CMS 3710: Introductions Conference

Purpose

This project gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to conduct a professional video conference. Students will be graded on their self-presentation in this medium.

Requirements

In general, you should treat video conferences like the formal settings that they are. You should not do anything that you would not do (or expect others to do) during a face-to-face meeting at work.

A YouTube search like “look good video conference” will surface many short videos offering excellent advice. In sum, they cover

Dress and decorum

  1. Smile. You should come across as engaged and approachable.
  2. Dress professionally. No hoodies, ball caps, t-shirts, or sports apparel. Instead, men should wear a collared shirt and women a professional blouse/top.
  3. Do not wear a hat with a brim that covers or shades your eyes.
  4. Sit down at a table, with materials handy for note-taking
  5. Enter the conference a few minutes before the start time
  6. Don’t try to multitask. No matter what you have heard, it doesn’t work

Lighting

  1. Exclude light sources of any kind (including windows) from the video frame.
  2. Position a single light directly behind the camera, pointing at your face.
  3. Don’t allow any shadows on your face.

Camera position and movement

  1. Lock down your camera with a tripod or other stabilizer. Do not try to simply hold your phone, selfie-style.
  2. Position the camera just above your eye line. (This usually involves elevating your laptop.)
  3. Look directly at the camera lens.
  4. Sit as far away from the camera as is convenient, so the wide-angle lens doesn’t distort your face.

Audio

  1. Find a noise-free environment
  2. Mute your audio when others are speaking
  3. Speak in a clear and energetic manner
  4. Consider using earbuds or headphones

Background

  1. Make sure the background behind you is neat and distraction-free
  2. Do not use a virtual background unless absolutely necessary, since they are imperfect and often distracting. The MS Teams background blur is a better solution.

The project

Take notes in response to the provided questions, which are available in D2L. Then, using Microsoft Teams, record a video introducing yourself to the rest of the class. Your video should last 2-3 minutes.

Steps to complete the project

  1. Use the resources in the D2L Content module titled “Introductions” to complete this project.
  2. Download Microsoft Teams to a computer with a webcam. (In a pinch you can use your phone by downloading the Teams app. However, using a phone will make the project much harder to complete.)
  3. Take notes in response to the “Interview Questions” page in D2L. (Do this before your log in to Teams). Practice your introduction so until it flows well and lasts 2-3 minutes.
  4. Log into Teams and navigate to our “CMS 3710 Writing for Digital Media” Team.
  5. In the “General” channel of our Team, select “Meet Now” (button in the upper right) to begin a video recording.
  6. DON’T FORGET: Once the video session is open, start recording the video before you start your introduction. Many YouTube tutorials can help you find the recording tool.
  7. Using your notes, introduce yourself to the rest of the class. Remember that the required length is 2-3 minutes.