Set-Up Your Recording Area

Choose a space that is quiet. A space with lots of natural light will help if you’re not planning to use a lot of light equipment. 

Avoid having bright windows directly behind you. Back lighting creates a silhouette that obscures your features.

A room with soft surface materials is ideal to absorb sound. You can also bring in soft surface items into the room if there’s an echo.

Choose a wall with a solid color or set the background by bringing in props but keep it simple so learners are not distracted with what’s behind you.

Make sure your laptop camera angle is perpendicular/flattering, use books to prop up the computer or adjust your webcam.

Make sure the camera is about an arm's length away so that you fill the frame better. Your eyes should be about a quarter of the way from the top ofo the screen.

Listen for background noise such as:

• Fans, heaters, air conditioners, TV’s, other appliances
• Traffic - try another room or time if heavy
• Silence phone and computer notifications, Airplane mode”
• Pets - remove noisy toys and collars
• Children - record during naps, and quiet play
• Close doors and windows, wait for outside sounds to go away

Do a test recording for a minute or so then play it back to see how it looks and sounds. Feel free to send a test or two to your Instructional Design team for further feedback.