This document provides guidance on creating video book talks in 3 sentences or less. It recommends choosing an engaging book to feature, keeping the talk short at 4 minutes or less without revealing the ending. Tips are given for an effective hook to introduce the book, speaking clearly to the camera with a smile, practicing multiple takes, and using good lighting and a tripod. The goal is to tell a story about the book in an entertaining way for the intended audience.

1. Creating
Video Book Talks

2. Book Talkin’

3. Is this a Book background?Make a Commercial for the Book

4. The Book
Choose one or more
• You’ve read
• You like
• That are available
• That relate to the audience

5. ?
The Book
Complex
Narrow appeal
Limited content
Dry
Preachy
Inappropriate
Best-seller

6. Is this a Book background?
The Talk
• Keep it simple
• Keep it short. 4 minutes max
• Don’t give away the ending

8. Is this a Book background?
The Hook
HookU.S.P. Appeal

9. Is?
Tips
1. Show the book
2. Start with title and author,
end with title
3. Read a short passage, if
appropriate
4. Smile

10. Is this a Book background?
The Usual Reminders
1. Relax and Smile
2. No jingle or clank
3. Don’t fidget or fiddle
4. Don’t read verbatim
5. Speak to the person inside
the camera

11. Makin’ Videos

12. 1. Have your goals in mind
Audience; Teens; Website; Reading

13. 2. Develop a script &
storyboard
Notecards; key phrases

14. 3. Find a good location
Undistracting; non-glare; matte finish; quiet

15. Is this a good background?
Is this a good background?

16. Is this a good background?
Is this a good background?
“Sun through the window” by Bearfaced available on Flickr

17. Is this a good background?
How about this one?

18. 4. Speak clearly
To mic or not to mic

19. 5. Practice

20. 6. Do multiple takes
Editing is your friend

21. 7. Get a good tripod and use it

22. Is this a good background?Tripods

23. 8. Set up your shots.
‘Rule of thirds’

28. 9. Learn your video camera

29. Is this a good background?Camera Options
• Professional (Tape)
• Point-and-Shoot or DSLR (SD Card)
• Flipcam (Built-in storage)
• Cellphone

30. Is this a good background?Video file formats
Common Formats
 .mov
 .m4v
 .wmv
 .avi
 .mkv
SD vs. HD

32. 10. Tell a story

33. 11. Use good lighting

35. Key
Fill
Back

36. 12. Have fun!

37. Time to record

38. Let’s edit

39. Publishing Options

40. Thanks!
laura.johnson@nebraska.gov
michael.sauers@nebraska.gov