According to the Global Meetings and Events Forecast, 2021 the top three challenges of virtual meetings in 2021 are lack of experience (40%), technical issues (32%), and lack of audience engagement (18%). And trust us, we’ve seen (and heard) it all – dropped calls, burst pipes, barking dogs, fire alarms, small children, and of course, the dreaded internet fail. Check, check, and check. And while we can’t control every variable of the at-home recording experience, we’ve developed a thoughtful, tried, and tested road map that’s helped guide everyone from anxious newbies to the most seasoned production veterans, and we’re sharing it here for the first time.
We sat down with our video team to discuss their techniques for achieving the level of professionalism and polish our clients (and their audiences) expect. So buckle up, because your standard-issue ring light is just the tip of the iceberg.
Frame Your Video Like a Pro
Setting your scene properly is key. When framing your shot, position yourself where your head and shoulders are visible, leaving a little bit of room above your head, and be sure to always look into the camera. We even suggest putting a sticky note by the camera so you can focus on it. Also, if you’re reading from a script or referencing bullet points, placing the document on screen as close to the camera as possible will help you maintain eye contact with the camera.
Be aware of what the audience will see behind you in your shot. Backgrounds with some visual appeal work best, but be sure to remove any distracting items. Pay attention to lighting. Avoid placing yourself in front of a bright light source like a window. You may need a lamp or two to create even, soft light on your face.
Minimize Background Noise
An unexpected noise can ruin a perfectly good video recording. It’s important to be conscious of sound. Close windows and doors to limit outside noise or any unintentional background sounds. Don’t forget to secure pets and let household members know you’re recording! Manage settings for your speakers and microphone. We recommend using an external microphone if you have access to one – this could be a mic on a stand, a good set of earbuds with a mic, or something wireless like AirPods.
Dress to Impress
Solid colors work best for video, so try to avoid wearing tight patterns or all white. Same goes for any logos or copyrighted material on camera, whether on your person or in your background. Take your time getting ready before the meeting! Your confidence will shine through when you look and feel your best.
Get Ready to Hit ‘Record’
Plug your computer into a power source and check for updates to the video conferencing software you’re using. How’s your connection speed? Conduct a speed test before recording, and look for 15–20 MBPS upload and download speeds. If possible, elect to go hard-wired. We suggest plugging your computer directly into a router or modem with an ethernet cable and turning Wi-Fi off – and make sure other devices such as video game consoles are shut off during the record. And finally, disable notifications on your computer to avoid any unwanted pop-ups or updates.
Now it’s showtime! Your computer should be on a flat surface, with your webcam at eye level. Be sure to have a glass of water nearby, and do one last check in the mirror. Whether you’re recording one-on-one (interview style) or one-to-many (panel style), this is an intimate format and we’re looking for genuine responses. Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, remember that it’s okay to be perfectly imperfect. You’re human, and the best way to connect with your audience is to display your humanity on camera.
At Touch, we’re always learning and optimizing our best practices. We work directly with speakers to ensure they’re prepared, beginning with initial planning calls and tech checks. To establish consistent production quality across an event, our team often develops and distributes presentation kits for speakers, including easy-to-set-up-and-use cameras, lights, microphones, laptop stands, memory cards, and other equipment. We provide simple instructions and live “unboxing” sessions via video conferencing, to help speakers set up their equipment and find and establish the optimal location in their homes to shoot or broadcast. This diligence and attention to detail has paid off, serving up staggering results in a time when virtual events are king.
You’ve now graduated from Touch Academy’s crash course in remote recording; well played! How does it feel? Already online shopping for upgraded equipment? We hope these tips and tricks help pave your path to success, and you feel ready for a future full of lights, camera, and action.