I would like to send my clients short videos showing them how to use specific software, spreadsheets etc. You know the sort of thing; a simple step by step guide with moving screenshots and a voiceover.
Before I start trawling Google, I was wondering if any of you have recommendations or guidance.
Many thanks.
Replies (5)
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Screenr
Hi,
By videos, in this context you mean "screencasts".
Take a look at www.screenr.com. There's a free version or paid, "Pro" version if you want your screencasts to be private.
It's really easy to use and just works.
Regards,
Adrian
Topaccountants
Audio
@Steve - we use Camtasia.
Depends how good you want to go but the key to getting really good video is working on a script, some practice, good audio and a bit of post production with titles and some background music.
The microphone that we think gives you the best for the least is the AT2020 USB and get yourself a guard to stop/reduce popping when you pronounce Ps.
Bob Harper
A PowerPoint solution
I use PowerPoint to put together the presentation. You can include screenshots etc. Then I record a VoiceOver in PowerPoint using a decent mike. When I'm happy with everything I convert the ppt file to video using http://www.acoolsoft.com/ converter. Quite a cheap way of doing it and very straight forward if you're already familiar with PowerPoint.
Good audio is vital
I think most of us with a Mac can put reasonable screencasts together - but the killer is the audio. Poor audio will just make your screencast bomb. I have learned this from my brother who is a professional freelancer at the BBC, so he knows his stuff.
If you are recording the audio yourself, work from a script and rehearse it well so as to give yourself the best chance.
Good luck.