Rapid Eye Digital has produced over 300 training videos, and during that time, we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t work. We thought we’d take a moment to share a little bit of what we learned.
— Part 1: Camera Shy —
The Challenge
The single biggest challenge we face when producing a training video is camera-shy teachers. Behind the accuracy of the information, delivery of the information is critical to effective teaching. Highly valued teachers in the classroom speak about the subject with charisma, engage their students with a certain energy, and carry a level of confidence that assures in the audience that what they say must be true. Take away the classroom and the same is a necessity with video and is an art in itself to achieve. Failure to capture this energy and your video becomes boring, confusing, and untrustworthy.
Solution 1: Leave your Ego at the Door
Lets get this out of the way – Being a bad teacher on camera does not make you a bad teacher in the classroom or relate in any way. It takes professional actors years to become “natural” in front of the camera. Don’t automatically assume that the only way to get your information across is by using a classroom teacher.
The best solution is to use an actor to deliver the information. An actor is trained to engage the camera in an interesting and believable fashion; in the same way a teacher engages with students in person. They can be cast for a specific look and voice. The teacher rather should serve as the puppet master – developing the material, detailing the explanations, and helping to direct the video shoot. In the past, we recorded a real class being taught with that same information. We used that recording to develop a script for the video. In this way, we were able to capture some of the details and side explanations and stories not covered in the curriculum outline.
Solution 2: Good Distractions
In acting class, they usually try to give you something physical to do while on camera. This is a distraction from the camera and produces real actions and reactions. The same can be true in training videos. Placing your teacher in front of a chalkboard or whiteboard gives them something to do. We recommend writing at least an outline of the information on the board ahead of time. The teacher can then physically refer back to the board as he/she is presenting the material. The teacher can write more information, circle important points, and use the board as a guide to keep organized during the presentation.
The second distraction is having students in the background or on camera with the teacher. This creates a more familiar atmosphere. The students can ask questions and “normal” classroom-like interaction can occur.
Solution 3: Off – Camera
The last solution we’ll talk about is teaching through narration. Material can often be presented quite effectively without being on camera. Text, photos, video, and animation can all communicate the information while the teacher or voice actor narrates. Many teachers are good orators and taking away the camera eases tension. You can view an example of this type of video at our blog on the production process.
There are many solutions to convert a fantastic learning experience in the classroom to a quality training video. We hope you’ll try some of these examples in your next video.
R.E.D. Team
www.rapideyedigital.com
www.rapideyedigital.com/blog
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