What's the Word: Video Tips, April WordPrompt, and More

Your regular dose of tips,

tutorials, and inspiration.

Welcome to another edition of What's the Word!

For almost two-thirds of all internet users, video is the primary way they get information. If you're in the one-third who still reads the internet (I'm in that group), it's highly likely that you've at least increased your video consumption in the last two years. It follows, then, that as a website owner, you should be putting some focus into creating more videos. Below, we have some tips for doing just that.

This edition also includes the April WordPrompt, how to create an online portfolio, and a newly published story from The Atavist.

Quick Tips for Creating Better Videos, from Our Director of Video

Michael LaNasa is the Director of Video for WordPress.com. From his home in the Pacific Northwest, he spearheaded the creation of our new YouTube channel and leads the team that creates beautiful and informative videos for us.

I asked him to give our newsletter readers three quick tips on how to create better videos for your website:

"Whether you are a seasoned video content creator or someone diving into video for the first time, there are some easy tricks to creating the best possible experience for your viewers. The best part: you don't need expensive equipment or years of experience at film school to achieve it.

Framing — Placement of your camera is key for engaging framing. Your subject matter (whether it be a person, pet, or book) should be centered, fill around one-third of the frame, and sit at a comfortable eye level. Avoid framing subjects far away, framed far to one side, and low or high angles.
Lighting — Light is your friend, whether natural or artificial. Place your subject facing a light source, whatever it may be, and avoid backlighting (light coming from behind the subject, towards the camera) if at all possible.
Audio — Clear audio is extremely important, especially if you're communicating directly with your audience. When setting up your recording environment, identify and eliminate any background noise and attempt to record in smaller rooms with less or no echo. Additionally, test your mic beforehand to be sure you're close enough for clear audio capture.
Bonus Tip: Testing— No one gets it right on the first attempt. Even seasoned actors require multiple takes. Record and test your environment with the above list in mind. Review and see where you might be able to tweak and improve something.

The smallest little details being done right will amount to a successful video, every single time. Practice, learn, repeat; you can do this. Good luck out there!"

To get video walk-throughs, short how-tos, webinar replays, and more, be sure to visit our channel:

Visit Our YouTube Channel

April WordPrompt

In March, we introduced a new blogging prompt called WordPrompt: a single word to use as a starting point for whatever you create, be it writing, art, photography, etc. The first WordPrompt was "BRIDGE," which led to some incredible posts from the community. Here are just a few of my personal favorites:

"Encanto – Mirabel as the Bridge for Change" from Kaye Spencer
"The Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge in the World – A Personal View" from Karen Free
"#WordPrompt – Bridge" from iPapito

The WordPrompt for April is: GREEN

Be sure to use the tag "WordPrompt" for your post!

Write a Post

How to Create Your Professional Portfolio Online in 5 Steps

How do you stand out in a crowded internet marketplace? An online portfolio showcasing your skills can be the best way to attract new business.

The Built By WordPress.com blog recently published an incredibly handy article that outlines the benefits of an online portfolio as well as 5 tips for getting started:

Make a clear plan.
Collate samples of your work.
Add your key information.
Organize your portfolio.
Share your portfolio.

To get more detailed information on each of those 5 tips, visit the Built By blog:

Built By WordPress.com Blog

Read (and Write for) the Best of the Web

Attention, all essayists: Longreads, Automattic's publication celebrating the best writing on the web, is looking for you! Whether you're a new or established writer, check out their call for submissions and submit your best personal, reported, or critical essay.

If you're more in the mood for reading than writing, The Atavist's moving new story is hot off the presses: An imprisoned artist, the couple who saved his life, and the extraordinary gift he gave in return. "The Caregivers" is about radical acts of generosity, and a love triangle unlike any you've ever heard of.

Read "The Caregivers"

Until next time,

Jeremy and the entire crew at WordPress.com

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