Tips for Recording Narrated Slides

Description: Slides can be narrated with or without video, exported as a video file, uploaded to YouTube and linked in Moodle.

Best Practices:

• Limit video recordings to 6-8 minutes
• Segment lengthy topics sub-points to record separately
• Write a script or outline for prepared content
• Determine key points; deliver them concisely
• Extend longevity for lecture content intended for reuse by avoiding: references to current events, dates, page numbers, the weather, etc.

Examples of Use:

• Course lecture content
• Guest Speakers
• Weekly communication
• Summaries of forums, assignments, blog posts, wikis, etc.
• Video contributions to assignments or forums by students

Apps:

• PowerPoint (Windows and Mac)
  • Note: On a Mac, make sure you are using PowerPoint 2019 so that when you export your file to video the narrations are included.
  • PowerPoint 2019 has the functionality to record audio and video onto slides.
• Keynote (Mac) 
• See Tips for Recording Screen Capture Videos
  • Screen Capture can be used to record slides and/or video at the same time.
• See Tips for Recording Audio for suggested microphones

Microphones

• Use an external USB microphone to record on a computer, when possible
  • e.g., Blue Snowball Mic available for checkout from the BU library
  • a microphone on a headset (even earbuds) is better than the internal mic on a computer

Locations:

• Faculty may reserve the Voice Over Booth (ANC265) using this calendar link
• Bethel Podcast Studio (HC300A)

Recording Tips

• Drink water before recording to avoid mouth noises
• Silence all devices
• Keep microphone a few inches away from mouth
• Make sure audio quality and levels are good by recording a quick test and listening back to it through headphones

Tips for Recording From Home:

• Find a quiet room to record in
• Record during a quiet time of the day or night
• Avoid other voices, traffic noises, barking dogs, kitchen noises, etc.
• Mute phones and other devices with alarms or audible signals
• Select a room that has a significant amount of "softness" which will reduce echos. This includes items like:
  • carpeting
  • drapes
  • furniture upholstered with fabric
  • bedding
  • clothing
  • pillows

How to do it yourself:

Step One

• Write an outline or script
• Record a short segment and play it back to check the sound quality
• Record your audio/video onto slides, or use screen capture to record
• Save your file 
  • PowerPoint = .pptx
  • Keynote = .key
  • Screen Capture = .mp4
• Export .pptx and .key files to a video format

Step Two

• Choose Your Deployment Method - place in Moodle (audio files that are less than 50MB), or share via Google Drive (audio files greater than the 50MB Moodle file limit).

  • If uploading into your Moodle course: use the "File" resource, or link to the file in a label, page, assignment or forum
  • If sharing from Google Drive: use the URL resource, or link it in a label, page, assignment or forum. Upload a Google Drive File to a Moodle Forum or Online Assignment