Using Free Software To Record Your PowerPoint Presentations
To Record Your
PowerPoint Presentations
When it comes to creating videos there are two things holding people back in my opinion, Cost and Confidence.
Confidence: While I try to encourage people to face their fears and progress online, offering assistance when and where it’s needed, that’s about all I can do. The rest is up to the individual, if you really want something then you have to take the steps needed to achieve it.
I know as well as anyone how fear can hold you back but during the Learn With Sally coaching I made the decision that I would face my fears head on and kick them into touch.
Once you have overcome them there’s nothing holding you back and you really do start to take huge strides towards your goals and feel so much better for it. Just look at the people taking part in the video blog challenge, we all started the same way: Facing our fears, overcoming them and progressing online.
Do you remember your first driving lesson? Did you panic at the sight of a car coming towards you? Did you have the radio switched off because it distracted you?
Look at how you drive now, windows down, music playing, whistling away, seeing the oncoming traffic and not even thinking about it now because you have the experience and have built your confidence.
It’s the same with everything in life, experience builds confidence.
Cost: When people first start looking into creating videos they hear all about Camtasia, see the price and lots of people think “oh well, maybe when I’ve made some money online” and then give up on their video ideas.
You don’t need Camtasia to create good videos as there is free software available online that can get you up and running in no time at all.
In the video below I show you where to get that free software and how to use it to produce really good videos that cost you nothing but your time 
Using Free Software To Record Your PowerPoint Presentations
Don’t forget that my videos are shot in HD so you can hit the button in the bottom right corner and watch the video full screen 
You can download the software used in the video by visiting CamStudio and Windows Live Movie Maker.
If you’re not yet creating videos please download them both and have a go at your first video, once you’ve overcome that fear you’ll soon be knocking them out on a regular basis.
Obviously I’m working on a PC but if you’re on a Mac you could try using:
Capture Me or
If you’ve missed the previous Two videos in this series:
Part One adding text, images and graphs.
Part Two adding animations and transitions.
Share your views:
As you know I love to read and reply to your comments so please tell me and my readers what you thought of the video.
Has it helped in any way? Will you start using the free software to start creating videos?
If you’re already using the free software maybe you can share some tips with everyone here or on the Facebook Fan Page, or maybe both
Sharing IS Caring:
If you enjoyed the video, or think the series can help your friends and followers, please use the sharing tools available and let them know about it. I do appreciate it and will make a point of coming to thank you
Until next time; download, play and produce
P.S. Please take a moment, after leaving your comments, to visit the Video Blog Challenge page and catch up on the videos being submitted. There are some fantastic tutorials there for everyone to learn from.
Again please share them with your friends and followers 
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Filed under: Challenges • PowerPoint Tutorials • Videos
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Twitter: jmd164
Nice One Barry,
I tell you, making sure you get your settings right before you start recording is good advice there Barry. It took me several goes to cop on and I did eventually find the setting to fix it so it saves to a file I want. There’s a few video shots floating around my computer somewhere …. and then having to tape again ’cause you can’t find it, especially when you’d done a good take, oh dear me – quiet annoying.
Och well, we live and learn and if we laugh about it, it doesn’t hurt so much.
Thanks Barry
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Take Care
Julie
Julie recently posted..Tips Promoting Products as an Affiliate #2
Hi Julie,
We learn from experience mate, I lost one myself so I knew I had to point that out.
All is not lost:
To find the videos you’ve lost do a search on your PC (start > search) for .AVI and it should give you a list of all files with that format. Then make a note of where they are and once you have the complete list go to those locations via windows explorer and move them all to one folder Julie.
You do have the right attitude to laugh about it, although it does get difficult at times doesn’t it mate
Thanks Julie, best of luck with finding your videos mate.
R&R Barry
Twitter: jmd164
Hi Barry, thanks for that.
I’ve a little question: There’s a volume control on the recording software and one on computer. What level is the best place for the volume when recording and should the computer volume be at the same or does that matter?
Thanks again
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Julie
Julie recently posted..Tips Promoting Products as an Affiliate #2
To be honest Julie I’ve always left my volume at the default setting. Now that I’m using Camtasia I have the audio bar so I can see that I’m loud enough.
If you feel that yours are a little quiet then I would adjust it on the recording software. Move it up a fraction and do a two minute sound test, maybe read a blog post and see how loud it comes out at.
If you’re concerned about it maybe ask your readers for their opinions on the volume in your next post.
Thanks Julie, have a great weekend mate
I have been so negligent about taking this big plunge. I used to do Power Point presentations at school all the time. I have just created a new work schedule trying to get back on track. After reading this post, I am going back to put this on my “study” list and come up with something. You have covered some very important things.
Carol Smith at the Ultimate Home for the Beginner
Hi Carol, welcome to my blog.
I’m really pleased that you have now added creating powerpoint presentations to your study list. As you used to use it on a regular basis it’ll soon come back and you’ll be knocking videos out with ease.
Best of luck Carol, thanks for coming over and leaving a comment.
Take care,
Barry
Barry, I
I can’t read your blog because this tweet bar is blocking its’ view.
Send me an email explaining how to clear it off so I can read the content.
Thanks, Glen
Hi Glen, thanks for bringing that to my attention.
I have now removed the plugin so all content can now be displayed.
Thanks again, Barry
Barry, Wow. You have a lot of information here. I am now joining your video challenge. I have camtasia but don’t know how to use it, so it will be an interesting journey. Thanks for the good videos.
mike
Hi Mike,
That’s great news mate
With Camtasia, set the screen to the size you want to record, hit record and it’ll give you a count down. When you want to stop recording hit F10 on your keyboard and if you want to pause during recording hit F9 to pause and again to continue.
When it comes to editing with Camtasia watch the lower video on the following page as I give you a quick demonstration:
http://barry-wells.com/the-video-blog-challenge/
Let me know when your video is on your blog and I’ll add it to the page mate
Thanks Mike,
Best of luck,
Barry
Twitter: adriennesmith40
Hey Barry,
Another great video my friend. Sorry I’m late with commenting, it’s been a crazy fabulous busy week for me. Woohoo…
Okay anyway, I’ve never used the free Cam Studio software but I have tested it some years ago. I agree, don’t let the price of things hold you back. I started shooting all my videos using Windows Movie Maker. Heck, my most popular video was done in that program and it almost has 1 million views. See it’s the content we care about, not how fancy everything is.
Thanks for taking us through this and your note about checking the settings is spot on. Most of the time we have NO idea. It’s people like you that help us understand what to be on the lookout for.
Have the best day ever Barry!
~Adrienne
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Adrienne recently posted..Facebook Fan Page Tips And Tricks
Hi Adrienne,
Really glad you liked the video
I know you’ve had a busy week, I’ve been seeing you log into Skype at the early hours. I was really shocked earlier this week when I first saw you log in at that time, until I read your post on Monday
When I first started making videos it was CamStudio that I used and I really do think it is excellent, especially now with Windows Live Movie Maker. The doors are wide open for everyone now.
Nearly 1 million views, holy smoke Batman that’s very impresive. You’re so right Adrienne, it is the content that people enjoy now how it is presented.
When I recorded the demo for using in this video I lost the first one so had to change the settings which is why it was fresh in my mind Adrienne. I thought everyone should know about those settings so as not to lose their videos.
I’ve added your new post to the challenge page Adrienne but am yet to get over there as I’ve been clearing my mums house after a water pipe came out of its fitting and brought all the ceilings down on her belongings and flooded the house
Catch you up soon Adrienne,
Respect and Regards,
Barry
Twitter: rick_byrd
Barry:
Another great video my friend. You are really doing great with the video marketing. I am really digging the video intro’s. I need to open the wallet and have some created for me.
I am currently using CamStudio. So far it has been able to do what I need. Actually the one thing I do not like about CamStudio is that I can not zoom in, or at least I have not figured out how to zoom in.
Take care!
- Rick
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Rick Byrd recently posted..16 Cool Things You Can Do With Google Plus
Hi Rick,
Thanks for the compliments mate
The intros: The very first one was from fiverr and then the Welcome and Take Action Now bookends were from Vox Flair (free of charge). So keep your wallet in your pocket Rick
I don’t think you can zoom in with CamStudio but if you shoot the video then you will be able to zoom in when editing it with Windows Live Movie Maker. You can ask on the CamStudio forum Rick, someone may know whether you can or not.
Thanks Rick, I’ve now added your latest video to the challenge page here on my blog.
Take care mate,
Barry
Twitter: rick_byrd
Barry:
I now remember that you did mention before that you got the intro from fiverr and the book ends from Vox Flair. Free of charge is good since my wallet gets stuck shut and doesn’t get opened too often.
I did not even think about using the zoom option with Windows Movie Maker, so thanks again!
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Rick Byrd recently posted..16 Cool Things You Can Do With Google Plus
Wallets are for sitting on Rick, especially when there are plenty of free applications that we can use
No worries Rick, glad I could help mate.
Barry
Hi Barry
I have said it before but I am amazed how you have grasped all this different technology so easily.
I started using Windows Live Movie Maker around a month ago and watching your video on the section on it you have pointed out aspects of it I have never even noticed.
I am absolutely hopeless with instructions and always have been, I learn by experimenting with whatever it is I am using and tend to stick with what I know when I think I have cracked it. Getting to the stage of using all the tools available is something I will have to master.
One thing that I do find annoying is producing a video and finding a spelling mistake when I embed it on my site. Being a perfectionist I end up deleting it on Youtube and re-doing it.
One statement in your post is spot on – “experience builds Confidence”, I would never have thought I would be producing videos a few months ago.
If your challenge has proved beneficial to me on only one point, made by by Julie, about putting video on my landing page, then it has all been worthwhile.
Bill
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Bill Murney recently posted..Walks In Tameside – Tour Of Tameside Section 4
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the compliments mate. I may make it look easy but I have also had my episodes Bill
It’s just a case of trying and seeing what works best, more times than not it’s trial and error until you’ve cracked it and then you know for next time.
I only had a couple of goes on Windows Live Movie Maker but I knew what I wanted to demonstrate so had a practice run to find out what worked best foir editing as nobody wants to see us turning our recording software on or off. I think it looks like a fantastic piece of kit and I’ll certainly be giving a lot more use in the future.
I’m like you with reading instructions Bill. I have to print out any eBooks I’m following and make notes on the opposite pages so as to generate my own instructions as I understand them.
I know exactly what you mean about spotting spelling mistakes, did you notice my one in the video? When i was doing the intro in Windows Live Movie Maker I spelt Prenentation due to trying to rush my typing for the live video. I wouldn’t worry about redoing them all over again Bill, just ask in the description whether anyone spotted the mistake. That way they may watch them again to find it and double your view count in the process
As you know experience does build confidence Bill and I’m really chuffed that you’re now creating the videos you are. The more you do the easier it gets and the more you’ll enjoy them
Thanks Bill, take care mate.
Barry
Twitter: ITSergioFelix
Hey Barry,
I have never used CamStudio before but I will certainly give it a try to see exactly how it works for myself.
I wouldn’t like to recommend Camtasia to my readers only to find out they can’t afford the system so thanks for the recommendation mate!
About Capture Me is something I haven’t even heard about and I did use Jing a few times before even though I still have to remember how I did it… lol
Thanks and speak soon mate!
Sergio
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Sergio Felix recently posted..Basic Video Marketing Production
Hi Sergio,
CamStudio is an excellent piece of software but it does have its limits, give it a go Sergio and see what you think mate.
Camtasia is best there is in my opinion and I highly recommend it but we do need to point out the cost when we do and of course offer an alternative, ie CamStudio. I did have CamStudio Pro on my old PC which was really good but that has now been discontiuned I think.
I think it’s a case of trying some of the free ones out until you find one you like. Jing works on both PC and Macs and has a free version but it’s got a time limit. I’m told it’s very cheap to buy the full version though Sergio.
Thanks Sergio, take care mate.
Barry
Twitter: berget
Hey Barry,
I am using ScreenFlow on my Mac, it’s not free, but it works great for me. I still don’t do any advanced stuff, but I’m testing it, and I’m doing my best to find a way that works for both me and my readers :
I have just created a video tutoral on how to use Long Tail Pro, so thanks a lot for the challenge
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Jens P. Berget recently posted..Long Tail Pro – A Video Review
Hi Jens,
That’s great news that you have created a video, I’ll be over shortly to watch it
Thanks for letting us all know what program you’re using. As I work on a PC I haven’t got a clue about software for Macs so I have to go searching when I want to include software links in a post and then I can’t offer any advice as I’ve obviously never used them.
I’ll add your details to the video blog challenge page then head over Jens.
Thanks mate, have a great weekend.
Barry
OOHHHHHHHH…Mr Wells…
loved this video…as you know barry powerpoint presentation videos is a route I’m going down bigstyle….you know these method of video is THE fastest way to make a *full blown* stand alone product…
AND…
You can easily recreate ALL the videos into a PDF transcript simply copy and paste the content from the slides into open office or MS word then export as a PDF…job done video and transcript in one go…tis luvly it is I tell thee!
Take care Barry….Ed….;-)
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Ed recently posted..How to make Your Product Description on eBay Capture The Buyer?
Hi Ed,
Glad you liked the video mate
Did you get to see the Two before it? In part one I show how to resize the slides, add text, images graphs, word art and notes and in part two I show how to add animations and transitions 
Next week I’ll be showing everyone how to edit them in Camtasia and add intros and exits as well as transitions and fine tuning the editing
Yes mate, there’s so much we can do with PowerPoint which is why I’m trying to encourage people to start using it more, it really is a great piece of kit
Thanks Ed, give my regards to Doris
Take care,
Barry
Twitter: ianjenkinson
Hi Barry,
Came across your web site last week, have enjoyed reading it lot’s of useful information.
I do like the power point presentation instructions, it is something that I am about to do and complete a video as they are important to have on your blog.
Should be a lot easier after watching your videos.
All the best,
Ian
Ian Jenkinson recently posted..Articles Are The Most Powerful Tool For Driving Traffic To Your Website And Making Money Easy Online.
Hi Ian, welcome to my blog.
It’s good that you’re going to start using powerpoint, videos in general are hot and a great addition to your blog
I’m glad that the series is going to help you Ian.
Best of luck,
Barry
Twitter: SylvianeNuccio
Another great video my dear
Barry this challenge is great and today I was about to post my video and decided that it wasn’t good enough and took it down to do it all over again and much better.
I see that you have a great page full of the videos of your participants there. Very impressive. I’ll send you the link for my next video in the evening EST hours
What a contest!!!
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Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Find A Writing Discipline That Doesn’t Hurt
Hi Sylviane,
Sorry for the late reply, I had some PC issues yesterday
Glad you like the video, I’ll be creating the Camtasia one today
Sorry to hear that you decided to re-do your video but do understand that the perfectionist in you took over, fair play Sylviane.
There are some Fantastic entries to the challenge providing us all with some great tutorials and a place to find them all in the future
I have the link to your new video Sylviane and will be adding it to the page shortly.
Thanks Sylviane, have a great week my friend.
Barry
Hi Barry,
Thanks for sharing this! I think your video is very fancy and neat looking especially from the beginning. I thought that you were very thorough with your videos. I was thinking of creating some tutorial videos with how to use Market Samurai and Unique Article Wizard.
Hi Ryan, welcome to my blog.
Sorry for the late reply but I had some PC issues yesterday
I’m pleased that you enjoyed the video. I’m creating another one shortly to show how to record with Camtasia and I’ll be showing how I add the bookends to my videos.
I think you have a great idea Ryan. People would love to have an inside tour of both Market Samurai and Unique Article Wizard and if you include your affiliate link in the post then I’m sure that you’ll be able to earn a commission from it as well.
If you create them before the 29th of this month I’ll add them to the challenge page here on my blog and send you some traffic Ryan
Thanks for coming over and leaving a comment.
Best of luck,
Barry
Hi Barry,
I like CamStudio but I like the customizing options and framerate in Camtasia more. I’ll take you up on that offer! I just created a video on how to use market samurai to create a niche website and profit from it. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Hi Barry,
I just created a video and uploaded it onto youtube but it looks all grainy! I was wondering how you were able to get it to look so clear?
Hi Ryan,
I see what you mean about the video being grainy. I haven’t see them like this before Ryan, what software are you using to record it?
All of my videos are shot with the default settings, I’ve never altered them at all.
I have both CamStudio and Camtasia so let me know which you used and I’ll see if I can find something to help solve it.
Both software’s have forums so there may be something listed on them.
If you want to add it to a blog post let me know Ryan and I’ll add the blog permalink to the challenge page.
Thanks Ryan
I used camtasia and then windows live movie maker. That’d be great if you could add it to your challenge. I may have to remake it. I believe that because I uploaded straight from windows live movie maker it caused it to have less quality. Anyhow, I’m going to try to save it in HD and upload it and post the link again.
-Best
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
I wouldn’t upload from Windows live Movie Maker, that could well be where it went wrong.
Do you still have the original recording from before you put it through WLMM? If so import that into Camtasia Studio, edit it as you need to and produce it from there.
When you come to selecting the format choose Windows Media Video as it loads onto YouTube quicker than any other format
In my video tomorrow I’ll be showing how I do my videos and in the post i’ll link to the bookends I use, so you can grab a set as well Ryan (free of course
).
Let me have the link when you’re ready Ryan, best of luck.
I’m here if you need more advice.
Barry
Twitter: jeremyruggles
Hey Barry,
Since I started making videos at the beginning of your most recent video challenge, I have not yet tried making a powerpoint video. I will use your tips and advice here to get one put together.
Thanks for the encouragement and the great advice, Barry.
Take care,
~Jeremy
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Jeremy Ruggles recently posted..How To Capture Your Screen Image – Essential Blogging Tip
Hi Jeremy,
I hope that you’re proud of yourself mate, you’ve taken this challenge and have been creating some really good videos for the first time. You’re one that has really stood out to me Jeremy, I really do applaud the way you have stepped up to the challenge.
And now you’re going to create a PowerPoint Presentation, I take my hat off to you Jeremy.
I’m creating a video today to show people how to record their PPP’s in Camtasia and then how to add the fancy bookends. I know that you’ve downloaded Camtasia so this one will be of a huge benefit to you
You don’t need to thank me Jeremy. The fact that you’ve taken my encouragement and started creating videos is more than enough thanks for me mate
Thanks Jeremy, let me know when your next video is ready and I’ll add it to the page
Have fun,
Barry
Twitter: IMarketerLinda
This is good info which is so important for those that cannot afford the high cost of camtasia.
And it’s great that you provided info for those that use Mac’s as well.
I think I used the Windows Movie Maker a few years back to make a presentation. I think that you have given those that have yet to take the plunge excellent options which they probably never knew about.
Good content here Barry!
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Linda
Linda recently posted..Prevent Multiple Login Attempts to Secure Your WordPress Blog – Video #4 Barry’s Video Challenge
Hi Linda,
Yes Camtasia is a high cost, especially when we’re first thinking of creating videos. I think it puts people off of creating them but there are alternatives that people can use to produce good quality videos.
I hope the video and options mentioned encourage people to dive in and get started, they’re all free so the only thing holding people back is themselves
Glad you liked the video Linda, I’ll be publishing the next one today which is using Camtasia to record Powerpoint.
Thanks Linda, take care.
Barry
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Barry
Another quality video mate; and I love the point you make regarding the free software “just because it’s free does not mean it’s no good” as we both know Barry that is not the case.
Like you I started out with CamStudio and Windows Live Movie Maker before moving onto Camtasia but for some that is not always possible. Both of these pieces of software are great for getting started with video creation and give you the tools to produce some great quality videos.
People that are wishing to start creating videos Barry like you say “really have no excuses, especially when you can use Free software and Tools” The only thing holding them back is themselves!
I really hope people take your advice Barry and just jump in and start creating those videos and facing their fears (if that is the reason) because not only will they be moving closer to achieving their goals but they will have a lot of fun producing them at the same time.
Thanks for sharing such great content mate, something tells me Nigel is right; there is a product in the making here!
Take care, catch up real soon Barry
Ian
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Ian Ieba recently posted..Creating and Using Videos For Your Business – Part 3
Hi Ian,
Yeah so many people think that free means rubbish. I think it goes back to that old saying “buy it cheap buy it twice” but that certainly isn’t the case with these pieces of software. If it wasn’t for CamStudio I may not have ever started creating my videos because I certainly couldn’t afford Camtasia when I started.
It is a case of people holding themselves back now I think Ian. It may be a fear or it could be that they’re stuck for ideas of what to create videos about. Which is now covered as the challenge has a wide variety of videos that will help teach us all as well as generate ideas for others to try for themselves….. I hope
Glad you enjoyed the content Ian….. There may be a product in the making shhhhhh for now though
Thanks Ian, take care mate.
R&R Barry