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Episode 46

The Screencast Show

July 22, 2016 ·

Ep46: THE SCREENCAST SHOW What is screencasting? Episode Summary: What tools do I use to make screencast videos? What makes a good screencast video? What are the benefits of making screencasts for online businesses?

Episode Summary: What screencasting is, the exact software and gear used to make “over the shoulder” tutorial videos, and a 6-question recipe for planning one before hitting record.

What You’ll Learn

  • What screencasting is and why it’s called “over the shoulder” video
  • The exact software and gear used to make screencast tutorials
  • A 6-question recipe for planning a good screencast before recording
  • 10 real advantages of screencasting for online businesses

Ask Mike Anything: A Small Light for iPhone Live Streaming

Question: Any recommendation for a small light for an iPhone, for live streaming?

Answer: The LumeCube ($79) or the Manfrotto LUMIMUSE 8 LED Light ($89).

What Is Screencasting?

Simply recording the screen of a device — laptop, iPhone, or iPad — using dedicated software (a camera pointed at a monitor is the low-tech alternative). It’s often called “over the shoulder” video, since it shares the screen exactly as the presenter sees it — a genuinely effective teaching approach.

Ways to use screencasting: training employees, briefing virtual assistants, explaining or teaching anything done on a computer or iDevice, and communicating with clients about a project (designers, especially).

How to Make Basic Screencast Videos

Screencast software: Camtasia (new favorite), Screenflow (used less now, but still good), or QuickTime (free for Mac users).

Gear for making screencast videos: a MacBook Pro, occasionally an iPhone or iPad, a Shure SM7B microphone, an Allen & Heath ZED 10 mixer, a Logitech C930 webcam, a Cowboy Studio Green Screen, Reflector (mirrors iDevices wirelessly — great software), and Adobe Premiere for final video edits when needed (not required).

Recipe for Good Screencasts

Tip 1: Preparation. Write an outline or detailed notes before pressing record — figure out exactly what the video needs to cover ahead of time.

Mike’s screencast recipe:

  1. Who is this video for?
  2. What is the purpose of this video?
  3. What should the viewer learn or take away from it?
  4. What steps will be covered, and in what order?
  5. What’s the simplest way to summarize the lesson, step by step?
  6. What should the viewer do after finishing the video? Include a call to action.

Tip 2: cover everything promised in the title and description.

Tip 3: be concise and to the point.

Advantages of Simple Screencast Videos

  • Minimal, inexpensive gear required — a computer and microphone will do it
  • A camera isn’t necessary
  • Good lighting isn’t required
  • Content ideas never run out — anything done on a computer or iDevice can become a screencast
  • Screencasting sharpens teaching and communication skills
  • Video editing skills improve overall
  • Sharing more builds real expertise over time
  • Screencasting processes surfaces both strengths and weaknesses
  • Screencasts spread easily across every social channel
  • Audience engagement improves — helpful screencasts get a response
  • Screencasts are the building blocks for classes, tutorials, and online education generally

Show Notes & Links