the little details. They are taking time away from their busy lives to pay you their undivided attention. In other words, encourage them because you are grateful for them. Sometimes, it takes explaining the bigger vision to get them to see beyond their self-esteem. The interview is not about them, and it is not about your organization, either. It is way bigger. It is about rescuing people from broken situations, and changing an entire community for the better. 

5.) Ask the heartfelt questions. "How did it feel?" questions are always good to ask. Get them to explain the transformation that took place from before their experience with your organization to what happened after. Include intro and outro sound bites. Offer a small glimpse of the happy-ending-to-come at the beginning of your video. That way, it leaves people curious, looking forward to the rest of the journey. In the outro, use words that would encourage donors to give, like "This is why I'm so thankful for (your organization's name here), because they did this…." (More to come on actual content.)