Video Recording for Rehearsal and Self-Correction

Practicing your answers out loud is helpful, but videotaping yourself as you rehearse is by far the most powerful tool for improving your interview performance.

It allows you to see and hear yourself objectively, just as the interviewer will.

Why it is the most powerful tool for improvement

Objective evidence: Unlike rehearsing mentally or in front of a mirror (which can be misleading), video provides you with real evidence of how you look and sound.

You can identify nervous tics, body language problems, or mannerisms that you might not otherwise notice.

Reduces uncertainty: Much of the nervousness comes from fear of the unknown: "How will they be seeing me?"

By seeing yourself on video, you eliminate that uncertainty because you know exactly how you present yourself.

Generate real confidence: Real confidence comes not from mental tricks, but from knowing, based on video evidence, that you can communicate your message effectively and professionally.

How to record (mobile, webcam) and what to observe (body language, verbal, tics, clarity).

How to record: You don't need professional equipment. Your cell phone, computer webcam or tablet are sufficient.

Place the device at eye level or slightly above to simulate a natural conversation. Record in a quiet, well-lit location.

What to watch: When reviewing the recording, critically analyze several aspects:

Body language: is your posture upright, do you make eye contact (with the camera), do you use natural gestures or do you have nervous twitches (fidgeting, touching your face)?

Verbal Language: Do you speak clearly and at an appropriate pace? Is your tone of voice confident and enthusiastic or monotone?

Crutches and Tics: Do you use fillers such as "um", "ah", "ehh"? Do you repeat any words or phrases unnecessarily?

Clarity of the message: Is your answer easy to understand, does it get to the key point, does it sound interesting or boring?

The iterative process: Record -> Analyze -> Correct -> Record Again

Real improvement comes from an iterative process:

• Record your response to a question or your pitch.
• Analyze the video, identifying a specific aspect you want to improve (e.g. reduce "ums", improve eye contact, add a specific example).
• Don't try to correct everything at once.
• Record again, focusing on improving that aspect.
• Repeat the cycle until you are satisfied with the result.
• The goal is to get to a point where you like the way you look and sound.
• Don't stop after one or two recordings if you're not happy, as that may even reduce your confidence.

Overcome the initial discomfort of looking/listening to yourself.

It is very co