From the course: Getting Started with Live Streaming

Prelaunch checklist

From the course: Getting Started with Live Streaming

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Prelaunch checklist

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(upbeat music) - This checklist will leave you fully prepared prior to your stream. You already know several of these steps, so let's reinforce and add some new ones. To start, create a run of show, so you can remember everything you want to cover during your stream. Use post-it notes to jot down your talking points. For best results, connect to the internet using an ethernet cable. If you don't have one, ensure that you have a strong internet connection and get as close to the router as possible. Always check your internet upload speed. And remember, you'll need at least five megabits per second upload. You can test this on your mobile device or desktop at speedtest.net. Close any apps, browser tabs, or programs running in the background, such as your Dropbox. Also, mute your smartphone or devices and place unneeded ones away from your microphone. This helps to avoid audio interference. Proper lighting enhances the look of your stream. For natural lighting, always face a window. You may also use a ring light, which should be placed somewhere above the monitor. And for a maximum professional look, use the classic three-point lighting setup. Some A/V tips include: mute all devices, wear headphones if interviewing a guest, ensure your external mic and webcam are connected, clean your lens, and clear any clutter in your background. When live streaming, it's tempting to look at the screen because that's what we're used to, right? Problem is, that's the wrong area to look. This is how I look to a viewer if I'm staring at the screen. I have no eye contact with the audience and it makes me look like I'm not paying attention. So the right place to look is directly at the camera. It might seem strange at first, but you'll get used to it in no time. Here's how I look when I'm staring into the camera. It immediately reassures the audience that I'm paying attention and ready to interact. Framing is a simple technique that many live streamers get wrong. For instance, here's what happens when you don't position yourself properly in your webcam. I'm off to the side and slouched down in the corner of the viewer's screen. This framing and body language makes me look weak and not engaged. This is much better. Notice I'm positioned right in the middle of the webcam, which puts me front and center on the screen. I'm sitting up straight and immediately look a lot more alert and engaged. Okay, so now that you've set yourself up for a successful live stream, let's see some other gear you can use to really bolster your stream. (upbeat music)

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