While it was once just a cool option, screen recording is now an essential method for creating content for tutorials, presentations, webinars, and more. Although it seems easy, several common mistakes can compromise the quality of your recordings.
To create quality recordings and ensure your final projects are professional, you’ll want to avoid the following pitfalls.
1. Not editing out small errors
Screen recordings are designed to capture your activity in real-time, and there’s a chance you’re going to make mistakes. For instance, you might brush your lavalier mic with your hand, cough loudly, or take extra time to perform a recorded action. It’s tempting to ignore these small errors, but that will make your final production feel unprofessional.
If you make mistakes that compromise the quality of your end result, edit your recordings. It’s not as hard as it may seem. You don’t need fancy software to make edits. Just get a screen recorder that comes with basic or advanced editing capabilities and you can do all of your editing inside the same application when you’re done recording.
2. Neglecting audio quality
Audio quality is a critical factor that can make or break a screen recording. Poor audio will distract your audience and cause them to view your content as unprofessional. The only way to ensure quality audio is to get a high-quality microphone and test it before each recording.
Avoid using your device’s built-in microphone. Even if it picks up sound perfectly, it’s not going to eliminate background noise or respond the way a professional mic will. Investing in a quality external mic will increase clarity and reduce ambient noise.
3. Recording with noise in the background
Ambient sounds like traffic, air conditioning, dishwashers, kids, television, and barking dogs can ruin a screen recording. If your house is normally a little noisy, schedule your recording sessions for quieter times so you don’t have to deal with unwanted sounds. The last thing you want is to get through 90% of your recording before your dog starts barking at the mailman.
4. Having a cluttered screen
Whether you choose to record your entire screen or just a selected portion, digital clutter will distract your viewers. It’s usually desktop clutter that has a negative impact, so make sure you clean it up before recording. If you need to keep files on your desktop for some reason, stash everything in a folder temporarily and then put them back when you’re done.
5. Too many apps open at once
Having a bunch of applications open while you’re recording can slow down your computer and cause your screen recording to come out jerky. Before recording, close all the applications you don’t need to use.
6. Leaving your browser tabs and bookmarks in sight
It’s best to start recording with a fresh browser window to avoid capturing your private information in your video. For example, you might click on the wrong tab and display some sensitive data for a split second. It’s virtually guaranteed that someone out there will pause your video to get a better look.
It’s equally important to hide your bookmarks bar while screen recording. Your audience doesn’t need to see the websites you’re saving for later. Some of those links could be embarrassing, while others might be revealing, like giving away your banking institution or the fact that you have an account with a certain company.
7. Not preparing fully
Going into a recording session unprepared can produce an undesirable, disorganized video. Retakes are possible, but you probably don’t want to record the same video multiple times.
Always have some kind of script or outline, even if you’re just going to speak naturally with the flow. An outline will keep you on track to ensure you don’t miss important points, and a script will help you make your most important points clearly without fumbling.
8. Reading directly from your slides
If you’re using slides, keep the text to a minimum. Slides with dense text encourage reading, while slides with key points will keep you on track; you can elaborate while keeping your viewers engaged.
9. Speaking in a monotone voice
Monotone delivery is boring and won’t keep viewers engaged for long. The easiest way to avoid this is to not read a full script. Reading a script verbatim can make your delivery flat. Aim to be more conversational to increase relatability and engagement.
Elevate your screen recordings
Screen recording isn’t rocket science, but it takes careful planning to create professional, engaging content. With clear audio, crisp visuals, and a little editing, you can turn your screen recordings into high-impact videos that capture attention and deliver value to your audience.
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