The good news: it doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. The most engaging videos are authentic, conversational, and human - not scripted or polished to perfection.

If this is your first time recording with Spokn, this guide will help you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident before you press “record.”

Before You Record

A little preparation goes a long way.

Understand the Purpose and Audience

Take a moment to review the prompt and how the video will be used. Knowing the audience and goal helps you tailor your message and tone appropriately.

Ask yourself:

Who will watch this?
What tone will resonate most with them?
How should this make viewers feel?

Plan Your Message

If you're comfortable speaking without a script, that's great. Ahead of time, make sure you ask yourself: What’s the key message I want them to remember? Jotting down a few bullet points can help you structure your thoughts.

If you want to use a script, Spokn's teleprompter is here to help. Remember that we write differently than we speak. Some tips to avoid sounding scripted:

Split long, complex sentences into shorter ones.
Replace formal grammar with casual wording (ex: replace “we will” with “we’ll”)
Plan where you'll pause ahead of time. Mark pauses with a special character, such as ***.
Add small bridge phrases (“And what this means is…” “So here’s the thing…”)

Aim to sound like you’re in a conversation with the viewer - not reading them a speech.

Keep It Short and Focused

Shorter videos are typically more engaging. Focus on one clear message rather than trying to cover everything.

If you have multiple points to share, consider breaking them into separate clips.

Setting Up Your Space

Small adjustments can dramatically improve your video quality.

Find Good Lighting

Face a window or light source so your face is clearly visible. Avoid sitting with bright light behind you, which can make you look spooky.

Think about Your Backdrop

If you can, film in front of an engaging background that reflects your subject matter or personality.

Minimize Background Noise

Choose a space on the quiet side. Recording in a room with soft surfaces - or outdoors - helps you avoid echos. Silence notifications, too.

Keep Your Camera Steady

If recording on a phone, prop it up at eye level on a stable surface. Avoid holding it in your hand.

Check Your Framing

Position yourself centered in the frame with a little space above your head. A simple, uncluttered background works best.

While You’re Recording

This is the most important part: relax.

Be Yourself

You don’t need to change your personality for the camera. Speak the way you naturally would in a conversation.

Contractions, pauses, and natural expressions make your message more relatable.

Smile and Show Energy

A warm, approachable tone goes a long way. Even a slight smile can make your message more engaging.

Don’t Aim for Perfect

If you stumble over a word, that’s okay. You can:

Pause and continue
Or simply re-record, and the video editor can remove the stumble after

Most great clips aren’t flawless - they’re genuine.

If You’re Feeling Nervous

It’s common to feel a little uncomfortable at first. Here are a few ways to ease into it:

Do a quick practice run without submitting your clip.
Remember you can re-record as many times as you like
Imagine speaking to one specific colleague, rather than an anonymous group.
Take a breath before starting.

Confidence builds quickly once you start.

After You Record

Before submitting:

Watch your clip once to ensure audio and lighting look good
Confirm you’ve answered the prompt clearly
Make sure your message is concise

If something feels off, simply record again.

Final Reminder

Your voice matters. You were invited to contribute to the video for a reason - your experience, expertise, and perspective add value.

The most impactful videos aren’t the most polished. They’re the most authentic.

Press record, speak naturally, and trust that your message will resonate.

Was this article helpful?

Table of contents

Tips for Recording a Great Video Clip

A Simple Guide to Feeling Confident on Camera