April 16, 2024

What are speaker notes?

Carly

When it comes to making videos, every detail counts.

Whether you're teaching a tutorial, giving a speech, or just talking to your audience, keeping things clear and interesting is key.

Introducing Speaker Notes

That's where speaker notes come in: they are prompts or reminders while recording a video or giving a presentation. They can be also cues, main points, or even a full script to refer to. Speaker notes help you stay on track without the need to memorize everything.

When do you use speaker notes

There are two main scenarios when speaker notes are useful:

  • Video Recording: Speaker notes can help you stick to your script by showing key points and reminders during a video recording e.g. a product launch. They help ensure nothing important is missed. An example is shown further below.


  • Live Presentation: Speaker notes in slides can help guide your presentations by reminding you of key points and transitions. They help keep your presentation smooth and coherent.

Why you should use speaker notes 

Speaker notes keep your thoughts and key points organized, making sure your presentation or recording flows smoothly without any important details slipping through the cracks. 

With speaker notes, you can focus on connecting with your audience instead of worrying about what comes next. They help make your video more interesting and relatable for your viewers. 

Speaker notes in Tella

Tella screen recorder comes with speaker notes: you can add them right in the Tella screen recorder in a few simple steps.

Only you can see them, and they won’t show up in the final video. This means that your audience won’t know you’re using them, and they won’t clutter your video. 

Step-by-step guide

  • Open Tella: Launch the Tella app on your computer and log in or sign up. You can also use speaker notes on the Tella website (they just won’t be colourful). 

  • Access Speaker Notes: Before or during your recording, click on Preferences.


From there, click on Show at the bottom of the Preferences tab. 

That will bring up the Speaker notes box. Now, you’re all set to start writing your notes. 

You can tap Show again to switch between the three available colors of post-it notes. 

You can also resize the text box and move it around to wherever suits you. 

  • Finalize Your Presentation: Once you're happy with your recording, click Finish. You'll be taken to a window where you can watch your video, export it, share it with a link, add a thumbnail, and adjust permissions as needed.

How to make the most of speaker notes in Tella

When you're preparing a presentation using the Tella app, try to strike a balance between having a detailed script and relying on high-level talking points. That way, your presentation will be interesting but still cover everything you need to say. 

In Tella, your speaker notes are shown in a large format that’s easy to read. To make the most of it, keep your notes short and to the point. This helps you stay focused on your audience without getting lost in your notes.

While it's okay to glance at your notes, try not to read them word for word. Instead, use them as reminders to keep your audience engaged.

FAQs

Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions about speaker notes. 

What are speaker notes?

Speaker notes are prompts or reminders that help you stay on track while recording a video or presentation. In Tella's screen recorder, you can add your speaker notes right in the screen recorder, and they won't be visible in the final video.

How do you write speaker notes?

Write speaker notes by outlining your key points, transitions, and reminders to guide your presentation or recording. 

Is it OK to read from notes during a presentation?

Yes, it's okay to refer to notes during a presentation, but try to avoid reading them word-for-word.

What should speaker notes include?

Speaker notes should cover what you want to say and how you want to say it. They can include key points and reminders for pauses, tone changes, and transitions. 

How long should speaker notes be?

Aim for just one or two sentences per slide to keep things clear and focused. You want to give your audience the info they need without going overboard.

Speaker notes keep you on point

Want to give speaker notes a try for your next recording or presentation? Check out Tella - in a few simple steps, you can easily integrate them into your workflow. 


Tella — Screen recording for entrepreneurs

Tella — Screen recording for entrepreneurs