How to Get More Natural Responses in an Interview

Over my years of filming interviews, I’ve come across many types of people: from plumbers to CEOs, from cheeky children to more reserved care home residents, from those who love the camera to those who shake at the thought of one. I’ve filmed interviews across Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas, working with businesses, organisations, and individuals from all sorts of backgrounds.

I’ve been behind the camera, in the interviewer’s seat, and sometimes even doing both at once. What I’ve learned is that you never quite know how someone will perform once the camera is rolling. Some people who seem confident beforehand completely freeze, while others who insist they’ll be terrible end up delivering the most natural and engaging responses of the day.

The aim of this post is to share some practical dos and don’ts for getting natural interview responses, whether you’re a videographer, interviewer, or someone preparing to be on camera. I’ll also give a brief insight into the editing process, and explain why some moments make the final cut while others are left on the cutting room floor.

Preparation Matters (But Don’t Overdo It)

A good interview starts long before the camera is switched on. Making sure the interviewee understands the general topic and purpose of the video is essential. If people don’t know why they’re being interviewed or who the video is for, it’s almost impossible for them to relax.

That said, over-preparing can be just as damaging. Sending full scripts or asking people to memorise answers often leads to stiff, unnatural responses. Instead, I usually suggest sharing themes or broad questions rather than exact wording. This gives people time to think, but still allows them to speak naturally.

If someone asks, “What do you want me to say?”, that’s usually a sign they’re nervous — not difficult. Reassurance goes a long way here.

Creating a Calm Environment on Camera

Once someone sits down in front of a camera, everything feels more intense. Lights, microphones, tripods — even a simple interview setup can feel overwhelming, especially for people who aren’t used to being filmed.

One of the most effective things you can do is slow the pace down. Don’t rush straight into the interview. Take time to chat, explain how the filming will work, and make it clear that nothing needs to be perfect.

To help people relax, I’ll often start with a completely silly, low-pressure question, such as:
“If you could be any kitchen appliance, which would you be and why?”

It gets a laugh, breaks the tension, and reminds people that this is just a conversation — not an interrogation. By the time the real questions start, they’re usually far more at ease.

Ask Questions Like a Human, Not a Script

Natural answers come from natural questions. If an interview feels like a checklist being read out, the responses will usually reflect that.

Keep questions simple and conversational, and listen properly to the answers. If someone mentions something interesting, follow it up — even if it means drifting slightly away from your planned structure. Those moments are often where the best soundbites come from.

Silence is also your friend. People often feel the need to fill a pause, and some of the most honest responses arrive just after a moment of quiet.

Keep the Camera Rolling

One common mistake during interview filming is stopping the recording too quickly. Often, the moment after someone thinks they’ve finished an answer is when they relax — and that’s when you get something genuinely usable.

It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “I didn’t like that answer,” followed by a much better version once the pressure has eased. Keeping the camera rolling costs nothing and can make a big difference when it comes to editing.

Reassure Without Over-Praising

Telling someone they’re doing “great” every few seconds can sometimes make them more self-conscious. Instead, calm reassurance like “that was really clear” or “we’ve got what we need” helps people feel confident without overthinking it.

If someone struggles with a question, it’s often better to rephrase it than to ask them to repeat the same answer again.

What Makes It Into the Final Edit

From the editing side, it’s worth remembering that the final video isn’t built around perfect sentences — it’s built around authentic moments.

Natural pauses, honest phrasing, and small reactions are often far more valuable than a polished, scripted delivery. A slightly imperfect answer that feels genuine will almost always be chosen over a flawless but robotic one.

This is why creating a relaxed interview environment is so important. The more comfortable someone feels during filming, the easier it is to shape a believable and engaging final video.

Final Thoughts

Good interviews aren’t about putting people on the spot or asking trick questions. They’re about creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to speak honestly.

Whether you’re filming client testimonials, staff interviews, or documentary-style content for your business, a calm approach, good listening, and patience will always produce better results than forcing answers.

If you’re based in Gloucestershire or the surrounding areas and are planning an interview-based video, feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to talk through how to approach interview filming in a way that works for both the people on camera and the final film.