Unveiling The Secrets Behind David Hoffman's Legendary Interviews

I have been asked by dozens of my subscribers to share how I so successfully interview "ordinary" people. In this video, I share some thoughts for you to consider.

Interviewing real, everyday people on video requires techniques that help them feel comfortable, supported, and natural.

Setting Up the Environment
Choose a quiet, familiar place for the interviewee, preferably somewhere that visually reflects their personality or story, such as their home or workplace. A comfortable environment helps people open up more naturally.

Seating: Sit very slightly off to the side of the camera rather than directly behind it. This creates a casual atmosphere, helps avoid the “staring into the camera” effect, and directs their gaze toward you, making the video look more natural. On the other hand, I like the result to look like the person is actually speaking directly to the audience, directly into the camera. So just slightly off directly behind the camera is ideal.

2. Building Comfort
Before filming begins, I tryd to make the person realize that this is important, that it will matter to future generations, so rather than relaxing them, I give them a sense of how important it is for them to share the breadth and depth of how they feel, not just the fact or the details.

I keep things simple when explaining the interview process and equipment. I avoid jargon that might make them self-conscious, but I do want them to speak out and be themselves and not think up answers they think I want to hear.

I make steady eye contact and look away occasionally as you would in a natural conversation.

I sit facing them with an open posture, relaxed shoulders, and nod or smile as they speak. Avoid crossing your arms, which can seem closed off.

I respond to their efforts to tell me how they feel about something or what happened below the "facts", with nods and facial expressions that show engagement. This subtly encourages them to continue sharing.

I begin with easy, non-invasive questions to warm them up. I save deeper, more personal questions for later when they feel more at ease. And I do not read the questions off a pad but instead, use each answer to lead me to the next question that I would ask.

I give them space to answer fully without interrupting unless they have gone off on some track which I believe is not relevant to the audience. Then I will interrupt. So it becomes more of a discussion than a question answer interview. Sometimes a pause can lead to the interviewee sharing more than they initially intended.

I do not ask questions which I one sentence but try in my questions which can go on for 20 or 30 seconds, to include a part of the answer I I'm hoping, or imagining, to receive. Often times people will use my own question and respond to it using language and ideas that have been included in my question. I use questions that start with “how,” “why,” and “what” to encourage fuller responses & avoid yes-or-no questions as much as possible.

I listen really closely to their answers and follow up based on what they say. This shows you’re truly interested and helps build trust.

Allow for moments of silence after they finish speaking. Sometimes, a little silence will prompt them to add more details or express deeper thoughts.

Physical Positioning with the Camera. I position the camera slightly above the interviewee’s eye line to give a natural, flattering angle. -less double chin.

If possible, I use natural (windows etc) or soft lighting to keep the atmosphere gentle and welcoming. Avoid harsh lights that can make the environment feel sterile.

I show empathy and genuine interest. Often times, I have shed a tear during an interview when the story gets me. My goal is to create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their story.

After the interview, I thank them warmly and acknowledge their bravery in sharing. This leaves a positive last impression and makes them feel valued.

Видео Unveiling The Secrets Behind David Hoffman's Legendary Interviews канала David Hoffman