This year's preliminary video deadline is Tuesday, November 26th at 23:59
You can upload your video here (Tokai login required):
https://forms.office.com/r/1scVS1KzES
*Special Note*: No video editing is allowed! This includes filters, or trimming and cutting video content. Such editing could lead to disqualification.
Shooting Guidelines
Sit around 50 – 100 cm away from the camera and frame your upper torso in shot.
Ensure your camera is at eye level and maintain eye-contact with it. Look at the camera in the same way that you would look at a person during a conversation, or an audience during a speech. Use a stack of books, a tripod to achieve the correct height.
A smartphone camera is usually better quality than a webcam, but, either is ok. If you are using a smartphone, make sure it is recording in landscape:
The outward facing camera on a smartphone is usually better than the inward (selfie) camera. However, if you use the outward camera, you can’t see yourself when recording, so you’ll need to take some practice videos to make sure you are framed correctly.
4. Background
Try and find a plain, light-colored background (no virtual backgrounds). Keep background distractions to a minimum. A plain-colored wall works best.
If it is difficult to avoid things in the background, choose an area that is not too distracting and looks professional.
Moving closer to your background can also reduce the amount of space behind you.
5. Lighting
The best light is usually natural light in front of you, rather than above or behind. For example, face a window, or set up a lamp behind your screen. Turn off overhead lights if it leaves enough light. Choose a well-lit room with a plain wall behind you. Avoid sitting in front of a mirror, or light.
6. Sound
Smartphones tend to have better microphones than a computer. Shoot some practice videos and check the sound quality from your smartphone or computer. Make sure there is no background noise, and you can be heard very clearly. Earphones often have built in microphones which work very well, but if you are going to use earphones, please make sure they are discreet. A USB microphone will work well on a computer if you already have one at home. Talk slowly and clearly; use practice videos to listen to your voice and find a speaking volume that works well.
7. Video Recording Software
Smartphones are the easiest option as they have a video recording option. There is usually software built-in to most computers to help with webcam recording, but this may change depending on your computer. For specific help, you can ask the speech contest organizers.
8. Other things to consider
Prepare your recording space in advance considering the above recommendations. Make sure friends and family know not to interrupt. Turn off notifications for emails and calls.
Practice on camera. You can practice in front of the camera without recording. You could also send practice recordings to friends for advice.
Body language is still important. Sit up straight with your shoulders back and your head up. Good posture communicates openness and confidence. Try to use gestures as you would in-person. Also, dress professionally, as though presenting in a formal setting. Although you may be shooting your video at home, your speech will be viewed by a large audience. The online workshops will help with this aspect of your speech.
You don’t need to do a million takes, but a couple of extra takes will give you practice. Two or three takes is fine. Don’t worry about small mistakes. Be authentic. You will never find perfection.
During the finals you will need to dress professionally (such as wearing a suit) to give a good impression to the judges and the audience. It is advised that you also dress like this for your video.
When you are ready to film, get into position and leave 5 seconds at the start of the video before you begin speaking, and 5 seconds at the end of the video after you have finished speaking. This allows me to edit your videos to send to the judges more easily. If there is a long pause before and after the video, don't worry, I will cut this part of the video. For example, if you need to press play on your phone, then sit down before you start speaking, I will chop off the part of the video that shows this, so the judges will only see your video from when you start speaking. Please don't cut this part yourself as it might make it difficult to to send the final video to the judges.
