You can use audio from applications
on your desktop in your recording. However, for high-quality audio using a
microphone is best.
Before you begin recording, it is important to make sure you have the correct recording equipment and that your recording environment is conducive to recording high-quality video and audio. If you will appear in the video, you must also consider your clothing.
You also want to think about how you want to present your information and the type of content you want to include. Understanding what your content will be in advance will help you decide which desktop recording option to choose. Finally, before you begin, you want to take note of these screen capture considerations.
Recording equipment and environment
Before you get started, make sure your equipment and environment are ready for recording:
•Recording equipment: Make sure you have the appropriate recording equipment and verify everything works correctly before you get started.
o For audio recordings, you need either a built-in microphone or an external microphone. If your computer does not have a built-in microphone or if you are recording in a location with significant background noise, use a headset with a microphone to eliminate ambient noise.
o For recordings that include video, you need a microphone and a webcam.
•Video: Make sure your webcam rests at or slightly above eye-level and you are centered in the video capture area.
•Sound: Adjust and test your audio equipment so that you sound clear and audible. Try to keep microphones 6 to 8 inches from your mouth to avoid picking up breathing. If you are using a headset for recording, make sure that the microphone is roughly one inch from the corner of your mouth. Do an audio recording test to ensure that the audio sounds clear during playback.
•Lighting: Use bright, even lighting whenever possible. Appropriate lighting is critical to obtaining a high-quality video for your presentation. Illuminate yourself and reduce glare from the monitor by using a lamp. You can also use background lighting, such as ceiling mounted lights, but make sure they are not as bright as your main light source.
•Background: Avoid using a plain white wall or a wall with small or busy patterns. Whenever possible, use a solid color background. If necessary, hang a solid color sheet as a backdrop. Videos with a solid-color backgrounds compress cleanly and efficiently.
•Reduce ambient noise: Turn off unneeded appliances or electronics that may create ambient noise. Keep your recording space quiet, turn off your phone, and if others are working in the area, let them know you will be recording.
•Clean up recording area: Make sure to clean up your recording area and remove any clutter or items that may distract your audience.
You can use audio from applications
on your desktop in your recording. However, for high-quality audio using a
microphone is best.
Clothing
If you will appear in the video, wear solid dark or light-colored clothing. Avoid wearing clothing with stripes, busy or small patterns, bright colors, or contrast (solid white, solid black). Also, avoid large jewelry that may distract your audience.
Presentation content
Take time to consider your audience and the primary objectives of your presentation when creating content:
•Analyze audience: Consider your audience when creating your content. What is the average audience member's educational level? Will you provide background information or go directly to the main topic? Will you need visuals or other supportive materials?
•Define objectives: Make sure to define the primary objectives of the presentation before creating your content. What do you want your audience to get out of your presentation? What should your audience be able to do or know after viewing your presentation?
•Content: Consider what type of content you want to include in your presentation: video of yourself talking, slides, a demonstration of how to perform a specific task, or all the above.
•Length: Determine the length that will best fit your presentation needs. Generally, shorter presentations are more likely to keep your audience engaged. Also, the shorter the presentation is, the smaller its file size.
•Create a script, outline, or storyboard: Creating a script, outline, or storyboard for your presentation will help keep you on topic. Make sure to revisit your objectives as you organize your content.
•Use slides effectively: When using slides in your presentation, keep in mind that viewers may be watching the recording at a reduced resolution.
o Slide content: When using presentation software, such as PowerPoint, use the following guidelines to ensure that your web audience can clearly see the images:
|
Fonts |
Use a sans-serif style font such as Arial. |
|
Size |
Use a minimum font size of 18 point—larger is better. |
|
Contrast |
Use maximum contrast—dark text on a light background or white letters on a dark background. Avoid using light text on a light background such as yellow text on a white background. |
|
Colors |
Use a solid background. Avoid using backgrounds with busy or small patterns. |
|
Bullets |
Limit bullets to four or five per slide. |
o Minimize amount of text used in slides: Try to keep slide text concise and only cover key points so that your audience can focus on what you are saying instead of reading slides.
o Effective graphics: Be sure to include graphics that add to the presentation and do not distract the audience, such as graphs, charts, and diagrams. Try to avoid overly animated or flashy graphics.
o Animation usage: Avoid excessive animation effects.
•Solve problems in advance: If you will work through problems, which is typical in math, science, and business courses, solve them before your presentation. Doing problems in advance reduces the risk of errors and the time spent calculating the answer.
•Copyright: Consider copyright issues when using visuals and other materials.