10 tips for creating engaging video questions with Typeform

Stepping in front of the camera can be daunting, but with Typeform, you don't need to be a seasoned pro to make a great video. This guide offers 10 practical tips to help you feel more at ease and confident on camera. Get ready to connect with your audience in the most authentic and engaging way possible!

Learn more about adding video questions to your forms here.

1. Pick the right space

Avoid low-lit corners, harsh backlighting, and cluttered backdrops in favor of a bright space with plenty of natural light. Find somewhere quiet without too much going on in the background to keep the focus on you. If in doubt, go for neutral backdrop colors like white, beige, and gray.

2. Find your best angle

Find your best angle, and center yourself in the frame. You don’t necessarily need a fancy camera to record a great video. Computer or laptop cameras will do the trick, but phone cameras are usually even better. Back cameras are usually higher quality than front cameras, so set up your phone or ask a friend to help you record to get the best shot. Remember, you can always pre-record a video and upload it to your form to ensure it looks exactly how you want.

3. Look into the lens of the camera

Focus your gaze directly into the camera lens when speaking. Think of it like the on-camera equivalent of maintaining eye contact. If you're looking down at your screen to check how you look or read your notes, your audience won't feel connected with you and you'll quickly lose their engagement. If you're struggling to maintain eye contact with the camera, try placing a mirror directly behind it and looking yourself in the eye!

4. Get to the point

In an era where attention spans are shrinking, it's more important than ever to capture your audience's interest from the moment they press play. Begin speaking right after the countdown to eliminate any awkward silence at the start of your video. Keep your introductions brief and to the point.

If you have multiple questions you want to ask, consider splitting them into separate videos to prevent information overload and keep your audience engaged.

5. Be authentic

When creating videos, imagine you’re talking to a friend or family member, not just a lens. Avoid over-formal language, jargon, and buzzwords. Aim for a relaxed demeanor that reflects your true self. A genuine smile, clear speech, and lots of eye contact with the camera will make your video feel more inviting and engaging.

6. Delivery matters

Make sure your videos have a clear structure by outlining a few key points before you start recording. This preparation will help you stay on track without relying on a rigid script, which can make your presentation feel a little stiff and impersonal. Avoid trying to portray a persona that isn't you–authenticity resonates more with viewers. Pace your speech, pause for emphasis, and project your voice slightly to boost your on-screen presence.

7. Add some flair

Feel free to bring some creativity into your videos. Incorporating props, featuring a guest, or switching up your environment can all make your video more engaging. If you're really camera-shy, remember that you don’t have to be in front of the camera to make an impact. You could ask a friend or colleague to appear on screen for you, or even use animations to convey your message. The key is to keep your content clear and engaging, regardless of who or what is on screen.

8. Check your sound quality

Good audio is just as important as good video. Before publishing your form, always review your video to ensure your voice is clear and easy to understand. If you have one, use an external microphone to enhance your sound quality. Make sure to avoid recording in areas with echo or background noise that can distract from your message.

9. Test and iterate

Before publishing your video form, get feedback from coworkers, friends, or family. This can help you identify areas that might need tweaking, like how fast you speak, whether you use too many filler words, or the clarity of your audio. Use this feedback to optimize your video.

10. Encourage video answers

Turn it into a two-way conversation by encouraging respondents to answer with video. This not only makes your interaction more engaging but also provides you with deeper insights into your audience.

Learn more about collecting video answers from respondents here.

Bonus tip: Practice, practice, and practice some more!

Talking to a camera lens can feel pretty awkward at first. But, the more you do it, the better you get at it and the more comfortable you become. So keep going, keep practicing, and keep hitting that record button.