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Video
conferencing over the Internet requires substantial bandwidth and
a somewhat powerful desktop computer. So, it doesn't make sense to
use video conferencing to present information that could just as easily
be sent via email. Video conferencing allows for experiences and interactivity
that would not be possible through any other medium. It's better than
television, and not quite as good as "live and in person."
we offer these suggestions for more effective video conferences.
Lighting
A "video" conference implies that we will be able to view
the speaker or the presentation. The better the lighting, the better
the viewing experience. Video conferences where the sending site
is "dark and fuzzy" are not fun to watch. Lighting for
a video conference is much like lighting for good photos.
· do NOT rely on overhead lights (fluorescent lights are
the worst!)
· do NOT have a window directly behind the speaker (they
will appear as a dark shadow)
· do NOT try to squeeze more than 2-3 people into your window.
It is important to be able to see the speaker's facial expressions
as they talk (otherwise it's like watching a concert from the "nose
bleed" section)
· DO have a portable light that you can shine on the speaker
"spotlight" fashion (a portable flashlight can be very
effective).
Cue Cards/Eye Contact
If the speaker is reading notes, the viewer mostly gets to see the
speaker's forehead. Instead, the speaker should look directly into
the camera as they are speaking, much the same way newscasters do.
One way to accomplish this, is to print out your notes in a very
large font to make "cue cards."
The person holding the cue cards, should stand BEHIND the camera,
so the speaker appears to be looking into the camera as they access
their notes.
Audio
Sending audio over the Internet is still a bit primitive. On good
days the audio can be very clear, but on busy days audio can be
very choppy. There are several things that you can do to improve
your audio.
· pause your picture (this helps a lot)
· talk verrrrryy slooowwwwlly (That way entire words will
not be lost)
· talk loud and distinct (this is simple good speaking advice)
· vary the tone of your voice (talk with passion)
Photos and Props
Presenters should think of themselves as "story tellers."
It is recommended that you use photos and props to enhance your
stories. Simply hold the photo in front of the camera and pause
the picture. Then tell the story that goes with the picture. This
approach is much more effective that watching an endless "talking
head."
Interactivity
The main reason for using "live" video is so the viewers
can interact with the speakers. CU-SeeMe is NOT recommended for
one-way broadcast. Television does a much better job of that. So,
when you are presenting make sure that you stop after every eight
minutes (or less) and allow for interaction.
Appearance and Attention
Remind students that they are on camera, EVEN when they are NOT
the ones who are speaking. It is very distracting to see viewers
fidgeting, yawning, or talking amongst themselves. It is proper
etiquette to give your full attention to the event. If you MUST
divert your attention, pause your picture, so that the other participants
are not distracted.
Some clothing shows up better than others. Experiment BEFORE the
event to see what looks best.
Moderator
The conference moderator plays a MAJOR part in a good video conference.
The moderator makes the welcoming comments, cues each participant
when it is their time to speak, keeps the pace of the conference
moving along, and brings the conference to a close.
· if you are the moderator, you need to "lead"
the conference
· if you are a participant, PLEASE watch and listen to your
moderator carefully!
Video Clips
· it is fine to use very SHORT (less than 2 mins) video clips
to enhance your presentation
· keep in mind that the video will look much slower to the
viewers than it does to you
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are a VERY GOOD idea. Your students should practice in
front of the camera and critique one another several times BEFORE
an event!
The Show MUST Go On!
A LIVE video conference is a show...and it MUST go on regardless
of the technical difficulties! (And, believe me there will be technical
difficulties!)
If one of your participants "crashes," times-out,"
or disappears, it is up to the moderator and OTHER participants
to fill in for them. Usually, the "missing" find their
way back!
(Copyright: Yvonne Marie Andres, Global SchoolNet
Foundation, 1993)
Permission given to re-print this message in its entirety, acknowledging
the author.
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