During these unusual times, everyone from students in K-12 to professionals in the workforce are adapting to our current “virtual reality” of learning and communicating through our computers. Whether you are giving a live presentation online, completing a virtual scholarship interview or prerecording a video to post, there are several things to consider.
Developed by: Shane Michael, Karen Henry, & Chelsea Woodard UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, 4-H Agents
Setting- Scope out the best place to set up your recording. Look for a quiet room with little to no background noise. View the room through the camera and be sure the room is tidy and nothing you don’t want to be seen is in the frame. Consider a backdrop of a natural or solid color.
Lights- Take into account the lighting of the room. It is recommend that the lighting come from in front of you. Make every effort to not set up in front of a window or glass door. Record yourself giving part of your presentation and review the footage and ask yourself, “Is there too much light or is too dark? Do I look like I’m getting ready to tell ghost. Adjust 
the light as needed.
Camera- Use the best device you have available for recording your presentation. Ensure the picture quality is good as well as the recording function. Try as many devices as you can: a smart phone, tablet, GoPro, lap top, webcam, or a digital camera. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera.
Action- Practice, Practice, and Practice some more. Run through your presentation using your visual aids. Giving a presentation to only a camera and an empty room will feel different. Stand when you present and talk directly to the camera with a loud strong voice. Practice moving from one poster to another and advancing slides, just as you would for an in-person presentation.
Wardrobe- Dress the part. Wear the exact outfit you are planning to wear for your presentation. Dress up just as you would for the event if it was being held face-to-face. Make sure that your dress is professional, colors are contrasting and patterns are kept to a minimum.
Props- Will you have posters, items for your demonstration, or a PowerPoint presentation? Examine how they appear in the video. You may notice that the lettering on your poster may need to be larger and darker to be clearer to the camera. Or your really colorful PowerPoint background may appear unfocused and your fonts hard to read.
Additional Resources:
Parts of a Speech: https://www.facebook.com/SeminoleCounty4H/videos/826094381207974/
A Guide to Making Great 4-H Speeches: https://4h.unl.edu/documents/guidetomakinggreatspeeches.pdf
For more information on becoming involved in 4-H as a member, volunteer, or supporter please visit our website at http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/4-H
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UF-IFAS-Extension-Seminole-County-4-H-594279707290645/
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