Record Effective Video Presentations

We all know how important a first introduction is. It’s the reason why we dress up before an important job interview, brush our teeth before a first date, and make a meal look good before we serve it. We all make instant judgments that either give us hope or lower expectations. With your PowerPoint presentation the cover slide, or title slide, is the all-important first introduction. It’s a taste of things to come for the rest of your presentation. Your PowerPoint presentation cover is also an indicator of quality. It shows your audience how much care has gone into you entire project. Feeling the pressure yet? An exceptional presentation cover gives your audience hope that the presentation will be exceptional. Conversely, a poorly designed or low quality PowerPoint cover conveys a lack of attention to detail.

PowerPoint uses slides with a horizontal or “Landscape” orientation. The software was designed as a convenient way to display graphical information that would support the speaker and supplement the presentation. The slides themselves were never meant to be the “star of the show” (the star, of course, is your audience). People came to hear you and be moved or informed (or both) by you and your message. Don’t let your message and your ability to tell a story get derailed by slides that are unnecessarily complicated, busy, or full of what Edward Tufte calls “chart junk.” Nothing in your slide should be superfluous, ever. Your slides should have plenty of “white space” or “negative space.” Do not feel compelled to fill empty areas on your slide with your logo or other unnecessary graphics or text boxes that do not contribute to better understanding.

Use high-quality graphics including photographs. You can take your own high-quality photographs with your digital camera, purchase professional stock photography, or use the plethora of high-quality images available on line (be cautious of copyright issues, however). Never simply stretch a small, low-resolution photo to make it fit your layout – doing so will degrade the resolution even further.Avoid using PowerPoint Clip Art or other cartoonish line art. Again, if it is included in the software, your audience has seen it a million times before. It may have been interesting in 1993, but today the inclusion of such clip art often undermines the professionalism of the presenter. There are exceptions, of course, and not all PowerPoint art is dreadful, but use carefully and judiciously.

Fonts communicate subtle messages in and of themselves, which is why you should choose fonts deliberately. Use the same font set throughout your entire slide presentation, and use no more than two complementary fonts. Make sure you know the difference between a Serif font and a Sans-Serif font (Helvetica or Arial). Serif fonts were designed to be used in documents filled with lots of text. Serif fonts are said to be easier to read at small point sizes, but for on screen presentations the serifs tend to get lost due to the relatively low resolution of projectors. San-serif fonts are generally best for PowerPoint presentations, but try to avoid the ubiquitous Helvetica. Consistency in font choice enhances readability and professionalism, so stick to a clean, modern look that complements your presentation’s theme.

High-quality audio is essential for an engaging video presentation. Studies show that poor audio quality can significantly reduce a video's impact and memorability. However, achieving professional sound often requires technical expertise in areas like sampling rates, frequencies, and compression—knowledge that most presenters lack. For clear narration, using an external microphone is highly recommended. While built-in laptop or PC microphones may be convenient, they often produce muffled or distorted sound, which can be distracting to your audience. Investing in a good microphone ensures your voice is crisp, clear, and professional. Additionally, minimizing background noise and using basic audio editing tools can further enhance the listening experience, keeping your audience focused on your content.

Incorporating a camera feed into your video presentation can make a significant difference in how your audience perceives and engages with your content. Seeing the speaker’s face fosters a sense of connection and trust, making your presentation feel more personal and engaging. When viewers can see your expressions and body language, it adds depth to your message, reinforcing key points and making the delivery more dynamic. A visible speaker also enhances credibility. Studies show that audiences are more likely to pay attention and retain information when they can associate a voice with a real person. It mimics in-person communication, reducing the sense of detachment that sometimes occurs in online presentations. Additionally, social presence plays a crucial role in maintaining audience interest. A floating video of the speaker next to the slides creates a more interactive experience.

A big mistake online presenters frequently make is not engaging and connecting to the audience If you are teaching a software program, most presenters only show the software screen only and not the presenter. This creates disconnect between the presenter and the audience. Most of the time when you’re teaching software, you are not moving your mouse around. Instead you show how to do something, and then you spend most of the remaining time talking about the theory behind what you just did. So, if you’re just showing the screen with voiceover, the video becomes boring. On the other hand, if the instructor looks right at the learner when he is talking, it creates a connected bond similar to being in a classroom with an instructor. Incorporating a small video overlay of yourself while presenting can help maintain engagement and make the experience feel more personal.

Studies show that camera angles influence how viewers perceive you. While a lower camera angle can create a sense of authority, it’s generally unflattering and can exaggerate features. For the best results, position your webcam at eye level or slightly above to create a balanced and natural look. If you’re self-conscious about your appearance, a slightly higher angle can help define your face. Avoid placing the camera too close, as it can appear intimidating, and ensure a comfortable head-and-shoulders framing. While power dynamics can play a role in certain angles, most professionals recommend an eye-level or slightly downward angle for a friendly, engaging, and professional presence on camera.

Your background plays a crucial role in how professional and engaging your video appears. A cluttered or distracting background can shift attention away from you, while a clean, well-curated setting enhances your presence. If tidying up isn’t an option, blurring your background or using a virtual one can be a great solution. A slight blur keeps the focus on you while maintaining a natural look, whereas a virtual background can help establish your brand or set the right mood for your content. However, overly artificial or busy virtual backgrounds can be distracting, so choose one that is simple and professional. If using a virtual background, ensure proper lighting and contrast to avoid glitches or unnatural edges. Whether you blur or go virtual, the goal is to create a polished, distraction-free environment that keeps your audience focused on your message.

A well-rehearsed presentation feels more natural, confident, and engaging. Practicing helps you refine your delivery, catch any mistakes, and ensure smooth transitions between slides. Start by doing a few test runs aloud to get comfortable with your script and timing. This will help you identify areas that need improvement, such as unclear explanations or awkward pauses. If possible, record a short test video and watch it back to assess your pacing, tone, and clarity. Practicing also reduces nervousness and allows you to focus on delivering your message effectively rather than worrying about what to say next. By rehearsing beforehand, you’ll feel more prepared, making your final recording polished and professional. Additionally, practicing helps you fine-tune your gestures, voice modulation, and overall presence, making your delivery more engaging. The more comfortable you are with your content, the more confidently and naturally you’ll present.