The all-time fashion to record your conference presentation or course lecture in 2021 (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote)

Do y'all need to record a PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote presentation with audio and/or a webcam?

How do I tape my PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides presentations?

How do I make a video of me narrating my presentation slides? Should I use the born recorder that PowerPoint/Keynote has?

I'chiliad asked these questions virtually weekly, so I decided to make a blog/video nearly the basic steps needed to record your presentation slides.

A lot of academics, scientists, or educators need to practise this but aren't really sure the best way to become about information technology.

Or, they retrieve they know the right fashion, just they don't realize that their process is making their life harder (which no 1 needs right now!).

For example: If you wanted to know how to add audio to your PowerPoint presentation file, y'all're already headed in the wrong management for two reasons:

  1. If you're recording presentations the right mode, the steps don't change depending on what slide app y'all're using.

  2. Yous should not use the built-in recording role on your slide software.

That's why I put together this weblog post to help you with the 7 bones steps for getting started.

This article volition help you tape a decent presentation with audio and/or a webcam

Afterwards reading this post, you'll know the bones components of what yous need to create a decent recording of your presentation.

Emphasis on the word "decent" in that higher up sentence. To me, a decent video has:

  • good sound that isn't painful to listen to

  • little-to-no groundwork racket

  • no major mistakes that distract the audience (small mistakes are fine!)

That ways (in my stance) y'all DON'T need to create videos that:

  • include your face up (webcams are optional, in my opinion)

  • require fancy or costly video editing software

  • have special furnishings

  • take no mistakes at all because 100% have been edited out (lol every bit if)

  • audio similar they're made by a professional voiceover actor

If you desire to make Hollywood-level videos for your online class video or briefing presentation, this is non the blog post for you.

If you want to make decent videos, then keep reading for the 7 basic steps to follow if you want to achieve that goal.

Before we get to that, I want to make sure you know I have a FREE training almost effective presentations. Because, part of having a decent recording of your presentation does involve having good slides. Be certain to cheque that out after you read this post.

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Step ane. Get your tech equipment to tape your presentation

The very first matter that you need to practice is get your equipment set to go.

If y'all want a last video that sounds skilful and is smooth and concise, then you cannot just hit record on your computer and beginning.

Hither's what equipment you need:

  • An external microphone with basic accessories

  • A second monitor (technically optional, simply information technology makes your life easier!)

  • Webcam (OPTIONAL)

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

The get-go thing you're going to need to record a presentation is a real microphone.

Under no circumstances tin you lot use your built in computer mic, your webcam mic, or the headphones that come with your cell phones (like the Apple tree headphones).

Those have terrible audio quality and will be irritating for your audience to listen to.

Call up how in the intro we talked near wanting to brand a video that isn't painful to listen to? This is how yous do that.

It is worth the money considering it volition be useful for other tasks you lot do, such as webinars, live class lectures (synchronous teaching), conference presentations, and video calls.

And if you happen to be a guest on a podcast, y'all definitely want a existent mic to increase the likelihood that people will listen to the whole thing.

Don't believe me? Hither is my in-depth commodity near microphones

Hopefully you lot're convinced, or that video volition aid convince you. If so, then your next question is going to exist: What mic should I get?

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

The ATR2100x (Audio Technica) is your all-time option considering:

  • You won't have to worry about background noise as much.

  • It's the most practical to utilise.

  • The accessories you demand are affordable.

  • Information technology's the cheapest mic that also gets you great audio.

  • Information technology has future-proofing features (worry about that later, though).

That might be surprising considering if you go to Amazon and type in "microphone," the Yeti is going to be shoved in your face. It has great reviews and everybody talks about the Yeti.

I don't become it because the Yeti picks up every single background dissonance that exists.

My video editor hated information technology. He had to exercise so much post-production just to get the audio tolerable and to not accept all that background dissonance. It was a hurting in the *ss.

I used it for two years and I thought it was fine until I tested other mics and realized that at that place are way better mics, and for less money.

If you like the idea of spending LESS money to go a BETTER microphone, then get the ATR2100x.

Yous can spend less coin on a mic than that, just in my opinion it's a waste material of money because the improvements to your audio won't be that significant. Save up your money until you can get an ATR2100x (though, ideally, your department is the one paying for this!)

No, combined headset/mics don't audio skilful either. Not fifty-fifty the gaming ones.

Gamer here 👋 and they're not good enough for this purpose.

When I've washed calls with people who are wearing headsets, I'm not impressed with the audio.

I would really prefer you lot just get a Yeti. Combined headsets are that bad. They accept like a…. watery sound. I think information technology's the noise counterfoil. In that location might be some $500 sets out in that location that sound great, simply I'm assuming you're on a budget.

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

After 2 years of frustration with my Yeti, I ditched it for the ATR2100x. I and then used the ATR2100x for most a year (I've since upgraded to something extra fancy).

I was much happier with the audio and my video editor was much happier with the sound. It took a lot less work to get the audio sounding decent.

In addition to the mic, get a foam cover and/or pop guard.

The mic will probably come with a desk stand, which is okay. I recommend getting a boom arm though, so it'due south easier to employ.

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

I as well recommend you get a second monitor

How do you see your presenter notes when giving your presentation?

You use a second monitor. Or, I guess you could print them out? If you have a printer…

Practise NOT record your screen while in editing mode. No one should be seeing your side console or notes section. It'southward just … wrong.

For the love of all things caffeinated, merely get a 2d monitor. It tin be the cheapest i possible, the quality doesn't matter at all.

This isn't to make me happy, this is about making your life easier. And that's exactly what a second monitor does—makes your life easier!

Third, have a webcam if you want to show your face up

But you already know yous demand a webcam if you want to show your face :)

What yous probably desire to know is which webcam to buy.

The answer is: it doesn't really matter.

Get something that's at least 720p, and don't spend as well much on it (say, $120 or less). Don't bother getting one with upgraded audio because it won't be worth the actress cost.

Step ii. Write a script

I'm willing to bet you stumbled on this blog post because you're having a hard time recording your presentations right at present.

Perchance you were unhappy with how it sounded. Chances are, that's because y'all didn't accept a good mic.

Only that's non the only reason academics, scientists, and educators struggle.

The other reason people struggle is because it'southward super difficult and super awkward to brand a recording of yourself.

Does any of this this audio familiar?

  • You've had to restart your recording over and over.

  • You got frustrated with yourself for making too many mistakes.

  • You had ALL THE IDEAS in your head, simply as soon every bit you hit tape your mind went bare.

  • Y'all had an organized talk in your head, simply as soon every bit y'all striking tape y'all went off on all kinds of tangents.

This ane surprises a lot of people, but the easiest fashion to prepare that is to write a script.

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

Recording is a lot harder than you recall. Nearly everyone (including me) underestimates what it takes to tape videos.

If you lot're fine presenting in-person, and have no problem but … talking in front of a group, you'll probably recollect you lot won't demand a script. You lot probably remember you're simply going to be able to hit record and talk.

Hah. lolz.

I mean, maybe. It probably happens like that for some people. But, for most people (and what you should assume when you lot first start) it doesn't work that manner.

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

It'south SUPER WEIRD recording videos.

Y'all aren't talking to anyone, and you have no faces to look at.

Y'all're staring at your webcam and talking to information technology. With enthusiasm.

You're talking to a webcam like it's your BFF and you're communicable upwards on the latest and greatest in your industry.

That'due south actually hard to do, and takes a lot of practice to practise well.

Brand this easier for you by having a script.

The entire recording process goes so much smoother and helps you avoid forgetting what you wanted to say.

Having a script prevents you from going on tangents, and that helps proceed you focused.

While in a face-to-face presentation, you might accept some leeway for going off on tangents or long pauses, etc. Only in a recorded video? People have near-zero patience for that. You have to be shine and proceed upward the pace if you lot want people to picket your videos.

I know what you're thinking: "Merely a script will brand me sound like a robot!"

Or, maybe you're thinking: "I already take no time. I can't make time for writing a script!"

Did I get that right? If then, I take good news for ya: you're thinking well-nigh scripting all wrong.

When done right, information technology doesn't really take that much extra time and it's the #1 strategy to prevent yous from sounding like a robot 🤯

Larn more than about how to script and do your presentations here

3. Design engaging slide presentations

Okay, this step is probably going to be the hardest.

You really, really, really demand to take well-designed, effective, visually engaging presentation slides (effective includes accessible slides) .

Tell me, do you remember webinars are dull?

Chances are you said yeah.

Ok. At present tell me, why do y'all think webinars are boring?

If you're like near academics, scientists, or educators then you said something similar:

  • Information technology's hard to engage people when everyone is sitting at a desk-bound

  • Zoom sucks, everyone has Zoom burnout

  • In that location's less energy when doing a webinar

In other words, you lot probably retrieve that there'southward something inherently incorrect with the webinar format.

That doing an online presentation dooms the presenter into creating a boring presentation.

Not true.

We hate webinars when the presenter does what they always do: a #DeathByPowerpoint presentation with wall of text slides that are but read to the audience.

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

When it'due south an in-person presentation, the presenter's presence and energy can ofttimes recoup for the boring slides.

We can scout the presenter and pretend their slides don't be, and it feels kind of okay.

In a webinar (and video) we lose that selection.

Then do not torture your students with #DeathByPowerpoint lecture slides.

Bad presentations brand it really hard on on your audience.

Bad presentations make it more likely your audience won't pay attention, empathise, remember, or use the information you share.

What do I hateful by #DeathByPowerpoint? Well, I mean slides that await something like this:

How to record a presentation, tips featured by top presentation expert and trainer, Dr Echo Rivera

If this is how your slides await, it's going to be extremely difficult for your students or audition to pay attention to, understand, and retrieve what you're sharing with them.

Slides like those are not coming together your audience "one-half way."

Don't experience bad if your slides are #DeathByPowerpoint. I'm non trying to judge you or shame y'all, because it'southward honestly not your fault.

Did your graduate program include comprehensive training on how to communicate effectively using slides?

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No, it (probably) didn't. Even though we give presentations all the fourth dimension, we aren't trained to do it well.

Luckily, though, I have the grooming you need to get you caught upward to speed. You can become started with my FREE video, as well!

4. Choose your screencasting app to record a presentation

Now it's time to choose your screencasting application.

Do non use the recording feature congenital into PowerPoint or Keynote.

That can glitch out.

Sometimes, the sound and video will exist out of sync.

Or, worse, there is no audio at all.

If you've ever received that "We're pitiful. Some of the narrations weren't exported to the video file" message, y'all know what I'm talking about.

But fifty-fifty if it worked perfectly every single time, the audio is poor quality and sounds very distorted.

Speaking of distorted audio, don't utilise Zoom to tape your presentation either.

The sound compression in Zoom recordings is awful (Dear Zoom, delight fix this!). I only use Zoom to create recordings if I'k doing a live presentation and simply want to share the replay.

But if you lot're just creating a video and there is no alive (synchronous) component, then don't apply it.

In that location are a TON of screencasting apps out there, and I've tried a lot of them, so here are my recommendations for FREE screencasting apps.

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If you're using a Mac, y'all are in luck. Y'all accept Quicktime.

It's free, and already on your mac.

Quicktime is one of the best screencasting programs out there.

The raw audio sounds really good (assuming you lot have an external mic, of course!). It sounds better than Screencast-o-matic, even!

It'due south as well actually easy to use — just a few clicks and y'all're on your way!

The downside is that (concluding I used it), you can't show your camera video at the same fourth dimension equally your screen.

I too dearest Open Broadcaster Studio (OBS).

I beloved OBS considering:

  • It's free

  • It works on Windows and Mac

  • The raw audio sounds great

  • You can use your webcam with it

  • It's highly customizable

Information technology'due south what I'g using for all of my videos at present.

It looks super intimidating at start, but it's actually actually easy to use and withal takes merely a couple clicks to get going.

Before I had OBS, I tried using the Xbox game bar thingie for Windows 10 and I didn't like it. It's not meant for presentation slides. It'due south not a desktop/screen recorder. It'southward a window recorder, and there is a difference.

5. Hit record

I mean, duh. This is conspicuously a step :)

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Now that you have everything ready to become, it's time to striking record.

Basically you're going to:

  1. Open PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote

  2. Open your screencasting app

  3. Prepare your equipment (you choose the devices in your screencasting app)

  4. Hit "presenter way" and tape!

  5. Stop the recording.

That's how you record your PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote presentation with sound and/or a webcam.

Yous don't use the slide software to do it. You employ a screencasting app to record your desktop.

Make sure you lot stay hydrated and take breaks. I can commonly only practice about 1-two hours of recording at a time, but others tin can record for longer. Find your ideal length through practice and trial and error.

PRO TIP: You demand to AMP UP the excitement and enthusiasm.

If you accept an NPR-like vocalization, your viewers will autumn asleep and your videos volition be torture to become through (sorry, merely I'm non here to prevarication to you — I'k here to help you make kick ass videos your viewers will enjoy watching!).

Exist excessive with your energy, even if information technology means you can't tape for equally long equally you desire.

Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to record. Also, be kind to yourself and trust in yourself. It is weird at first, just yous volition get better with practice, I promise!

half dozen. Edit your videos after recording a presentation

Once you take your raw video file, so it'southward time to edit it.

Exercise non try to avoid editing, it's crucial to an efficient workflow and smoothen videos that don't irritate your viewers!

At the very to the lowest degree, you demand to edit out that role where you're choosing presenter style and stopping the recording.

In both Mac and Windows, you tin do this using built-in software. In Macs, you practise it in the finder. In Windows, y'all exercise information technology in the Photo app.

But…you lot'll also want to edit out the big mistakes.

Before you rage quit and exit out of this blog mail service, hear me out…

Remember back in footstep two I said that having a script is one mode to make recording easier?

Estimate what.

The other way to make recording easier is to edit them!

It's so much easier just to record a long video, make mistakes along the style, pause, start over and edit those out.

Leave the pocket-sized mistakes in in that location. Focus on removing the ones that are actually long or distracting.

Spend the 1-ii hours to learn how to edit and information technology volition pay off in the long run.

Trust me.

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One time again, Apple users, yous have a huge reward here because you lot've got iMovie. Information technology's free and is the easiest video editing software I have e'er used in my life.

I literally merely figured it out without any training. (Just if you struggle, at that place are enough of YouTube videos to help you larn it. It is super easy).

Windows users?

lolsob

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This is going to suck.

We tin't brand up our mind with this.

For years, my editor used Final Cutting. We used Apple products for a really long time and Final Cutting is i of the best video editing apps … merely it'south expensive and involves a steep learning curve, which is why I'g recommending iMovie if you have a mac.

But then we switched to Windows. And THAT was a pain because of video editing apps. He tried DaVinci Resolve, Camtasia, Screencast-O-Matic, Adobe Premiere, Filmora, and more than that I'm forgetting.

Screencast-O-Matic, Adobe Premiere, and Filmora just weren't doing information technology for us for a diverseness of reasons.

Camtasia is okay, but editing out mistakes is actually not that easy in Camtasia compared to DaVinci Resolve and Last Cutting.

Camtasia has piece of cake annotations and zooming … but I don't do that in my videos during post-editing and so nosotros needed to prioritize how the app edits out mistakes.

Plus, Camtasia is super expensive and at that place's issues with upgrading to new licenses, etc.

So, we (he) tried Davinci Resolve and information technology was fine. It's free but also difficult to employ. Sadly, we kept getting random "artifacts" in our videos (weird glitch thingies). It might accept been his graphics card. Who knows.

Nosotros're back to using Final Cutting now, after all that. (long sigh).

In short:

  • If you take a Mac, use iMovie

  • If you lot accept a Windows, use whatever yous want and practiced luck

seven. Add captions to your videos

You demand to add captions to your videos. If you teach at a university, it's probably a requirement of ADA.

Some people say that transcripts can work as an alternative, but I tend to disagree with that. Imagine if Boob tube shows didn't accept captions, but instead your merely selection was to download the script. Yep. Y'all could see how that would non be very accessible, correct?

Then, in my opinion you lot can have captions and a transcript. Sure, why not both? But I would not recommend only a transcript.

We use Rev.com for captions for my YouTube videos and it costs $one.25 per infinitesimal of video. Yous'll demand to check with your department or university about options. They are expensive, as they should be, information technology's an important service.

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And, in my stance, your department/university should exist paying for this. They should be covering the price of this to proceed all of their courses accessible. They spend all kinds of money on salaries for administrators and sports coaches. And then at that place should exist a budget for ensuring lectures are attainable and ADA compliant.

But you know…that'southward simply me and my opinion.

And then ask around and see if in that location are funds for this.

Every bit a backup option, yous can add together live subtitles in Powerpoint. I don't know if it's skilful enough to work as captions. Y'all really should try to get professional captions start, but if y'all're really in a pinch, maybe these will work meliorate than nothing at all?

You got this 💪 your presentation recording will be great!

Okie dokie.

These were the seven basic steps to get yous started with recording your presentations.

Obviously there's more involved and I know you have lots of questions, as y'all should, but hopefully this is enough to go you started.

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Just in instance it's not obvious, this is not something to rush into and do at the terminal second!

It takes a lot of time, planning, and a lot of effort to practice well. It'southward totally worth information technology—I honey having online videos and online courses—but if yous don't do it right the first time having to redo it really sucks.

And I'thousand speaking from experience here, so practice it correct the starting time time. Programme ahead and requite it the fourth dimension it needs.

If y'all found this post to be helpful, then I think y'all're going to LOVE my gratis training.

Don't get out without at least checking it out first ~

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