1. Why a welcome video?
You may be familiar with the concept of a welcome video, but have you ever considered why it is such a crucial and fantastic way to engage with your audience? Moreover, if you are looking to create a welcome video, how can you ensure it is not just a mere repetition of text?
We’ve been thinking about these questions since 2021 when the CLT Multimedia team first began offering welcome video services to academics and professional staff across the ANU campus. Having successfully completed over 50 welcome video projects, we believe we have gained valuable insights that we are eager to share.
In today’s digital learning environment, short videos are one of the most effective tools educators can use to engage their students. A well-crafted welcome video can set the tone for a course, introduce the educator, and build a sense of connection with students even before the first lecture begins. These videos allow educators to go beyond the limits of static text and provide a dynamic, personal introduction to their teaching style and course content. They can also be used effectively to promote events and services.
Through our past experience of working on welcome video projects, we have discovered that, at times, it can be challenging and tricky to effectively convey your thoughts in front of a camera, even when you have everything well-prepared in your mind.
So, we are here to help.
2. What’s the workshop?
We designed the Presenting to Camera workshop to help you to tailor your welcome video for academic and professional purposes, or so you can apply the skills learned in other situations.
During the workshop we highlighted just how powerful this medium can be – and how easy and fun the process can be! Over the course of the two-hour session, participants learned basic presenting techniques such as scripting, gesturing and vocal techniques. They also got a chance to have a look at camera setups, from smartphone tripods to teleprompters. From the importance of natural lighting or of using technology they were comfortable with, the workshop equipped attendees with the skills to confidently record and produce their own videos.
One of the standout points emphasised during the workshop was that welcome videos are more than just an introduction to your course. They offer a unique opportunity to show prospective students you are approachable and enthusiastic about the subject matter. As an educator and professional staff member, sharing personal stories, such as what sparked your interest in the field or even a fun anecdote about your pets, can help you create an immediate connection with the audience.
The workshop was a hit with attendees, who rated it an impressive 9.1 out of 10. Participants left feeling more confident about appearing on camera and excited to use video as a tool to enrich their course or promote their service.
3. Was it scary?
Not at all! While it’s normal to be nervous at first, with the right support presenting to camera can be easy and fun.
The workshop was structured to be highly engaging, with participants actively writing scripts and filming short clips throughout the session. Instead of delving into intricate editing techniques or framing instructions, we provided attendees with a comprehensive post-workshop resource package containing all of the necessary information for creating a welcome video. For those interested, the resource package can be accessed at the end of this article.
We strongly believe that the video-making process should be enjoyable, which is why the workshop incorporated various entertaining activities. These were not your typical activities: we’re talking about activities in which the participants were engaged in tongue twisters and lip exercises.
Thanks to our charismatic presenter Marianne, these activities significantly boosted our attendees’ confidence levels. In fact, post-workshop, 71% of participants reported feeling “definitely” more confident, while the remaining attendees felt “probably” more self-assured when presenting in front of the camera.
Fun tidbits
Quotes from attendees
Excellent and practical guidance!
I highly recommend this workshop! The team did a great job of teaching the fundamentals and making everyone feel comfortable.
I have been interested of making a welcoming video for long time, but I was on my own. So now that I see the interest across ANU, and the help available I will definitely pull myself together to make it for next semester.
My upcoming presentation in New Zealand has been making me feel quite nervous, whether it’s presenting to a camera or in person. For some reason, I often get butterflies when it’s time to speak. However, this workshop has been a real game changer. I learned how using annotations can help me slow down, pause when needed, and emphasise key points. I believe these techniques will be extremely helpful for my presentation, and I feel much more confident moving forward.
Book the CLT studio or consultation session
With all the tips and resources we provide, we hope you have more confidence in making your own welcome video. Please feel free to record your own video and send your file to us for polishing and publishing. Or book a recording session in the CLT/CASS studio or book an appointment to get support from the multimedia team.
You can also book a one-to-one presenting to camera session to get more confidence with some vocal warm-ups, presentation techniques, and general support. This session is recommended to do before you plan your recording session.
Resources:
Videos + Slides + Resources:
Here is the SharePoint folder with some extra content. It includes:
- Slide-deck – PowePoint File
- VIDEO : Lighting: Make those videos shine (2:39s)
- VIDEO : Sound: Be heard, loud and clear (4:26s)
- Editing (Express):
- VIDEO : Adobe Express Template Tutorial (5:44s)
- Adobe Express template link
- Editing (Premier Pro)
- VIDEO: Premier Tutorial (2:55s)
- Premier Pro template link
Teleprompter apps:
Please note, these apps are free, but you will need to create an account. As these apps are not licensed by ANU, we cannot guarantee the safety of your details.
Web resources:
- Adobe Express help guides
- Getting started with Premier Pro for the Non-Video Pro (LinkedIn Learning Course)
- Adobe Premier Pro help guides
- Recording using Cameo feature in Adobe PowerPoint
- Using Studio in Canvas (once we get access)
- Use adobe to create captions for your videos
- Adobe Podcast for editing and cleaning up audio
Helpful links for CLT support:
- Welcome video service
- CLT can film, edit and script consult for your welcome video
- Multimedia studio bookings and consultation
- Book studio time, equipment loans or consultations
- Includes 30 min presenting to camera consultation with Marianne
- General multimedia requests
- For Education related multimedia projects
- Book in to a workshop on how to ‘Flip’ your classroom
- 7 and 14 November (in-person) Baldessin Precinct Building, ANU
Workshop Facilitators:
Marianne Mettes (Education Designer), Rhys Fenwick (Education Technologist), Rafael Florez (Multimedia Education Communications Officer) and Tangyao Zhang (Multimedia Communications Officer).
Article written by Tangyao Zhang
