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Recording presentations and using a teleprompter

You can record a presentation in real-time as you present along with a webcam video. There are a couple of easy ways for you to do this, including the use of a teleprompter. 

Record using PowerPoint 

It’s easy to record your presentations with newer versions of PowerPoint.  

  1. Open the PowerPoint presentation you want to record. 
  2. On the Record tab of the ribbon, select From Beginning
  3. Turn on the microphone and the webcam if they aren’t already on by clicking on the icons near the top of the screen. 
  4. Click the red record button in the middle of the screen to record your presentation. 
  5. Once you have finished recording your video, you can click Export

Record using Zoom 

If you would prefer to use Zoom to record your presentation, you can do that too. 

  1. Open Zoom and select New Meeting > Join
  2. Open up your presentation in PowerPoint and start the slide show. 
  3. Back in Zoom, select Share Screen and then select your presentation. 
  4. Select the 3 dots ()  and click Record
  5. Once you have finished your presentation, end the meeting and your recording will be saved. 

It can be difficult to remember everything you need to say in a recording or during a speech or sermon. Teleprompters can make our life easier. 

What does a teleprompter do? 

A teleprompter lets you upload a script which will then scroll at a speed that you can read. The benefit of this is that you can read a script or notes whilst still looking like you are focusing on the camera lens. It looks a lot more professional than being sat shuffling through notes. 

How to write a script 

The first step to writing a script is to carefully plan out what you are going to say. Make sure to have a clear structure to what you are saying – a beginning, a middle and an end. It will be spoken, not read, so you should write how you talk. Don’t be afraid to use language that feels more ordinary and every day. 

When creating content for online, such as videos, there is a good chance you will need to speak on camera. This can seem very daunting, so here are a few top tips to help you. 

Maintain eye contact 

Make sure to look into the camera lens when you are speaking. This may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it will make your video much better and will create a connection with your audience. If you are using a teleprompter, you will be able to read from a script whilst still looking like you are looking at the lens. 

Be well prepared 

Make sure you are well prepared before you start to record a video. You should have a structure in place for what you are going to say, which has a beginning, middle and an end. Think carefully about your audience – what do they need to know? Keep your message simple so that it can be remembered easily.  

Keep things simple 

When you are ready to record your video, look at your surroundings. Is your background clear and free from clutter, or are there a lot of things around you that could distract the viewer? You should consider this when dressing for camera, too. Solid colours work best – try to avoid patterns and stripes as they can steal attention from your audience.  

Confidence on camera 

It’s natural to feel nervous when speaking on camera but remember that you are the one speaking because you have something important to say and your audience wants to hear it. Try to get rid of any tension or stress before you record by relaxing, listening to some gentle music or even doing some stretches. Remember – the worst thing that can happen is that you will be asked to do the recording again. Practice makes perfect!