Using e-learning videos as a learning material will help make the course more effective. This is an entertaining way to present new ideas, concepts, and lessons.
Fortunately, it is not that difficult to create a video. Amateurs can create videos by using only their smartphones. There are also software applications and programs that can help you create these learning materials. Of course, if you intend to use it for online courses, you have to make sure it is presentable and informative.
In most cases, videos used in learning require narration. It is more effective to have a narrator while the learners are watching the video. A study revealed that when we are told a story, it changes how our brains function. Apparently, words activate the part of our brain that processes language. However, when we are told a story, the sensory areas are also activated and it allows the listeners to experience what is being told. This leaves a bigger impact.
Not only that, having a narrative is better than having subtitles alone. Having someone narrate it will allow the learners to concentrate on the images being shown. This will help them use multiple senses that will, in effect, make them more attentive to the course.
Now that you understand why a narrative is important in e-learning videos, let us go over some tips that will help you create the best voice-over. Although you may not be a professional, you want to make sure that you still come off as an expert. After all, you want to provide a video that learners can respect and trust enough to give them the right information.
Fortunately, this is not that hard to do. Here are some tips that will help you create a well-narrated video.
Have the right recording equipment
If you want the narration to sound great, you need to invest in a recording equipment. This includes, at the very least, a microphone and a recording software. While laptops and desktops are equipped with a microphone, you want to have your own. Using the one on your laptop or desktop will keep you from having a clear and crisp sound. Buy a microphone that can be plugged into your computer. You might also want to buy a pop filter with that. This will keep harsh sounds like “p” and “sh” from ruining the narrative. A headset microphone is also a great option.
When it comes to the recording software, you should choose one that allows recording and editing as well. You want to have the ability to edit so you do not have to keep on recording the whole thing when you make a mistake.
These are the basic equipment that you need but if you plan on creating more sophisticated videos, you might have to buy more.
Choose a quiet location to record
Your sophisticated recording equipment will be for nothing if you fail to choose the right location to record. Since this is a narration, you want your words to be clear. That means you should record in a quiet place that will minimize background noise. If you will record at home, lock yourself in a room and make sure you will not be disturbed. Turn off anything that might suddenly make a noise – like your phone. Recording late at night or early in the morning should be a great time to complete this task.
Be ready with a script
A script will help guide you as you record the narration. The script has to be a well-thought-out piece that is conversational and yet informative. Having a script will make the recording session faster and easier to complete. If you know the subject very well, an outline might suffice. But to be sure, you can write a full script instead. You can also insert notes if you want to read the script a certain way for effect.
Identify the tone you will use
Once you have your script, you might want to decide on your tone. As suggested, a conversational script is the best way to go. This is a great strategy to keep the audience from getting bored. They have to get the impression that you are talking to them. But despite that, you want to appear professional too. One trick that voice talents provide is to smile while reading the script. When you smile as you talk, your voice takes on a more lively tone. You can also pretend to talk to someone. As you are recording, make sure that you have enough water with you to soothe your throat.
If you follow these narration tips, you should be able to provide a great voice-over for your e-learning video. It will surely be a great learning material to use in an online course.
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