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Overview
This guide is designed to help you record a video of yourself using a webcam. The steps in the guide can be used independently, but if it’s your first time recording a video it’s best to work with your team along the way. By the end of this guide, you should have enough knowledge of the basics of digital camera and microphone technology to make a recording to share with your design team for feedback.
Process Steps
- Planning and Setup: Working with your development team, you’ll decide which content is best conveyed through video. Once that’s been decided, you can begin planning and preparing to record.
- Write a Script:
- Using a provided script template, you’ll write out what you want to say in the video and match your words with visual elements like graphics or photos, stage directions for yourself, or even physical objects you may want to show.
- Practice reading the script out loud a few times—sometimes phrases that sound fine on paper may feel awkward when spoken. Rehearsing will also help you identify natural pauses and improve flow.
- The script will be given a copy edit so that it is clean and readable when used as the basis for captions. Remember: A script isn’t a guarantee that a video will be produced exactly as planned but helps evaluate whether your content is suitable for video format or another multimedia format. Make sure to submit your script to your development team for a review and any necessary edits.
- Set Up Your Recording Space: Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a neutral background. Try to minimize distractions in your environment, but if possible. Consider recording in your home office or workspace to make the video more personal and relatable. Here are tips for setting up your space:
- Camera Positioning: Place the camera at or slightly above eye level. This angle creates a more professional and engaging appearance. Make sure your camera is stable and that there’s enough space around you for a comfortable frame.
- Background: A plain, tidy background works best, but it can be helpful to include relevant items (e.g., a bookcase or materials related to the course. Avoid anything overly distracting.
- Camera Quality: If using your built-in camera (laptop, tablet, or phone), ensure the lens is clean. Gently wipe it with a microfiber cloth to avoid smudges.
- Audio: Test your microphone, ideally using an external USB Microphone for clearer sound. If that’s not available, minimize background noise and test the built-in microphone for the best settings.
- Lighting: Natural lighting is best. Position yourself so the light source (like a window) is in front of you, not behind, to avoid dark or shadowy footage.
If your recording equipment or environment cannot be modified sufficiently to bring your recording quality up to acceptable standards, your instructional technologist may suggest alternative methods for recording videos. If you’re unable to meet with your technologist to complete the setup, you may use the following guides to record a sample video and share it with them for feedback.
- Record Your Video: When you’re ready to record a video, you’ll want to set aside uninterrupted time to rehearse and then record. Vocal warm-ups are a good way to look and sound comfortable on camera and can help increase your energy level for a more engaging performance. Speak clearly and confidently-enunciate your words, maintain eye contact with the camera, and avoid reading directly from your screen. Recording tips:
- Multiple Takes: Feel free to record the video more than once. Each take can improve the natural flow of your presentation. For videos with multiple sections, record in parts if that feels easier.
- Length: It is important to structure your video with clear transitions between topics. This allows your team to segment the video, which helps students retain information.
Depending on your specific video recording needs and the tools you have available to you, your instructional technologist may recommend different tools. It’s likely that one of the following guides will be recommended to you. If you have a recording tool you’d like to use that isn’t represented on the list, ask your instructional technologist if it’s acceptable to use.
- Feedback: Once you’re satisfied with your recording, upload the video file to the shared storage location designated by your course development team. Your learning designer and instructional technologist will review the video and give feedback about what can be improved. If no improvements are needed, the videos can be added to your course.
Additional Resources
- LinkedIn Learning also contains tutorials including technical guides to learn how to use specific technology as well as presentation skills guides to improve your on-camera performance. Begin with the Web Video Training and Tutorials and explore from there.