Tips for recording audio and video

General

Creating a video version of your presentation isn’t entirely different from a regular, in-person oral presentation. These are some things that you’ll always want to do:

• Speak in a slow, clear manner
• Make sure that your points are concise and easily digestible.
• Pause where appropriate.
• Have someone else read the presentation to ensure that the structure makes sense.
• Practise.

Recording your voiceover

You may only be recording voiceover on your slides and generating that as a video. Here, the focus will be on the audio quality.

• Getting the audio right is key to a great recording. Avoid using the built-in microphone on your computer or camera. Instead opt for an external dedicated recorder, or microphone, if possible. Alternatively, even using a headphone microphone will give you much better audio quality than a built-in mic. 

• Identify random noises and try to block them out. Interior noises could be things like fluorescent lights, computer fans, projectors and air conditioning units. Exterior noises could be things like weather, street traffic, construction/gardening tools. Consider placing a sign on the door to alert people to the fact that you’re recording. 

• Take a sample recording so that you can better understand what your recording will sound like. 

Recording your video

You may be recording yourself presenting, either with or without slides. Here, you must also consider the environment where you are presenting as well as the audio quality.

Tips for using your computer camera or webcam

• Use a solid coloured background - avoid brightly coloured backgrounds like orange, yellow or red and instead opt for more muted tones like gray and dark blue. Make sure the background you choose is not distracting or messy. 

• Use the right lighting, pick a room that gets a lot of natural light through big or multiple windows. If you’re filming in natural light, do your best to get your footage in the morning or evening, when the light is softer. If you have to use an additional light source, avoid overhead lighting as it can cast unflattering shadows. It’s better to use a large lamp or two to cast the right type of light. 

• Film in shorter takes. This way you’ll have fewer things to remember and more opportunities to reshoot something you didn’t like. 

• When recording your screen, be mindful of your mouse cursor movement. It’s an important element, which shows people where to look on the screen. Therefore don’t move your cursor around and around, as if you’re talking with your hands. Instead, move your mouse cursor deliberately and with purpose. 

Tips for using your phone

• Use the camera on the back of your phone as the front camera’s quality is not as good on most phones. 
• Record in landscape mode. This will ensure that the footage is in the correct format for larger devices.
• If your phone has a feature that allows you to overlay a grid on your screen, use it. This will help you keep your phone level and avoid tilted footage. Note: If you have an iPhone, you can turn on the grid by going to Settings > Photos & Camera > Grid.