CMNS 101 Fundamentals of Communication

As you prepare to record your speeches, please see the following tips to build your confidence and connect with your audience members:

• Find a Quiet Space to Record Your Speech: Distractions can be visual or audible. Remove any items that may cause your audience to become distracted in the background. Avoid using bright, colorful backgrounds that will distract from your message. Also, make every effort to reduce the background noise in the room so we can focus on your voice.
• Check the Room Lighting and Camera Angle: Record a part of your presentation, such as the introduction, and watch the video. Observe the room lighting and camera angle. If the video is too dark, increase the lighting (and vice versa). Then, examine the camera angle to make sure the audience can see your facial expressions and use of gestures and movements.
• Practice Your Use of Eye Contact: While recording our speech, we may become distracted by our speaking notes, items on the screen, items around the room, etc. If you are presenting in-person, scan the room to look at each audience member. If you are presenting on a computer, look directly at the camera lens for most of the presentation to build a connection with the audience. This technique will also demonstrate your familiarity with the verbal message and increase your speaking credibility. 
• Watch the Final Video Before Uploading to GoReact: Before you upload the final copy of your presentation, watch your video and answer the following questions:
  • Can I visibly see my eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures?
  • Can I hear my voice and understand my message?
  • If you respond “no” to any of the questions, consider recording your speech again so your audience can see you and listen to your message.

This video provides tips on setting up your camera/recording device and how to give a speech in a recording. This video is made by another college so uploading instructions differ, but there are many good ideas here about how to make a good recorded video.