Archive for the 'Podcasting techniques' Category

Mar 28 2008

Video Podcasting Techniques

Published by drsavi under Podcasting techniques, Video podcasting

I was recently asked about best practice in terms of video podcasting & recording techniques.
Specifically the question was asked by a speaker who we will be recording this weekend.

In terms of tools we have been using Adobe, imac and Camptasia.
Kitwise: 2x 3CCD based DV Cams and 1x single channel wireless mic + 1x wired mic.

It is important to brief the speaker on the following areas:

  • Articulation of words, including gaps between long speaking sections
  • Ensuring what we call, ‘in range’ shots. We use a cover cam that records from a wide angle and in parallel the main camera that focuses on the speaker. The wide angle cover cam includes capturing any slides/powerpoint activity to assure post production timings.
  • We have it on good authority that the attention span for viewers is approx 45 seconds, therefore, the camera person may ask for selective shots after a conference to create subtle interludes between the session. NB In addition, avoid panning in and out too much.
  • When recording an audience it is best to get a disclaimer signed that also authorises the permission for recording them.
  • For video podcasting it is likely that the final images/output will be small, therefore, selective recording of close-ups is recommended.
  • Sound quality is important - an external mic on a long cable is recommended (safely positioned) for audience questions.
  • In a conference situation a variety of seating arrangements are possible - a personal preference is what we describe as workshop style, i.e: lay out tables in a clustered diamond shape with 4-5 seats - again with safe access.
  • Take stills of specific exhibits for inclusion at a later date.
  • Test all equipment, keep spare batteries & audit pre+post packing.
  • Agree a high-level structure of the session but allowing the speaker/facilitator to be creative.

At the end of the day it is all about creating a valuable experience even if a 3 hour session becomes 12mins of video.
In terms of educational seminars - Video Screencasting / latter inclusion within an online education seminar agreeing core
subject areas, fading between each one with a good intro, flags to each section and a good summary can all help to make a worthwhile refresher and engaging viewing experience.

Popularity: 46% [?]

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Jun 21 2007

Corporate Podcasting Courses

Published by drsavi under Corporate Podcasting, Corporate Tools, Phonecasting, Podcasting techniques, Project Management Techniques, Social Media, The Value of RSS, Training Courses

I have found 5 new courses from Knowledge Hemispheres covering a range of
Corporate Podcasting and Web 2.0 topics including:

- Developing an effective Podcast for business (inc: The many Ps of Corporate Podcasting)
- Key Production techniques (inc: getting the right equipment, cost of ownership, archiving standards and effective engagement techniques).
- Corporate Communication Strategies (inc: Boundary scanning and lobbying techniques)
- Phonecast and Monetizing your Podcast
- Utilising the Power of Web 2.0 for business
- The benefits of Open source solutions
- eLearning & eInduction Integration Strategies (learning how standards like SCORM actually function and why many organisations adopt an Learning Management system).

It is worth reviewing their catalogue for an initial outline and outcomes specification for each course.

Popularity: 100% [?]

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Mar 24 2007

What are the 4P’s of Podcasting again?

Published by drsavi under Corporate Tools, Podcasting techniques

I mentioned it yesterday but to save anyone looking it up, here they are.
My problem with them all is that they appear so ‘old school’. Remember the 4D’s of Project Management - Discover, Design, Develop and Deploy. Did some one forget about ‘Divulge’ - i.e before deploy we need a testing phase so that pilot users can divulge if they have changed their minds on their original requirement - you know that they always do!

OK, back to the 4P’s. The common opinion for corporate podcasting appears to be …

Plan, Produce, Publish and Promote.

My view on why this maybe slighly limited:

1. Plan - Did someone forget P for with People and P for defining Performance criteria?
2. Produce - Did someone forget P for Purchase the right items / kit and P for Performance?
3. Publish - Did someone forget P for Projection to the right channels (internal / external)?
4. Promote - Did someone forget P for Pitch with management or team support?

I’m not sure if these 4P’s are enough unless they can incorporate the following essential elements?

Portable applications
Cost of ownership and Return on Investment
Leadership support
Creativity from within the organisation or external links to clients
In-house Liasons and Podcast Producers, i.e: linking-up internally
Production Mistakes and archiving strategies
The impact of good and bad shows together with establishing improvement (feedback) strategies.
Getting the right content
Pre-Production Steps
Scripting, off-the-record management and interviewing skills
Litigation possibilities
Post-Production techniques
Pitch and tone
Audio standards
Video standards
Prioritisation mechanisms
Listening online
Who’s listening / stats et al

I’ve recently seen a training course from a PR company that positions the 5 P’s of Corporate Podcasting (training) as follows:

• Preparation
• Performance
• Post production
• Posting
• Promotion

Somebody seems to have missed out P for Piloting!
In addition, there might need to be a separate internal pricing model for production houses themselves, i.e: P for Profit (how much are we going to charge and where are most of our cost being consumed?).

Interestingly, they must be managing their Search Engine Optimisation really well as they appear on the first page of google upon the associated search for Corporate Podcasting. I feel another post coming on about this!

Misinformation on the simplicity of corporate podcasting by some vendors may create a P for Panic from potential clients, scared off by bad P for press and F for, it was just a fad!

Popularity: 28% [?]

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