Now that you're an approved expert, you're probably feeling eager to start recording. We've created training videos and other helpful resources to guide you through the ins and outs of creating content with us. Everything you need to know is here, so dive in!
Connection > Perfection: Audiences engage more with authenticity than flawless delivery.
Script = Safety Net, Not a Crutch: Use bullet points or rough outlines, not full scripts.
Natural Delivery Builds Trust: Speak like you’re talking to one person, not an audience.
Imperfections Are Powerful: Pauses, stumbles, even laughter—they make you human and relatable.
Hook: Start strong with a reason to keep watching (question, statement, or problem).
Main Message: Focus on one core idea—don’t overload the viewer.
Takeaway: Leave them with one action, insight, or idea to remember.
Keep It Tight: Aim for clarity and flow over squeezing in too much.
Start with the Learner in Mind: Address a problem, challenge, or curiosity they care about.
Use Questions, Stories, or Bold Statements: Grab attention without being gimmicky.
Keep It Short and Clear: The hook should be 1–2 sentences max.
Set the Expectation: Let the viewer know why the content matters and what they’ll walk away with.
Focus on One Idea at a Time: Avoid overloading with too much information.
Introduce, Explain, Reinforce: Use examples or analogies to make points stick.
Use Natural Pauses: Give viewers a moment to process before moving on.
Keep It Tight and Clear: Well-structured points are easier to retain and apply.
Give a Clear, Simple Action Step: Reinforce the learning with something they can do.
Keep It Relevant and Immediate: Tie it directly to the video’s key point.
Don’t Just Recap—Drive Action: Encourage follow-through, not just reflection.
Make It Feel Achievable: One step is better than a list of five.
Keep It Clean and Uncluttered: Your background should be simple, tidy, and not distracting.
Avoid Visual Noise: Steer clear of movement, mess, or text-heavy backgrounds.
Use Natural Light: Position yourself near a window for soft, flattering light.
Use a Tripod or Stable Surface: Keep your phone secure to avoid shaky footage.
Check the Horizon Line: Make sure your background looks level and not tilted.
Avoid Handheld Shots: Lock in your framing and keep it consistent throughout.
Natural Light Is Ideal: Use daylight by facing a window for soft, even lighting.
Avoid Backlighting: Never sit with your back to a bright window—it’ll wash you out.
Artificial Light Adds Control: Use a ring light or lamp when natural light isn’t available or reliable.
Prioritize Even Lighting: Aim for clear visibility, no harsh shadows, and consistent tone.
Front-Facing Light Is Key: Light from the front to reduce strong side shadows.
Soften Harsh Light: Use diffusers, bounce light off walls, or DIY with fabric.
Balance with Multiple Sources: Two soft lights at angles can eliminate shadows entirely.
Avoid Overhead Lighting: It creates unflattering shadows under the eyes and nose.
Scan for Clutter: Remove anything messy or out of place in the shot.
Watch for Visual Distractions: Avoid things like mirrors, motion, or odd objects behind your head.
Keep It Simple and Intentional: A clean wall, plant, or shelf is enough—as long as it’s not competing for attention.
Do a Quick Test Shot: Record a few seconds, then review the background before filming the real thing.
Mark Tripod, Camera, and Lighting Placement: Use tape or low-adhesive markers for quick re-setup.
Mark Where You Sit or Stand: Helps maintain consistent framing and eye level.
Useful for Multi-Day Filming: Quickly return to the same setup without guesswork.
Keeps the Look Consistent: Visual consistency = polished final content.
Keep the Camera at Eye Level: This creates a natural, flattering angle.
Frame Your Head and Shoulders: Leave a bit of space above your head—avoid cutting off or floating.
Use Portrait Orientation: Always shoot vertically for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Shorts.
Avoid Angles From Below or Above: These can feel awkward or distracting—stick to straight-on shots.
Centered = Direct Focus: Best for personal delivery, education, or when the viewer’s attention should stay on you.
Offset = Visual Balance: Ideal for adding text, b-roll, or creating a more dynamic feel using the rule of thirds.
Mind the Space Around You: Don’t drift too far—keep your body framed cleanly with some headroom and breathing space.
Let the Background Work With You: Make sure your environment complements the framing, not distracts from it.
Avoid the In-Camera Mic: Built-in mics pick up echo, background noise, and lack clarity—especially if you're more than a few feet away.
Use a Wired Lapel Mic for Budget + Quality: Affordable, easy to use, and gives much better sound.
Go Wireless for Flexibility: Ideal for standing shots, walking, or recording at a distance.
Audio Trumps Visuals: Viewers will forgive average visuals—but not bad sound. Prioritize audio every time.
Place the Mic 6–8 Inches Below Your Chin: Usually on your shirt collar or center chest—this gives clean, direct sound.
Avoid Contact Noise: Keep the mic clear of jewelry, zippers, or hair to prevent scratchy interference.
Conceal with Care: If hiding it, use medical or gaffer tape and leave space to avoid muffling.
Always Test Before Recording: Check for clear, balanced sound—no rustling or echo—before you hit record.
Record a Short Silence Test: Listen for ambient or hidden background sounds.
Watch for Common Noise Sources: AC, fans, appliances, outdoor noise.
Adjust Your Space If Needed: Turn things off, close doors, or add soft materials.
Clean Audio = Less Editing + Better Focus: Quiet recordings sound more professional and polished.
Back Camera = Better Quality: Sharper, cleaner, and more dynamic video.
Camera Settings: Go to Settings → Camera → Record Video.
Video Quality and Frame Rate: Select 4K at 30fps for the best overall quality.
Filming Settings: Turn on Grid to help with straight, balanced framing, and disable HDR Video.
Use AE/AF Lock: Tap and hold on your face to lock focus and exposure.
Camera Settings: Go to Camera Settings > Video Resolution: This is usually inside the Camera app under the gear icon.
Video Quality and Frame Rate: Select 4K at 30fps for the best overall quality.
Tap and Hold to Lock Focus & Exposure: This keeps lighting and sharpness consistent.
Look for “AE/AF Lock” or a Lock Icon: It varies by phone, but means the lock is active.
Slide Up/Down to Adjust Brightness: Fine-tune exposure after locking for the best lighting
Talk to One Person: Imagine the camera as a friend to sound natural and relaxed.
Do a Practice Take: Shake off nerves and get in the zone before the real one.
Allow Imperfections: Flubs and pauses make you human—and relatable.
Focus on Connection, Not Performance: The goal is to be clear, real, and present—not perfect.
Use Natural Gestures: Let your hands move with your words to emphasize key points.
Engage with Your Face: Expressions like smiling or raising your eyebrows add emotion and clarity.
Stay Open and Relaxed: Avoid crossing your arms or looking stiff—openness makes you more relatable.
Maintain Confident Posture: Sit or stand tall—it helps your energy and how your message lands.
Match Your Energy to Your Message: Speak with intention and presence—avoid sounding flat or monotone.
Use Vocal Variety: Vary your pitch, pace, and volume to keep things interesting.
Pause with Purpose: Pauses help your message land and give viewers space to absorb what you’re saying.
Smile While Speaking: It naturally boosts warmth and vocal tone—even if no one sees the smile.
Visualize One Person: Speak as if you're talking to a friend to sound more personal and natural.
Use Body Language: Gestures and facial expressions make your energy contagious.
Embrace Imperfections: Small stumbles make you relatable and real.
Do a Practice Take: Get comfortable and let your natural rhythm kick in by recording once just for warm-up.
Framing: Eye-level camera, balanced headroom, centered or purposeful offset.
Lighting: Front-facing light, no shadows, no blown-out windows behind you.
Audio: Mic 6–8 inches from your mouth, no clothing noise, test your sound.
Background: Clean, distraction-free, visually intentional.
Phone Steady: Tripod or solid surface—no wobbles or tilts.
Focus on Your Why: Remember your purpose to stay motivated and clear.
Take a Deep Breath: Center yourself to calm nerves and boost confidence.
Communicate Your Message: Be clear, authentic, and connect with your audience.
Use Natural, Front-Facing Light: Position yourself near a window for soft, even lighting.
Use the Back Camera and a Tripod: Higher quality and steadier results; use the timer for hands-free shots.
Frame and Background Matter: Chest-up framing, eye level, neutral background.
Take Multiple Shots and Relax: Try different angles and expressions to find the best one.
MP4 Format: Universally supported and efficient for web and social platforms.
Match Your Original Resolution: Export in 4K or 1080p—never downscale if you don’t have to.
Check Export Settings: Look for “High Quality,” “Best,” or set a higher bitrate to avoid compression artifacts.
Playback Before Sending: Watch your exported file to catch any glitches before sharing.
Video Quality: Clear, steady, well-lit, and properly framed.
Audio Clarity: No background noise, solid volume, clean sound.
Correct Format + Resolution: MP4 at 4K or 1080p, vertical if needed.
Performance Feels Strong: Confident, natural delivery with good energy and pacing.
Upload to the Provided Google Drive Folder: Use clear filenames to stay organized.
Dropbox Is Also an Option: Send your producer a shareable link if you go that route.
Your Producer Will Review & Approve: They'll check for quality, clarity, and performance.
You May Be Asked to Re-Record: Only if something doesn’t meet the standard—it's all about making you shine.