There is a real Art and Science to great video testimonials. There are also business decisions you need to consider when interviewing people to get the feedback you are looking for. Here are the best tips on interviewing people for testimonials.

I recently went on a Maverick Business Adventure and had the opportunity to film the "Mavericks" and get their testimonials about the adventure. Here are a few along with some tips.

Mike Filsaime from Yanik Silver on Vimeo.

Here are sme of the best tips on interviewing people for testimonials:

Get your testimonials during or immediately after the event.

There is nothing like getting a testimonial just after someone has had a great time. The ideas are fresh, the energy is up and the response will generally be favorable.

Drew Kossoff from Yanik Silver on Vimeo.

Film "On Location" Film your testimonials in the environment and not is a boring room. Nothing makes a video testimonial more boring than a plain talking head. Put your subject in a great environment! If at a seminar, shoot the testimonial while people are still milling about in the background. If in an exotic location, show it. You want to include part of the "action" to give the video a sense of place.

Jason Northington from Yanik Silver on Vimeo.

Answer Specific Objections

Remember to ask your subject "What about ___(fill in common objection)__?" In the above example we asked the question "What about the time challenged executive? What would you say to them about coming on an adventure?"

Jim Spano from Yanik Silver on Vimeo.

Use "Reverse Testimonials"

One of the most effective testimonial types is the reverse testimonial. For example "I had (fill in objection) but my objections were laid to rest." In the example above, Jim states that he was hesitant and after a few days was so happy he came and looking forward to the next one.

All these testimonials are purposefully left a bit "rough". Only the interviewers questions have been edited out. Too slick testimonials leave the wrong impression and do not pull the viewer in. You want to strike a balance of succinct message with from the heart honesty.

These are a bit long as was requested by the client. They may end up shorter as time goes by and we edit and get feedback. It's yet another thing to test on your website!