General

Guidelines for creating a narrated PowerPoint1

When you are planning to created a narrated PPT for our purposes at UCI International Programs, the
following guidelines should be considered.


GENERAL
Have a title slide introducing the video (2-5 seconds).
Mention the instructional purpose. (To activate prior knowledge? To deliver key concept(s)? To
show a range of examples? To demonstrate process? To provide practice?)
Ideal instructional video length: 2-5 minutes! Make use of chunking.
Mentioning date or current events or page numbers limits re-use
Encourage learners to re-wind/re-watch as needed for understanding
SAVE OFTEN!
Watch your pacing get feedback from others on too fast/too slow
SLIDES
One point/idea per slide so FILL slide with image and keep text SHORT. The slide should support
the point your are talking about.
SINGLE IMAGE per slide, keep graphs/charts SIMPLE
Do not distort images use corners and shift key to keep proportion consistent
AUDIO
Create a script and practice. Use conversational language.
Use a good quality headset or microphone a USB microphone is recommended. (Do not depend
on the webcam mic!)
Make sure the microphone is not too close to the narrator
Find a quiet place to record. Record 10 seconds of silence to sample any ambient noise.
Stand up while recording. You will feel more energized and able to breathe better. Dont slouch.
Talk in a conversational tone. Talk to the camera like a friend. Be yourself. Your knowledge and
enthusiasm make the video interesting.
Do not just read your slides. Create a sense of interaction with intonation, pauses, etc.
Listen to the playback with headphones to isolate the audio.
For higher quality sound recording, record separately using Audacity or Garageband.

INTERACTIONAL/LEARNER INVOLVEMENT
Pose question(s) before the video what to look for, think about, etc.
Pair video with a worksheet or activity
Upload the video to EDpuzzle to request response from students
Use on an online survey for questions before and/or after, such as:
o What was confusing?
o What do you want to know more about?
o Compare/contract concepts/ideas in the video

References
Thompson, D. (2015). Avoid the Talking Head. (PowerPoint Slides). Retrieved from http://clee.utk.edu/avoid-the-talking-head/
Washburn, C. Guidelines for Creating Instructional Recordings. Retrieved from http://www2.cidde.pitt.edu/itunesu-faculty-guidelines
13 More Tips to Help You Record Narration Like the Pros. (2009). Retrieved from http://blogs.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/13-more-tips-to-help-you-recordnarration-like-the-pros/

1
Adapted from Thompson, D. http://clee.utk.edu/files/2014/03/TipsforCreatingRIM-Video.pdf
Compiled by Stehberger