ar-For Teachers: How to create an intro video
Students want to find you on the site. They will usually choose you according to your introductory video. So make sure your video is done professionally.
How to shoot the introductory video:
1. You MUST introduce yourself to the students in the video.
Students want to know who their teacher is and hear the language they are about to learn. It is important that you present yourself truthfully in front of students. Your video should be about 1 minute long.
2. Record the video horizontally.
Do not make vertical/square videos.
3. Place the camera / mobile phone at your eye level and look at the camera / mobile phone.
Do not place the camera / mobile phone lower than your face. Take a look at the pictures below and tell yourself - which one looks better?
4. Place the camera / mobile phone on a stable surface or use a tripod to stabilize the video.
Do not hold the camera / mobile phone in your hands or allow the camera / mobile phone to shake. Holding the camera / mobile phone in your hand does not look very professional.
5. Lighting
- Basic quality - use natural daylight or a good artificial light
- Better quality - 2 FRONT LIGHTS from 2 sides
- Professional - 2 FRONT LIGHTS from 2 sides + add a third light from one side slightly behind you
Do not record in the dark in low light or in too strong light, or in close proximity to the light.
6. Sound
- Basic quality - use a quiet environment and speak in a clear voice.
- Professional quality - using a recorder or microphone.
Do not place the microphone too close to your mouth.
Do not place the microphone too far from your mouth (too quiet).
Do not allow background noise in the video.
7. Background
Think of your background. Use a clean and tidy study room, classroom, or room with a teaching atmosphere. You can use the space you will be using for teaching your lessons.
Don't show any commercial logo in the background.
Which of these places do you think is a better background?
8. Adjustments (optional)
If you can do simple video editing, you can:
- Add captions
- Add soft background music.
- Add videos that show your lifestyle and hobbies, where you teach, or even how you teach, and introduce yourself at the same time.
- 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.
- Do not use copyrighted music or any media to which you do not have rights.
9. What to say
Your video is a place where you can show students who you are. Create a script and practice it.
Speak slowly and clearly without an accent.
Smile - Make students feel welcome at your online courses!
Be creative and include the following:
- Who you are:
Introduce yourself. What is your name, where are you from and what languages do you speak?
Teaching experience, work experience, and education
How many years, how many students do you have, education and certificates? Any pedagogical experience counts, so don't hesitate to share it. Some adult students or companies may want to choose a teacher with a similar background, so if you have an education or experience in other fields such as IT, hotels, marketing, etc., you can mention it.
Your interests
Get closer to the students. Tell us why you like to teach, how you teach, and what your other interests are. Show or say something interesting about yourself. Do you have any special hobbies? Choose clothes or backgrounds that really represent you. It is likely that students with similar interests or personalities will choose you for this.
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 on your video.
10. Some more tips
- Short video - just a minute is enough. Keep the video length below 2 minutes.
- Be natural - don't read directly from the script! Look at the camera and talk as if you were talking directly to your student.
- Think of your students - the care you take in preparing a video shows students not only what you think of yourself, but also how they can expect you to prepare for class.
- Mention ESITY - If you do this and include a link to your ESITY teacher profile in the description, you will help people find and book your ESITY lessons more and faster.
- Dress appropriately - sports elegance, appropriate clothing, remember that the first impression counts.
Teacher intro video examples
Basic intro video
It's not hard to create a basic video that makes a good impression.
Advanced intro video
To create a quality video, choosing the right video settings or adding captions helps!
Professional intro video
If you want to really excel as a professional teacher, take the time to look at all the requirements for creating a professional video.