While CARMA endeavors to record events without interfering with the speaker's normal activities, there a few things that, when the speaker is aware, can greatly improve the quality of the final product. These recommendations cover issues that are important for presenters to be aware of. If you are coordinating an event, we recommend you pass this link on to scheduled speakers.

Download the Speaker's Guide

Starting

Please let us know when you are ready to start, and then wait until we let you know that the recording has started. Otherwise, your introduction may be lost.

Introduction

If someone else is introducing you, please have him or her use a microphone. If they don't, while people in the room can probably hear, their words will not be audible on the recording.

Lights

Please leave the lights on. Without enough light, the recording will only show your silhouette.

Microphones

Please do not turn the microphone off. You might forget to turn it back on, and we have spare batteries. Also, be careful not to click your pen right in front of the mic.

The camera does not pick up any sound directly, so if you are using a fixed microphone please speak directly into it. If you are using a wireless mic, please be sure to carry it with you at all times.

Cell phone

Please turn off your cell phone. Even muted it can create interference.

Laser pointer

Please do not use a laser pointer. We record the output of the computer, so the Internet audience will not see any pointers. Instead, use descriptions, e.g., "the second item" or "the graph in the lower right" to direct attention to specific items on the slides.

Audience questions

Often audience members do not wait for a microphone to start talking, so please repeat any questions. Repeating the question reminds the Internet viewers what your answer relates to.

If you have any questions, please speak with the CARMA recording staff.

Thank you,

The CARMA Team