Audio and Video Recording Requirements and Resources

Presentation Style and Content

We encourage you to present your session(s) like you’re sitting down with a friend or colleague—with an informal, intimate tone. We do not expect your video to be scripted or perfectly delivered—if you make a mistake, just correct yourself, as though you were on stage in a live setting. I know that’s hard to do when you’re recording, but the goal is: make it feel live and fun.

Most of our attendees are at least intermediate users and they know the basics, so don’t spend too much time on beginner/easy stuff.

Please Include

People often like seeing who is teaching them, so it’s best if you start with introducing yourself on video, then switch to showing your screen, and then come back to yourself at the end. You can also do “picture in picture” with video of you the whole time if you want. If you cannot or choose not to show video of yourself, then please at least include a photo of yourself at the beginning of the session.

At the end of your video, we’ll move everyone into a different “room,” for the online Q&A. So please say:

• “I’ll be heading over to the Q+A room, now. Please join me there using the navigation on the left side of your screen.”

No Need to Include

Please DO NOT make a title slide for your presentation, as we will add that for you.

Automatic captioning is built-in to our event platform, so there is no need to include them in your recording or supply an external captions file.

Audio

• Please do not use the built-in mic on your computer! You don’t need an expensive audio set up, but you should use an external microphone.
• A lavaliere mic, or a headset suitable for webinars or gaming is okay, especially those with noise-cancelling tech. A cardioid (not omnidirectional) mic is usually better. Some ear “pods” can work well, too; but please test before using to ensure a clean recording.
• The closer the mic is to your face, the better it will sound. Try to place it no more than 8” away from your mouth. It’s okay if people see your mic in the video.
• Don’t position the mic directly in front of your mouth. It should be slightly to the side, in order to avoid popping.
• If the mic is on a stand, don’t put it directly on the table with your keyboard, or the audience will hear loud tapping every time you press a key.
• We recommend this mic, if you need to purchase one.
• When possible, remove background sounds, such as a fan, air conditioning, printers, external hard drives, furnace (anything that hums or rattles), or children/pets.
• You don’t have to set up a sound booth, but if possible, try to record in a room without hard surfaces — if you have hardwood floors, concrete counters, etc., you’ll sound like you’re in a box.

Video

• We will be streaming your session at 1920 x 1080, so we prefer if you can make your video recording at that size. If your screen won’t match that, please opt for another resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio (preferably larger than 1920×1080). See this page for other resolutions. If you use another aspect ratio, you will have black bars above and below or on the sides of your video. Also, please record at 30fps.
• If you’re including video of yourself, please use an external web cam on a stand (eye level is best, so we’re not staring up your nose). An external web cam is going to be much better quality than the camera built into your laptop. If you don’t have a good-quality web cam, you could even use your phone!
• Create a test recording just before you launch into your session. Be sure all your equipment is working the way you expect! (For example, David has learned the hard way that just because you have a mic plugged in doesn’t mean your recording software is set to use it.)
• You’re going to need screen recording software:
  • ScreenFlow or ScreenFlick on the Mac, or Camtasia for Mac or Windows are awesome.
  • You can get a pretty decent recording by just using the free version of Zoom! Here’s how to use Zoom to record directly to your computer. David made a 5-minute video showing how it works here.
• Video file sizes are large, so be sure you have enough disk space to record and export. (A 40-minute video could be between 200 MB and 15 GB, depending on what software and settings you use to record it!)
• Please provide the exported MP4 file. If you’re using Screenflow 9 or 10 and would rather send that file, be sure to zip it up before uploading.
• If there is a need to upload a new version of your video, please give it a new name and reach out to Molly to let her know there is a new video.

More Notes

• Please pause for a couple of seconds at the beginning and the end of your recording. This allows us the space to provide fade-ins and other edits. Also, don’t add your own transitions at the beginning and the end (anywhere else is fine).
• Please turn off notifications, and your clock or calendar in the menu, if possible. Newer MacOS versions don’t allow this to be turned off.
• When showing small stuff on screen, you may want to take advantage of the zooming shortcuts on Mac or Windows.

Create a Sample Test Video

We are requiring all presenters to do a quick test video to check for any issues ahead of the submission deadline, so we have time to rectify them. You only need to do one test video per event (even if you’re doing multiple sessions). We will be checking for audio issues, resolution, background sounds, etc.

• The sample should be 1-2 minutes long.
• Name your test video “SpeakerName SessionTitle TEST”
• Please use the equipment and setup you’ll use for your final recording.
• Please follow the A/V requirements above.
• Please don’t record your session until your test video has been approved.