Should You Script Your Classes?
There are mixed feelings on this subject… On one hand it's great to show up for filming organized and knowing what you want to say. I actually highly recommend this. However, how you go about executing your script is more the issue. Let me explain.
I’ve seen many beginner classes that were clearly scripted. Meaning their eyes were moving back and forth seemingly looking at a script beyond the camera. And they sounded like a robot. This is not what you want to do in your classes!
The idea is to show up prepared, however, to appear natural on camera. After all, who wants to listen to a monotone voice while you're trying to learn something fun? It just doesn't motivate students to watch the class.
I struggled with this at first, but after seven years of teaching, I can just literally picture my students when I look at the camera. Consequently, it’s become so much easier to speak naturally. If you have a very small following or you don't have any students yet, don't despair. I have some tips for you to help with those on-camera jitters!
1). The Camera as a Person? - It takes a little while to loosen up and to just speak like you're talking to a friend or colleague. Look at the camera and pretend it's a person. Imagine it’s someone you talk to on the phone or Zoom often. In fact, some teachers even put a photo of someone who makes them feel comfortable right on top of the camera. This takes a lot of the intimidation factor out of the process.
2). Take Some Practice Videos - Don't worry about wasting time or feeling silly. Many of us do this and it really helps at the beginning of the process! Once you're rolling and you have the hang of it, it gets so much more fluid.
3). Get Over Your Face/Voice on Camera- This one is really tough… It took me years to get used to looking at myself and hearing my own voice on video. Let’s face it, it’s odd. So if it's feeling really awkward at first, you are not alone. Just hang in there and keep going. It does get easier!
4). Get a Teleprompter App- Teleprompter apps can display your scripts and move them up on the screen so you can read them slowly and naturally. It also allows for longer filming where if you were trying to memorize it, you would have to stop and start your video multiple times to record the whole script. This will take some practice as well, but it’s worth it. I use a free app called Teleprompter for IOS, but there are many Android options too. I loaded it on my iPad so my iPhone is free for filming, and the words are that much bigger and easier to read.
5. Slow Down- It’s easy to speak more quickly than normal when we’re nervous. I made this mistake in my earlier classes, but quickly learned to slow myself down. Talking too quickly makes it hard for students to understand or learn the lessons you are sharing with them. Especially if English is their second language. My advice? Take a deep breath and slow your heart rate a bit before starting to film, and speak clearly. Then it will just flow.
Here’s a quick recap:
Practice being on camera until you can look relaxed and natural.
Using a script is fine as long as your pace is not too fast, and you speak clearly.
Also, try not to move your head from side to side, making it obvious that you’re reading and not just talking to your students.
I hope these tips were helpful to you. This may seem like a lot to take in right now, but over time it will become second nature.
If you've tried recording with scripts on camera, what tips have you learned? Or do you have a specific question about teaching your own classes? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
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