Making a Video Presentation
So you want to present your research at the 2015 MAPEA virtual symposium but you’re thinking, I don’t know the first thing about virtual presentations! You might be wondering: How do I make a presentation when there isn’t a live audience? What do I do with my visual aid? What should I wear? There’s no need to be anxious, just follow these basic principles and you’ll be fine. This video has tips and advice.
Before you begin you’re going to need a few things:
To do this, position yourself close to the camera with the lens right about eye-level, as if you and the camera are about to engage in regular conversation. If you don’t have a tripod you can set the camera on any level surface, but keep in mind that you may have to adjust your height.
If you’re used to giving presentations in a lecture hall you might have to adjust your style a bit, as you’re going to feel much closer to your audience in this format. You should still speak clearly and project, but you can leave behind the “stage presence” and relax a little.
After your camera is set up record a minute of yourself to get familiar with how you look and sound on camera. You may have to make adjustments such as positioning yourself closer to or further from the camera, adjusting the lighting by opening a window or turning on a lamp, or moving to a space with less background noise. Once you’re comfortable with your setup, rehearse a few times without recording to get a feel for the flow and pace of your presentation. Then, record yourself and watch it through, maybe with a friend or colleague. If you or anyone you show the video to can’t stand to watch it past the first 30 seconds, you may need to make some adjustments. Also, make sure you're following the helpful tips on presenting at a conference that are listed below.
Don’t worry about making mistakes as those can be edited out using software such as Camtasia or iMovie.
Hopefully this video helps you get a better understanding of how easy a virtual presentation can be. If you want further information, check out some of the other resources on this page to find out how to make the best presentation video possible. As always, if you have any questions you can ask me directly at msbraven@svsu.edu.
Before you begin you’re going to need a few things:
- A "script" and/or sequence of your presentation
- A video camera that can record sound
- A tripod, or something to place the camera on
- A well lit, quiet place
- Oh, and a presentation--- more about that later
To do this, position yourself close to the camera with the lens right about eye-level, as if you and the camera are about to engage in regular conversation. If you don’t have a tripod you can set the camera on any level surface, but keep in mind that you may have to adjust your height.
If you’re used to giving presentations in a lecture hall you might have to adjust your style a bit, as you’re going to feel much closer to your audience in this format. You should still speak clearly and project, but you can leave behind the “stage presence” and relax a little.
After your camera is set up record a minute of yourself to get familiar with how you look and sound on camera. You may have to make adjustments such as positioning yourself closer to or further from the camera, adjusting the lighting by opening a window or turning on a lamp, or moving to a space with less background noise. Once you’re comfortable with your setup, rehearse a few times without recording to get a feel for the flow and pace of your presentation. Then, record yourself and watch it through, maybe with a friend or colleague. If you or anyone you show the video to can’t stand to watch it past the first 30 seconds, you may need to make some adjustments. Also, make sure you're following the helpful tips on presenting at a conference that are listed below.
Don’t worry about making mistakes as those can be edited out using software such as Camtasia or iMovie.
Hopefully this video helps you get a better understanding of how easy a virtual presentation can be. If you want further information, check out some of the other resources on this page to find out how to make the best presentation video possible. As always, if you have any questions you can ask me directly at msbraven@svsu.edu.
Presenting at a Conference
Your virtual presentation should include a balance of two things. 1) Video of you addressing the "audience" on camera and 2) Clear, simple visuals (slides, photos or archival video clips) to emphasize important topics in your presentation. Visual aids should be used sparingly, your audience should rely on your presentation skills to convey the majority of the information.
Length: about 5 minutes
Intro: Title of presentation, name(s) of author(s)
Background info: 1-2 slides to introduce audience to relevance/application of research project
Purpose: 1 slide to state purpose of research project, phrased as research hypothesis or central question
Methodology: 3-5 slides
Describe how you narrowed your focus to the subject you researched
Describe any sampling techniques used, if applicable
Describe the assessment/measurement techniques or processes used
Techniques used to analyze data/statistics
Results: 3-4 slides
Use graphs to compare/contrast numerical results
Minimize use of tables (they don't play well on video)
Discussion: 1-2 slides
Relate how findings impact literature, theory, practice
Impact the study results have on the discipline
Conclusion: 1 slide
What you conclude from results, with inference
Suggestions/applications/further research, if any
Closing: Thank audience (viewers) and any important mentors/sponsors who helped make research project possible
Length: about 5 minutes
Intro: Title of presentation, name(s) of author(s)
Background info: 1-2 slides to introduce audience to relevance/application of research project
Purpose: 1 slide to state purpose of research project, phrased as research hypothesis or central question
Methodology: 3-5 slides
Describe how you narrowed your focus to the subject you researched
Describe any sampling techniques used, if applicable
Describe the assessment/measurement techniques or processes used
- Show photos/videos of researchers (you and your team) working
- Provide sense of validity and reliability
- Describe dependent variable(s)
Techniques used to analyze data/statistics
Results: 3-4 slides
Use graphs to compare/contrast numerical results
Minimize use of tables (they don't play well on video)
Discussion: 1-2 slides
Relate how findings impact literature, theory, practice
Impact the study results have on the discipline
Conclusion: 1 slide
What you conclude from results, with inference
Suggestions/applications/further research, if any
Closing: Thank audience (viewers) and any important mentors/sponsors who helped make research project possible
