Finding your style: How I make my instructional videos stand out

The most important thing in creating screencasts is developing your style. Your style is uniquely yours, subjective, and it deeply connects with your personal flair. If my style resonates with you, feel free to draw inspiration from it because sharing knowledge is what it’s all about.

The importance of the "face cam" in videos

I've noticed that many presenters position themselves in the corner of the screen during demonstrations, and they remain there for the entire video. Here's why I prefer a different approach. The face cam is central to my philosophy because it provides a more engaging and organic experience for viewers.

Avoiding distractions: Focus on what matters

Starting a video with your face cam in the smallest part of the screen can be distracting. The majority of things in the frame become something the viewer should ignore, and the crucial content is diminished. That's why I believe in cropping my face cam to ensure I'm in the viewer's focus.

Utilizing "explainer mode" effectively

In 'explainer mode', I maximize my video to full screen to keep the viewer's attention centered on me rather than an irrelevant screen. My aim is to convey my perspective on a subject rather than sticking to a pre-scripted narrative.

Enhancing video presentation with rounded corners

One characteristic of my talking head videos is the placement of my image in the upper-right corner with a 'cropped' effect. This technique directs focus and removes unnecessary elements from the frame. Additionally, I use rounded corners to blend seamlessly with many user interfaces, offering a polished and coherent visual experience.

Using eye-direction tricks for better engagement

Ensuring that my gaze directs the viewer's attention is critical. Sometimes, I flip my video to maintain the illusion that I'm looking at the screen content, keeping the narrative flow intact. The viewer is less likely to notice the mirrored image and more focused on the seamless and engaging video experience.

Crafting a unique video style

By combining your style with strategies that maintain viewer focus, you can elevate your instructional videos. It's about blending techniques that resonate with your unique style. Remember to protect your personal flair since that’s where your true style shines.