After viewing thousands of teacher video introductions, we’ve created these guidelines to help you make the best possible video!
Japanese teacher Atsuko's introduction is an excellent example
Requirements for all videos:
- YOU MUST: Appear in the video. Students want to know who their teacher is and hear the language they are about to learn. It's important to represent yourself truthfully to students. Your video should be between 1 to 4 minutes.
- YOU MUST: Speak in all the languages that you have listed as "Native" or "C2" in the video. Your languages listed as "Native" and "C2" will be set as your teaching languages. italki requires teachers to demonstrate their ability to speak these languages fluently in the video.
- DO NOT: Provide personal contact information - Your video will be available to people on the internet, so protect your own privacy.
- DO NOT: Advertise or promote other services in your video.
- DO NOT: Use copyrighted music or any media for which you do not have the rights.
- DO NOT: Shoot vertical/square videos.
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| horizontal video |
square video |
vertical video |
Here is what to consider as you prepare to make your video:
Shooting Video
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| Do: Shoot horizontal video. Do: Put your camera/mobile phone on the level with your eyes and look into the camera/mobile phone. Do: Put the camera/mobile phone on a stable surface or use a tripod to keep the video still. |
Do not: Shoot vertical video. Why? Do not: Put the camera/mobile phone below your face and talk down to it. Do not: Hold the camera/mobile phone with your hands or allow the camera/mobile phone to shake. |
Advanced shooting tips: Vertical Video Syndrome; Make a DIY Phone Tripod
Lighting
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Do: Use natural daylight or powerful lamp lighting from the FRONT Even better: Complimentary light from behind + 45 degrees |
Do not: Record at night with poor lighting.
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Optional advanced lighting tips: How to Get Better Video Lighting Tutorial
Sound
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Do: Use quiet surroundings and speak in a clear voice. Even better: Using a field recorder or speak into a microphone. |
Do not: Place microphone very close to mouth (causes "beatboxy" noises and distortion). Do not: Place microphone too far away from mouth (too quiet). Do not: Allow wind or any other distracting background noise. |
Optional advanced audio tips: 7 Tips for Better Audio Recording
Background
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Do: Use a clean and tidy study room or classroom Even better: something that represents your language or country |
Do not: Show moving or distracting things in the background (other people, etc). Do not: Use An overly busy or “chaotic” background Do not: Show any commercial logo in the background |
Optional advanced setting tips: How To Make Your Videos Look More Professional
Editing (optional)
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Do: Add subtitles.
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Do not: Post your personal contact information in the video. Do not: Use logos or advertisements from other companies or services. Do not: Add loud music that makes it difficult to hear your voice. |
Read more examples and further instructions on what to say in your video introduction.