Use speaker notes while recording
How to use speaker notes in Tella
Speaker notes in Tella are a handy feature that allows you to read from a script or refer to notes while recording your video. This tool helps you stay on track during your recording, making it easier to maintain focus and ensure you don’t forget key points. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use speaker notes in Tella’s web recorder and Mac app, and how to make the most of this feature whether you’re recording a camera-only video or a screen-sharing presentation.
What are speaker notes?
Speaker notes act as a digital notepad that appears on your screen while you’re recording. You can write out a full script, bullet points, or just short reminders that will help you stay organized while speaking. These notes will be visible to you but will not appear in the final video, allowing you to seamlessly reference them without needing to memorize your content.
When should I use speaker notes?
Speaker notes are useful in a variety of recording situations:
Scripted videos: If you need to follow a script, speaker notes will keep you on track without missing any key points.
Reminders: For unscripted videos, speaker notes can serve as a helpful guide to ensure you stay on topic.
Presentations and demos: Speaker notes help you manage both your spoken content and the information you’re demonstrating on-screen.
Using speaker notes ensures a smoother, more organized delivery, allowing you to focus on your performance without losing your place.
How to use speaker notes in Tella
Follow these steps to use speaker notes in Tella’s web recorder:
1. Open the Web Recorder:
Launch Tella’s web recorder and ensure your camera and microphone are set up.
2. Enable Speaker Notes:
Click the More button at the bottom of the web recorder, and then select Show Speaker Notes. A notepad will appear at the top of your recording screen, allowing you to write or paste your notes.
3. Write or Paste Notes:
You can enter your notes, bullet points, or full script into the notepad. If your notes are lengthy, you can resize the notepad by adjusting its width to fit the text into shorter lines, making it easier to read while recording.
4. Position Your Notes for Easy Viewing:
The notepad is positioned near your camera feed, which helps you maintain eye contact with your webcam. This placement ensures that you can glance at your notes while still looking engaged with your audience.
5. Start Recording:
Once you’ve set up your notes, hit Record. Your notes will remain visible for your reference, but they will not be shown in the final video.
Using speaker notes while screen sharing
If you’re recording both your camera and a screen share, you will need to adjust how you use speaker notes since your notes won’t be visible if you’re navigating a different window.
Dual Monitor Setup: For optimal use, we recommend using a dual monitor setup. Keep Tella’s web recorder, camera feed, and speaker notes open on one screen, and use the second monitor to display the content you’re demonstrating. This allows you to refer to your notes while sharing your screen.
Single Monitor Workaround: If you don’t have access to a dual monitor setup, you’ll need to switch between your screen share and speaker notes manually. This can be less convenient, so consider writing down key points on paper if switching windows is too disruptive.
Using speaker notes in the Mac App
If you’re using Tella’s macOS application, the speaker notes function has additional flexibility. In the Mac app, the speaker notes feature works as a floating notepad that you can move around your screen while recording. The notepad does not appear in the final recording, making it easy to use while you screen share. This floating notepad removes the need for a dual monitor setup, as you can adjust the position of your notes to avoid covering key parts of your screen while still being able to refer to them.
Best practices for speaker notes
To get the most out of Tella’s speaker notes, keep these tips in mind:
Keep Notes Brief: If you’re using notes as a guide, try to keep them concise. Bullet points or short sentences work best to ensure you can glance at them quickly without breaking the flow of your video.
Position Near the Camera: By keeping the speaker notes close to the camera, you maintain eye contact with your viewers, making the video feel more natural.
Use Dual Monitors for Screen Sharing: If you’re sharing your screen and need to use speaker notes, a dual monitor setup will give you the best results by allowing you to view your notes on one screen while demonstrating on the other.