When I was asked to record a session for DynamicsCon, I felt it was no big deal. However, as the timeslot for my recording approached, it was all I could think about. Was I prepared? Was everything working as it should? I started thinking about what I can do to make sure I was prepared and here are my tips I would like to share with you.
I created the presentation. Then defined the data to use for the demo and wrote down the main points. Then I wrote up my reminder notes, for I kept forgetting something, so that would just help me to look at the highlighted word and check nothing is forgotten during the recording. You could of course just use the extra screen – but I like to write on mine something like SMILE 😊
Now run through the presentation a couple of times for yourself. Then get colleges to watch while you run through it and give you feedback. Teams, Zoom or any other media are brilliant tools to help with preparation. It can basically help you with everything, as it mimics what the viewers will experience when they watch your recording. Then make sure the lighting is correct with lights on both sides and that all looks good. Your colleges can best see these things.
To practice further create a Team meeting for yourself. Use this meeting to practice your presentation while recording it. Then look at the recording and check that everything looks as you want it to look. Check that the lights are correct. If the background ok, with no personal items appearing. Am I saying uhhh all the time? Do I talk too fast? Or too slow? Is my voice monotone? Did I forget to smile? Of course, also to check if there is double chin 😊 or if you look awkward. The picture shows my setup. Nothing fancy and shows you that you don’t need to be a gadget nerd to record a session.
Create a task list on what to remember to check before the recording. I had an issue with forgetting to close the door and forgot to turn on the light on my righthand side. So, I ended up creating a checklist to go through before the recording started.
I hope this helps you in your preparation.
