Tips for Recording Narrated Slides

Owned by Former user (Deleted)
Last updated: Nov 23, 2020
2 min read

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:

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).