The Bear Guide for Storytellers in Online Shows

Here are some tips to make your SOUND and IMAGE optimal for an online audience.

Background

You can download either photo below as a virtual backdrop . If you don’t know how to add a virtual background on Zoom, here is a link that shows how.

If virtual background doesn’t work

You can add a distraction-free backdrop by “simply” hanging a solid color cloth of some kind (thick sheet, tablecloth, blanket). Try to get it as taunt as possible (without wrinkles).

Camera set

Optimal setting is to have your camera high enough, so you can stand while speaking. This makes a noticeable improvement in your performance.

Set your focus as close up on your face down to your mid-torso. (called a medium close up ).

Sound

If you would like your story to be considered for KCRW’s radio show, Sylvia Cunningham needs a better audio recording than Zoom. For this, please make a recording on your smartphone. For iphones, she recommends “voice memos app”. Don’t speak too close to microphone or it will be too loud - in general a hand and a half distance works well.

Final Tip

Even though you can’t see the audience, we are looking at you! Look directly in the camera and it looks as if you are looking at us. If it feels strange, ask someone to be behind the camera for you, or hang a photo of Mom over camera.

We understand this all takes awhile to set up. But we noticed, the extra preparation, really makes a difference in the result.

If you have any questions:

dyane@thebear-storytelling.de or hanna@thebear-storytelling

If this is during the online show, contact Hanna privately in Zoom chatbox. Thanks!