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5WPR News · Published March 31, 2020

Ronn Torossian
Founder & Chairman, 5W

Tips to Set up a Video Interview from Home

setting up a video interview at home with a laptop and microphone
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Thanks to work-from-home mandates, closures, and quarantines, almost all on-camera interviews with media are being conducted via skype or video conference. While this may be the new norm for a while, there’s the possibility that video interviews become a go-to option beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, 5WPR has put together some best practices: · Set up a skype account with your business’ name. · When possible, use a hardwired connection vs. WiFi to avoid a poor or inconsistent connection and ensure the best possible quality for the interview. · Choose a quiet space with no possibility of being interrupted by noises, family members, or pets. · Make sure your background is tidy so it does not become a focal point. Remove anything that may be deemed inappropriate. · Frame the shot to limit how much of the background is visible o Just upper torso in picture o Slight space above head o Slight space on both side of your arms · Close any unnecessary browsers or applications to ensure no distractions or unwanted notifications appear during the call. · Before your interview, test your audio and video to make sure they’re on and working. o Run through a practice call with an internal co-worker who can give you feedback on your setup, appearance, and how you carry yourself. Do you need to speak up so the computer mic can better pick your voice up? · Don’t’ wait until the last minute to set up your background, and computer. We suggest being prepared at least 30-minutes in advance.

Tips to Look your Best in a Video Interview

· Dress professionally, with hair neatly done and out of your face. Fixing and touching your hair will be distracting for those watching. · Wear make-up if you are accustomed to it, but keep it natural. Since there is no harsh studio lighting which traditionally requires heavier make-up, you don’t need to use as much. · Pick a shirt or outfit that will stand-out against your backdrop. o We suggest solid pieces rather than intricate patterns. · Discuss wearing any promotional gear with your PR team as it may not be appropriate · In lieu of professional lighting, sit with a window in front of you and the blinds pulled up to get the most natural light possible (never sit with a window behind you!) · There’s a reason social media influencers take their selfies with the camera slightly raised – it’s the most flattering angle. Make sure to raise your computer so the camera is tilted slighting down to achieve the same effect
Ronn Torossian

Written by

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is Founder and Chairman of 5W , the AI Communications Firm. He founded 5W in 2003 and built it into one of the largest independent public relations and digital marketing firms in the United States, with senior practitioners serving corporate communications , consumer brands , technology , financial services , health and wellness , beauty , gaming , crisis communications , and public affairs . Under his leadership, 5W defined AI Communications, building brand authority across ChatGPT , Claude , Perplexity , Gemini , and Google AI Overviews, alongside earned media, digital, GEO, and influencer channels. Industry Recognition 5W has been recognized as a top U.S. PR agency by O’Dwyer’s , Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards , Grand Stevie Most Honored PR Agency, a Ragan Top Place to Work in Communications 2026, Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year, and a PRovoke Top 50 Global PR Agency. Torossian has been recognized with the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year twice, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist nomination, Business Insider Top Crisis Communications Professionals, and Crain’s New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Research Franchise 5W’s research franchise has become an industry reference for measuring brand visibility inside AI-generated answers, including the AI Visibility Index Series , The GEO Reckoning , The Missing Rung Report, and the 5W AI Power User Study , which identified a 99-point AI favorability gap. Crisis Communications Torossian is one of the world’s foremost crisis communications experts. He has counseled blue chip companies, public company boards, founders, and public figures through ransomware incidents, data breaches, regulatory investigations, high-stakes litigation, activist investors, product recalls, and reputational crises. He has taught crisis communications at Harvard University . Media & Commentary Torossian appears on CNN and CNBC . He is a contributing columnist for Forbes and the New York Observer , his writing on AI communications and brand reputation is published on his personal site, and his commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal , Entrepreneur , Adweek , PRWeek , and O’Dwyer’s . Published Work Torossian is the author of For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations , now in its second edition and used in university and graduate communications programs. He continues that commentary on his own publishing platform , where he writes about reputation, crisis, and AI-mediated discovery. Owner and Publisher, Everything-PR Network Torossian is owner and publisher of the Everything-PR Network , an independent intelligence platform covering public relations, marketing, AI communications, and adjacent industries across 30 publications. Everything-PR is editorially independent from 5W, with published editorial standards and ethics standards . The network is one of the most-cited sources inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini for PR and marketing queries. He is also an active investor and advisor, a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) , and serves on nonprofit boards.

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