Ensure good lighting by positioning yourself facing a light source to avoid shadows on your face.
- Ideal for signers as it fully utilizes multi-source and diffused lights.
- Achieved with a green screen and post-editing. Integrates well with computer textual content, especially on white backgrounds.
Note: ideally, Ipad's camera should be at face level.
- Lacks proper lighting and professional camera.
- Yellowish background can be partially neutralized with professional cameras' white balancing features.
- Similar issues as poor light with additional visual distractions.
Place the camera at eye level to make the lecture more engaging and natural. Use a tripod or stable surface.
Keep the background clean and uncluttered to avoid distractions. A neutral background is often best.
Use an external microphone if possible for clearer audio. Minimize background noise and echo.
- Software: Use Audacity for audio recording. [open Source]
Frame yourself well in the shot, leaving some headroom and ensuring you're centered in the video.
- Minimum framing: from belly button to 10cm (3 inches) above the signer's head.
- Maintain consistent framing throughout a series.
- Position camera at shoulder or sternum level.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid excessive jargon unless it's relevant to your audience.
Maintain eye contact with the camera to engage with your audience.
Rehearse your material to smooth out any rough patches and ensure a confident delivery.
Test your equipment (camera, microphone, and software) before starting to avoid technical issues.
Take short breaks if your lecture is long to maintain energy and clarity.
- Replicate New York Times' settings:
- Good lighting
- High-level device holder
- Proper camera lens (≥ 8 MP)
- Green screen background