Speech Recording Tips

Record in a professional setting:

A classroom, PSC Library study room, or conference room is ideal.

Have an audience:

An audience is key for public speaking--without them, there is no "public." The audience should wave at the camera at the start.

Let your audience know it’s okay to participate:

Make sure that they know that they are a part of the performance and that their behavior will help you give a great speech. Tell them to laugh, nod, make eye contact with you, clap at the end, etc. 

Prepare your surroundings:

The audience should face you so you can make eye contact with them and not the camera. You should be speaking directly to the people in the room; the camera is there merely to capture the performance.

Camera placement:

Make sure the room is well-lit: not having a light above or behind you is key.

Speech submission:

• At the end of the speech, count off your notecards and hold the content up to the camera. Not all instructors require this, but it is good practice just in case.

• Please do not cut or alter your speech video file. Per IAI, edited speeches are not allowed.

• Upload your speech according to the instructions of your professor. 

Other Resources:

Recording yourself at home can feel daunting. Watch this video on recording speeches at home to ensure you have met assignment requirements for venue, lighting, sound, and camera placement.