Recording Guidelines

Your video should have two important aspects: A video of you speaking and your notes/presentation. Putting the two together is usually not too difficult.

Please take a moment to watch one of our past speakers as she demonstrates the power of good sound quality, lighting, and slide placement.

It is assumed that your PC/Mac has a built-in camera. Let us know if this is not the case.

Video Recording Tips

Recording yourself along with a series of slides is a common way to prepare and distribute a presentation for all to enjoy. Check out this example.

There are a variety of software packages to make this possible:

  1. Canva: A personal favorite in the teaching and SENIA world.  Builds awesome slides and does video recording.
  2. Zoom requires a paid account to exceed 40 mins. 
  3. Screencastify:  Another strong screencasting software.  Requires a paid account to exceed five mins. 

If you need any help or advice regarding screencasting, please contact us: support@seniainternational.org

Lighting

Strong lighting lets the audience see the best version of you and creates a professional atmosphere.

Lighting Tips

  • Use the 3-point lighting technique to maximize your lighting quality
  • Avoid having the light behind you (unless using 3-point lighting), such as a window or lamp. It will darken your appearance
  • Place light in front of you. Natural lighting from windows is best, but not always easy.
    • Consider the purchase of a light ring. Especially great if you plan to do more video presentations or use Zoom during these COVID times.

Backdrop During Recording

What is behind you during your presentation will be noted by attendees. We are all a little curious about where people are presenting from.

Backdrop Tips

  • Present from your desk or office. Having a backdrop such as a plain wall, books, shelves, etc. is a nice feeling for the audience.
  • Want a custom background of your own? Build your own with Canva.
    • Be sure to get a free Canva account for educators here.

Stage Two: Record Your Introduction

The idea in stage two is to give a short overview of your talk and excite the audience with your upcoming content. It also helps us test the tech (video, audio, etc.) of your presentation.

  • Record a short, about one-minute, introduction.
  • Please include:
    • Your Name
    • Presentation topic
    • Anything that will get people excited about your presentation 
  • This will give us a chance to troubleshoot any audio or video issues and serve as a helpful marketing tool to promote your talk. A nice win, win.
  • See a sample here. 
  • Optional: Use Canva to build an awesome intro slide that starts your introduction.

Always know that SENIA is here to help you during this process. Support@SeniaInternational.org

Uploading Your Introduction

  1. If needed, export your presentation in the highest possible quality)
  2. Name the file –  [Your Name – Title of Presentation]
  3. Upload the file.  To do that, see the “Upload Your Presentation” tab 

Stage Three: Record Your Full Presentation 

This will take place after you have completed the short introduction. All troubleshooting, video, and audio issues will be resolved at this point. 

Required Step

  • Record your introduction in full-screen mode, then go to the “floating head” smaller version of you mode.  Viewers really want to get to know you first before the presentation begins.

Export Your Presentation in High Quality

Please export your presentation at 1080P resolution or higher. Your audience will appreciate this dedication to quality and the video and sound improvements that come with it. 

Uploading Your Full Presentation

  • Upload your final recordings (all parts) via the upload tab
    • Name the file –  [Your Name – Title of Presentation]