Video guidelines

Thank you for agreeing to create a video in support of the AVMF’s mission. This guide offers tips to help you set up the best audio and visual configuration, ensuring your message is clear and engaging.

Step 1: Prepare your environment

• Lighting
  • Use natural light: Position yourself facing a window to use natural light or use soft artificial lighting.
  • Avoid backlighting: Ensure light sources are in front of you, not behind.
• Background
  • Choose a simple background: Avoid distractions. A plain wall or a tidy room works well.

• • Virtual backgrounds: Use Zoom’s virtual background feature if your environment is cluttered.
• Sound
  • Quiet space: Minimize background noise by choosing a quiet location.

• • Microphone quality: Use an external microphone for better sound quality if possible.

Step 2: Set up your equipment

• Camera position
  • Eye level: Place your camera at eye level for a natural look.
  • Frame yourself: Ensure your head and shoulders are visible, with a bit of space above your head.
  • Camera position: Place your laptop, phone, or camera on a tripod or stable surface to ensure steady footage. Avoid holding the camera while recording to prevent shakiness.

• Camera quality
  • External camera: Consider using a higher-quality external webcam if your built-in camera is insufficient.

• Internet connection
  • Stable connection: Use a wired connection or ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal to prevent lag or disconnection.

Step 3: Use Zoom features effectively

• Settings
  • Enable HD: In Zoom’s video settings, enable HD for clearer video.
  • Touch up my appearance: Use this feature for a subtle improvement in your on-camera look.
• Screen sharing
  • Prepare materials: Have your slides or documents ready and practice screen sharing beforehand.
  • Annotate: Use Zoom’s annotation tools for interactive presentations.

• Recording
  • Local or cloud recording: Decide whether to record locally or on Zoom’s cloud based on your needs.
  • Spotlight: Use the Spotlight feature to keep the focus on the speaker during the recording.

Step 4: Engage your audience

• Eye contact
  • Look at the camera: Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, not the screen.

• Body language
  • Sit up straight: Good posture conveys confidence.

• • Use gestures: Natural gestures make your presentation more engaging.

• Pacing
  • Speak clearly: Enunciate and moderate your speaking pace.
  • Pause regularly: Give your audience time to absorb information.

Additional tips

• Be yourself
  • Authenticity: Be natural and authentic to build a connection with your audience.

• Stay Calm
  • Stay composed: If technical issues arise, stay calm and address them professionally.

• Backup plan
  • Have a backup: Prepare a backup device or plan in case of technical difficulties.

By following these tips, you can create effective, engaging, and professional videos on Zoom. Here are some examples for reference:

• https://aamcaction.org/2023/08/aamc-action-ambassador-spotlight-rachel-schafer/

• https://www.dropbox.com/s/k2y4cbnm13yi7gf/01_Lauren%20Underwood%20FINAL%20with%20captions.mp4?dl=0

• https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7onviqw3zoxniwtetktc4/Angel-Johnson-legislative-with-captions.mp4?rlkey=h0z1w15msj78fpndnxuhj5n7q&dl=0