Outschool: How to Have the Best Introduction Video!

    

   

     In a world full of audio/visual stimulation, videos are the most popular means of communication. Within Outschool, this principle stays the same. Your Introduction Video is a great way of showing who you are as a teacher and really promoting your strengths. Your Introduction Video video could mean the difference between being successful on Outschool and making a career out of teaching on this platform. Let's look at some of the ways of making your video the best that it can be! 

1. Use the Right Lighting

    Lighting is crucial to setting the mood. Anyone who has ever sat in a classroom lit by fluorescent bulbs for eight hours a day knows this to be true. When the lighting is bright and cheery, your viewers will feel happy to watch. No one likes straining their eyes to see your face or feeling like the're watching surveillance camera footage. It's not pleasurable and it's not professional. 

    Your lighting does not have to be expensive, though, to get a professional look. Natural lighting is actually the best lighting to use. But if you're not near a window or you're recording early in the morning, late at night or on a rainy day, you can use lamps or other sources of light. Just get as close to a light source as you can and have it shine directly on your face. Of course, not so much so that it's as if we're staring into the sun! We want a nice soft illumination. 

2. Have a Good Background

    I did not do a good job of this when I recorded my video, which my producer/editor/manager (aka my husband) made me acutely aware of. His intentions were good, but I did not have much choice in the matter, as we were in a hotel room at the time (day in the life of a traveling teacher). Some of his points were that the picture behind me doesn't make sense and has nothing to do with what I am talking about or going to teach on, you can only see half of my guitar (if that), and the angle of the camera is awkward. I am super grateful for a husband who has such video expertise and is willing to tell me the truth. I will probably redo my video sometime to improve on these aspects. 

    Here's my Outschool Introduction Video so you can see what I mean. 

  

    All that being said, as my Grandma used to say, "Do as I say, not as I do." So here are some tips for your background.   

• Nature is the perfect background! Everyone loves trees, flowers, grass, the sky, etc. (at least normal people do). Not to mention the natural lighting is wonderful! 
• A clean office area is a good back drop. Show off your classroom! If you have a nice office where you will be teaching, use that! Maybe you have some book shelves behind you or a pretty picture, a mural, or just a clean wall. All of these things look really nice in videos. Remember to keep it simple. Clutter is stress inducing. 
• Improvise! Like I did (hopefully a little better) you can improvise and use what you've got. You may find that you have one clean wall, corner or room that looks nice enough to be in your introduction video.

3. Smile! 

    A smiling face is a friendly face. People appear welcoming and kind when they smile. Studies have shown that people often reciprocate a smile when passing a smiling person on the street unconsciously because it makes them feel happy. You want your viewers (the parents of your prospective students) to feel this way when they see your video. 

    Make it personable! Feel comfortable when you're creating your shot. Make the viewer feel like you are talking one-on-one with them in your home or a cafe over a cup of freshly-brewed coffee.   

4. Keep it Short and Sweet

    Now we get into the topic of the content of your video. It should be no longer than 90 seconds in length. Beyond that point, your viewer has lost interest. I mean let's be honest, who would actually hang in there that long?

    Include facts like your name, your education and vocational experience, what you teach and a little bit about yourself. Be you! This video is meant to be an expression of who you are! It's a way parents can see how you present yourself in front of a camera, and how you communicate. They want to see that you are nice, smart, and capable of teaching their child in the area of expertise you claim to have. So show them! This is your shot!  

 *Remember, parents are using this Video as a means of getting to know you. What they will see leaves a lasting first impression and helps them determine whether or not they want to enroll their child in your class! No pressure.  

    So that's what I have to say on making your Outschool Introduction Video GREAT! 

If you're interested in joining the Outschool Community of teachers and getting started teaching others your passion from home, click HERE and I would LOVE to walk you through the process of applying and creating your very first class!   

If you have any questions or want to know how to reach out to me, visit my Contact Page! 

As always, God Bless and Happy Teaching!