By Chantelle Torres
Tips for Creating a Video Presentation
An engaging presentation can make all the difference, whether you’re pitching a business idea, launching a new product or even posting on social media. Guest contributor Chantelle explains how you can use video to convey your message in an impactful way, even if you have very little experience.
Photo: 10 Tips when filming on your phone – Sonic Sight
Whether you’re launching a new product, describing how to use an app or training employees, it can be helpful for your audience to hear you explain things in person. However, standing on a podium reading notes from slides is not always the most impactful way to do that. This is where video presentations come into play. A good video will capture an audience’s attention from the start and keep them far more focused and engaged than a typical slide presentation. In this article, we’ll cover how to create quality videos, without the need for expensive equipment or tons of experience. You should also find these tips helpful if you’re producing a video CV or posting content on social media.
Practise your presentation before you record it
The more you practise your presentation, the better you will be able to deliver your message. You can do this in front of a mirror, with friends, or even in front of a webcam. When you are speaking be sure to look directly at the camera on your laptop/tablet, because that will make your audience feel as though you are looking right at them.
Look at other sites for inspiration
When it comes to presentations, there are a lot of sites that offer great examples and tips on what to do and what not to do. Look at other presenters who use video and check out how they appeal to their audience. A little background research can help you determine the best way for you to present your material, whether it’s through video or in person.
Tips for making great videos, even if you don’t have professional equipment
Use your phone camera
Your smartphone’s built-in camera is a great way to get started with video. It’s easy to use and it can record in high definition, so the quality is pretty good. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a wide-angle lens, so you’ll need to be close enough to your subject for them (or you) to fill the frame of your shot.
Use a webcam
Just plug the webcam into your computer and begin recording! (Most laptops come with webcams built-in, which means you can use them as well if you don’t have an external one available.) Webcams are perfect for recording yourself speaking directly into the camera (known as “talking heads”). However, they are not ideal for shooting any kind of action or movement from multiple angles since most webcams don’t have very wide fields of view—they usually only capture what’s directly in front of the lens.
Record a video of your presentation
Use a tripod
You don’t want your video to be shaky. If you are in front of the camera while giving your presentation, there is no way that you can hold your phone or tablet steady enough. A tripod will help to keep things looking professional.
Use an external microphone
The microphones built into smartphones these days are pretty decent, but an external microphone will give you much better clarity, and those with sensitivity control enable you to make great recordings even if there is some background noise.
Use good lighting
You want to make sure your face is well lit, without unwanted shadows. This doesn’t mean that you need fancy lights and reflectors—just some natural light coming from somewhere behind or above the camera (where people will be sitting while watching the video on their computer/phone/tablet screen).
Use a voice recorder to help you edit your video
One of the most critical parts of creating a video presentation is editing. Editing can be a difficult task, especially when you’re relying on free software and websites. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to make editing your videos much easier:
First, consider the voice-over. You will want to record your voice-over before you edit your video. You can then trim away unnecessary sections of the video so it fits the voice recording. Remember, it is not whether you’ve said something important, but how well you say it.
Once you have got a solid video segment, it is time to add transitions. Transitions tell the viewer when something important is happening and help them follow your presentation.
After that comes music. Music adds a certain rhythm to a video and makes it easier for viewers to keep engaged. You do not need professional-quality music, either. There are plenty of royalty-free songs available on the Internet that can make things go smoother for your audience.
Conclusion
You can create professional-quality videos without spending a fortune on expensive equipment. All it takes is a little bit of planning and practice and you’ll be ready to record your next presentation in no time.
About the Author
Chantelle Torres is a PR Outreach Specialist at VEED.IO. Loves to watch American series during her spare time. She’s hoping to travel the world someday and visit her dream country which is Spain.
Find out more:
Best Practices For Virtual Presentations: 15 Expert Tips That Work For Everyone – Forbes
How To Record A Video CV – Inspiring Interns
Video guide of Do’s & Don’ts (approx. 5 mins)
Grad Bites: Presentations.
An HR specialist gives tips on polishing up your presentation skills (4 minute video)
