Overview

Before recording an online presentation, there are several considerations to take into account. Recording yourself is a bit different than giving a presentation face-to-face. This page provides general tips and recommendations, however it is strongly recommended that you consult your instructor regarding course presentation requirements and any accommodations needed as they may vary from those presented here.

Getting Set-Up

Whenever possible, aim for quality that is good enough for viewers to see your face and hear your voice clearly. The video below is helpful in a number of ways, but it is particularly helpful to plan your location, camera placement, and lighting. The portion of the video you want for those tips is at 3:39-6:49 minutes. Watch the whole thing for other fantastic information.

Location/Environment

Try for a quiet location without distractions. Whenever possible, avoid the following:

Crying babies, talking toddlers, dogs or other animals wandering in and out or barking, meowing, scratching, etc.
Cell phones or land lines ringing.
Giggling or whispering from videographers or others present.
Street noise, a loud fan, or other ambient noise that will make you hard to hear or distract.

Also take into consideration how your space may affect your sound quality and where the microphone is situated.

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Lighting

Natural light works best, so if you can film during daylight and in a room with windows, you will get the best quality.
If you do not have natural light, try to use soft light.
Think about where light sources are.
- Overhead lights cause harsh shadows.
- Lights behind you make you look like you have a halo and make you hard to see.

Camera Placement

For all presentations you should be standing (unless you are physically unable to do so), facing the camera with effective lighting.
Whenever possible, viewers should be able to see your face and your body (from the mid-thigh up) clearly.
Try to position the camera lens at, or just above eye level. Viewers should never be able to see up your nose.

Filming

Unless otherwise noted by your instructor, your presentation should be one continuous video with no stopping and starting or editing multiple takes together. However, if submitting a recorded presentation, you do have the opportunity to re-do your presentation as many times as you need to before you turn it in, in order to get the grade you would like. Consider the following when setting up your camera.

Camera is the Window to your Audience

It will feel strange, but look directly into the camera. This gives the illusion to your virtual audience that you are making eye-contact with them.

Camera Stability

Your camera should be on a stable surface.
If you don't have a tripod, get creative. Put it on a bookshelf. Pull out the small a-frame ladder from your utility closet or shed. Rig your selfie-stick to a table with some books or into the cushions of your couch.
Remember that it needs to be at eye level or slightly above!

Video Timing

Consult with your instructor regarding time requirements.
Keep in mind you may not be graded for any time over the assigned time allotment since you have the opportunity to record again if necessary.

Presentation Aids

Online presentation aids require careful and strategic planning because they are not really enhancing the presentation if the virtual audience can’t see or hear them. You may have to revamp your presentation aid plan to adapt to presenting on camera rather than to a live audience.

Try to incorporate visual aids into the presentation so that it feels intentional and integrated. When using an aid, acknowledge what it is and how it supports your presentation topic. Ex: introduce and/or debrief a video clip, tell us about the image, explain what is in the graph or chart, etc.

Delivery

Below are general tips and considerations. Consult your instructor for further presentation details or other requirements specific to the course.

Type of Presentation

Notecards, not scripts, are recommended. Do not try to use cue cards behind the camera...it will be obvious.
You do not need to memorize your content word for word but remember this is not an impromptu presentation either.

Eye Contact

Look directly into the camera lens. That is your audience's eyes and looking there will make your virtual viewers feel like you are looking at them and connecting with them.
Do not wear hats or items that impair viewers from being able to see your eyes or face. These create shadows or inhibit body language.

Facial Expressions

Use facial expressions that match the emotional content of your message.
If you are showing no emotion on our face it will impact your tone and make your audience perceive you as uninterested, less confident, less persuasive, and boring.

Posture and Body Movement

Stand up straight and face the camera
Purposeful movement is encouraged, just be sure keep it to a smaller space so you don't go off camera. Move slightly left or right with your transitions.
Use gestures! Keep them natural (avoid adapters and extremes).

Clothing & Other Artifacts

Dress professionally. Be mindful of the color and pattern of the clothing you are wearing as it may be distracting on video.
Avoid clothing and accessories that will create distractions for you and/or your audience (e.g., pull your hair back if needed, don't wear jewelry that you will fidget with, wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel confident, so you don't feel the need to adjust them, don't wear things that make noise or that will pull the audience's attention away from you and your message).

Delivery

Monitor your speech rate, your pitch, volume, verbal fillers, etc.
Include pauses and vary your inflection. Take breathes and slow down so you don't sound "breathy." That is when it sounds like you have just run up a flight of stairs before speaking.
Make sure you are articulating and enunciating and that you are pronouncing words correctly.

Before Submitting A Video

Watch your video at least one time before you turn it in. You may catch major mistakes that would affect your grade. Consider watching the video while following the rubric provided on Canvas in order to maximize your success.

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