Recording Guidelines

Video Submission Expectations

This guide outlines how to create a professional, accessible, and engaging presentation video. Please take a moment to watch one of our past speakers as she demonstrates the power of good sound, video, and lighting.

Your SENIA Unplugged presentation must include:

  1. A clear video of you speaking
  2. Your presentation slides or visuals, presented in picture-in-picture mode (see our complimentary slide templates)

1. Recording Tips

Software Options

Choose a recording tool that supports both camera and screen capture:

  1. Canva (Free for educators): Create slides and record in one place.
    1. Sign up here
  2. Zoom: Works well for longer recordings (free accounts limited to 40 minutes)
  3. Screencastify: Simple tool for screen and video capture (free version capped at 5 minutes)

Lighting

  1. Use front-facing natural light for the best appearance
  2. Avoid light sources behind you (e.g., windows or lamps)
  3. Consider using a ring light for better clarity
    1. Follow a basic 3-point lighting setup if possible

Backdrop

  1. Present from a tidy and neutral space (desk, plain wall, bookshelf)
  2. Avoid distracting backgrounds
  3. You may also create a virtual background using Canva (Build your own with Canva)

2. Record Your Introduction Video

Record a one-minute overview of your talk to excite the audience about your upcoming content. It also helps us test the tech (video, audio, etc.)and give you feedback.

Please include:

  1. A brief visual description of yourself at the beginning for accessibility.
  2. Your presentation topic
  3. A short, compelling overview of your topic and goals

Please see this example introduction

3. Video Requirements (Both Intro & Full Presentation)

To ensure a consistent and accessible viewer experience, your video must meet the following criteria:

  1. Intro in Full-Screen Mode: Start your video by introducing yourself and your presentation title in full-screen mode before transitioning to picture-in-picture.
  2. Horizontal Orientation: Record your video in landscape (horizontal) mode.
  3. Visual Description: Include a brief visual description of yourself at the beginning for accessibility.
  4. Lighting & Clarity: Ensure your video is well-lit and free of visual distractions.
  5. Clear Audio: Your voice should be easy to hear, with minimal background noise.
  6. High-Quality Format” Export your video at 1080p resolution or higher.
  7. Correct File Naming: Name your file: [Your Name – Title of Presentation]

4. Record Your Introduction Video

Create a 1-minute introduction that includes:

  1. Your name
  2. Your presentation title
  3. A short, enthusiastic summary to promote your session

This video will be used for marketing and technical review. Enjoy this example

Upload Instructions

  1. Export in 1080p or higher
    1. File name: [Your Name – Title of Presentation]
  2. Upload to the Intro Video Upload Form
    1. If you are having any problems with Google Forms, please send it to us via WeTransfer, a free service. Send to conferences@seniainternational.org

5. Record Your Full Presentation

Once your intro is approved, begin your complete session recording.

Required Step

  1. Record your introduction in full-screen mode, then go to the “floating head,”(picture-in-picture) smaller version of you mode.  Viewers really want to get to know you first before the presentation begins.
    1. Check out this example.
    2. If you are using Canva, watch this tutorial from SENIA Community Member, Hannah McIntosh.

Upload Instructions

  1. Export in 1080p or higher
  2. File name: [Your Name – Title of Presentation]
  3. Upload to the Full Presentation Upload Form
    1. If you are having any problems with Google Forms, please send it to us via WeTransfer, a free service. Send to conferences@seniainternational.org
Stay In Touch

Questions? Panic Attack? Need Some Help?

Drop me an email: Conferences@SENIAinternational.org. Please include "Conference Question" in the subject line.

Arcelia Navarro, SENIA Events Wizard