Things to keep in mind while making a video for a discussion

making student videos, recording a panel discussion, making panel discussion video

1.      The background should be plain white (preferably), multi-colored library rack/books may be avoided

2.      Only the objects relevant to the discussion must be visible, no racks, books or anything etc. must cloud the view of the camera

3.      Before shooting, look at the entire scene through the camera to make sure people, objects and background all appear clear and distinct from each other, e.g. black coats should not get merged with something black in the background etc..  All outlines must be clear and distinct

4.      Shoot one question(out of five/six: one question each to each of the four panelists, then the fifth/sixth to summarize etc.)  at a time, recommend a ten minute gap in-between first question and other questions

5.      Pause and playback question 1(partly) to all participants in the first question break so that they become aware of how they are looking in the video, because this may be the first time they are appearing in such a format video.  There may not be a need to do this if the participants are comfortable and experienced otherwise

6.      Moderator may gradually be able to intervene and ask drill down questions based on the responses received from panelists.  For that to happen, moderator will have to do a lot of study/homework and this stage may take some time

7.      Thereafter a gap of only 5 minutes between questions

8.      Microphones (one for each participant so 5 mics) must be there along with the sound system.  If a participant’s voice loses its sheen or effectiveness due to the AV system, that participant may feel bad about participating again, because it would be the fault of our (AV) system which would have made him/her look bad for no fault of theirs

9.      Sound system must be good, else most people may not be able to enjoy the learning(s)

10.   FOR PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING MODERATOR:

a.      Preferably sit in an L-shaped posture, if not in a U, with the participants and the moderator (ppmpp), with the camera aimed at exact 45 degrees in between the right angle- at ‘m’ (or the angle may be widened a bit as per requirement) of the L.  That will make sure participants face each other and also the camera without having to move while answering questions or even when sitting normally, will not appear to be artificially straightening up to the camera, will look more naturally involved in a discussion than posturing straight and talking to the camera

b.      Make sure all panelists/participants etc. are in preferably same or similar attire

c.      Ask panelists to wipe off sweat or any oil on the face after each round, otherwise it will cause a glare in the video

d.      Provide straight back chairs to all participants so that all panelists must sit straight

e.      Computer chairs with flexible back or swinging base are a no-no;  these tend to cause noticeable motion even if the person sitting on it may not intend to

f.       No swinging in the chair

g.      No touching the face or anything

h.      Keep hands off the table and below unless writing or making notes, otherwise if hands are on table any motion including touching the pen or flipping the pen etc. all get recorded

i.       Panelists may be provided one question each ahead (3-4 days) of the recording, along with the list of questions allotted to other panelists, as also the backgrounds of all – so that all will be able to better work together in the video and will know what to expect from each other

j.       Panelists may be instructed to strictly scope their answer towards their own specific question.  Imagine it to be a 100 marks question and stick to the point rather than generalize.  Be aware of others’ questions and therefore scope your answer in such a way that your answer is distinct from potential answers of other panelists to their questions

k.      Panelists may bring answers on a piece of paper in a notepad (no loose or crumpled or folded papers) and keep them in front of them as a reminder.  They may keep adding to the paper after listening to other panelists.   Then, while responding, they may glance at the notes while answering but just glance, not read.  Reading from paper is absolute no-no

l.       In a slightly different format of the panel discussion, we may allow panelists to even contribute slides to be merged into one presentation for the entire discussion, to be played when that particular panelist is answering their respective question.  Answer (or key) text on the screen and at times with a diagram (pre-drawn or drawn) can actually help viewers understand better along with the voice of the presenter.  A lot of you-tube self-learning videos are like that!

Lets’ all review how we can provide a better experience to our potential viewers.