What do you need

1. A video device. In this case I used a video screen capture program called CamStudio. This is free.

2. A microphone of good quality, if not broadcast quality. I now use a headset with microphone and listen back over the headset.

3. A computer which runs at least XP and has at least 80gbs of memory. Movies are big files.

4. A movie maker program. In my case I used Windows Movie Maker which comes with XP service pack 2.

( I heard on the news that Microsoft has lost its court appeal in the EU over abusing competition rules concerning the fact that Windows Media Player comes with XP. It no longer comes with Windows Vista. I’m wondering about the future of Windows Movie Maker because this also comes with XP)

I decided on my topic and practiced a lot. CamStudio for tutorials on the computer is best set to a small region, rather than the whole screen. The final video makes everything look smaller so the more detail you can capture with the region of screen setting, the better.

You need to speak very clearly, loudly and without spitting too much into the microphone. I fall down here.

It’s okay to make a few jokes or to have the viewer hear how you react as you demonstrate the tutorial. Swear words are not a good idea however.

I have much to learn about using a microphone and about feedback too. Turn off your speakers when using a microphone. Speak into it in as soundproofed a room as possible. Speak clearly. I have an Australian accent and I have been to America twice. They often DO NOT understand you and your audience will be mostly American. We have an ugly accent at times too. After 6 weeks of hearing only American accents, when you arrive at the airport to come home and hear those Australian voices, you feel both at home but also embarrassed by our tones and accents. Not that the American accent couldn’t do with some improving.

Speak more slowly than usual but not too slow.

It helps having been a teacher in the instruction stakes. Assume your audience knows nothing and make sure you do not miss essential steps in your tutorial.

Practice and good luck. If you want to buy a video recording program I recommend Camtasia.

Here is my first attempt. I have bought a microphone since and will be making another tutorial soon.

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