Video intros for teachers

Intro videos are used by students to find out about teachers they haven’t met yet. Videos give students an idea of your style, accent and speech patterns. 

It should be generally appealing, rather than targeted at a specific type of student.

Time limit

The target is 15-seconds.

(Actually, we will allow intros up to about 20 seconds.)

It is short so that students can easily watch quite a few intro videos. A uniformity in length shows professionalism, it is a good user experience, and it represents TEF—get to the point and don't waste time. 

Set up 

  1. Choose your device—computer, phone or other. 
    • Since you teach English on video, you should have a good front-facing camera on your computer. 
    • If you have issues with your computer, you may find your phone a suitable option. Newer phones have excellent front-facing cameras.
      • If you use your phone, make sure it’s horizontal (landscape).
      • Use a tripod or hold the camera against a stable surface to keep it absolutely still.
      • Asking a friend or family member to record using a phone or digital camera is also an option. You may find it easier to be warm and friendly with a real person behind the camera, and you may find that camera is higher quality.
  2. Choose a program to record your video.
    • Chances are, you currently have one on your computer readily available. If you have a PC, there’s Windows Camera; if you have a Mac there’s Quicktime. You can also use Skype or YouTube.
    • Recording from your phone is even easier. Just access the camera, choose video and press record. 
  3. Choose your mic.
    • Record a few words then play them back.
    • Make sure it's loud enough. You should be able hear the audio track clearly without turning the volume all the way up.
    • Tip 1: you can use your headphone mic and hold it just out of frame. Generally, dedicated mics are higher quality than your device’s internal mic. 
    • Tip 2: make sure your voice isn’t echoing. If your space has an echo, you can hang a towel or stack pillows out of frame to make the audio crisper.
  4. Check your lighting. 
    • Natural light is great. 
    • Ideally, you’ll have two light sources: ambient sunlight reflected off your walls, and task lighting that illuminates your face. Check yourself on screen before recording. Now might be a good time to consider your permanent lighting setup. (Google “vlog light” or “selfie light” for cheap options.)

Recording

  1. Choose what to say and record it 
    • Check your fellow teacher’s intro videos as a reference.
  2. Choose two-to-three things you want to highlight about yourself. 
    • Keep them general. You do not want to limit yourself to a specific type of lesson. You might talk about: 
      1. Where you are from 
      2. Where you live now
      3. Your education 
      4. Your teaching experience
      5. ANY OTHER LANGUAGES YOU SPEAK (PLEASE INCLUDE THIS!!)
      6. Your general teaching specialty/specialties
      7. Your teaching style 
      8. Your sign-off “I’m looking forward to meeting you” or the like
    • Do not write every word unless you have acting chops. Just write bullet points. 
    • Practice out loud 5-10 times, then put away your notes so you can look at the camera. 
  3. Record yourself. 
    • Feel free to do a few takes in a row. Takes often get better with a little practice. 
    • Start and end with a smile.
  4. Play back your recording. 
    • Check your sound quality 
    • Check your lighting. 
    • Check the overall quality—does it represent you well?

Send the file. 

Make sure the file is not compressed. Watch the whole video to check for quality before sending it.