Record an online lesson without chasing the script

1. Write for one learner

Choose one thing the learner should be able to do by the end. Explain it, work through an example, then give them something to try. Read the draft aloud and shorten any sentence you have to fight through.

Put a heading above each section in the editor. Keep stage directions in parentheses, such as (pause for the example), so Wordtandem can treat them as cues rather than words to match. A short outline also makes it easier to restart one section without repeating the whole lesson.

2. Get the words close to the camera

Paste your script into Wordtandem, or import Word, PDF, RTF or plain text. If you write in Google Docs, download the document as Word or PDF first, or copy and paste it; direct Google Docs import is not available.

Place the camera at eye level. Increase the text size until you can read comfortably from your normal seated position, and narrow the text column to reduce how far your eyes travel. Put the reading line near the lens, then watch a short test to see where your eyes actually land.

3. Test the microphone and voice tracking

Under Settings → Voice & camera, check the microphone and camera. Allow the permissions you need, then use Listen and read a few sentences. Pause for a moment and continue. Make this test with the same equipment and speaking distance you plan to use for the lesson.

Basic voice tracking is free and unlimited. VoiceFollow Pro uses context from your script to help with names and technical terms; the free plan includes a small monthly allowance. Check your remaining Pro time before a long session, and see the current plan allowances if you need more.

If tracking falls behind, move the microphone closer and reduce room echo before changing settings. After an ad-lib, return with a clear phrase from the script. You can click the word you’re reading to restore your place. The voice-tracking help explains the Lead and Glide controls.

4. Record a short test before the full lesson

Choose Record, read a short section, then choose it again to stop. Listen to the saved file: is your voice clear, is the camera framed well, and can you pause naturally? The camera recording has no script burned into it and no watermark.

Wordtandem records the camera and microphone at up to 1080p. If your lesson needs slides or a screen demonstration in the final video, use a separate screen-recording workflow. The desktop prompter can stay above your slides; capture the intended application window when you want to keep your script out of view.

Record longer lessons in manageable sections if that makes retakes easier. Before closing the app or tab, check that each file has saved and plays correctly. Some browsers hold a recording in memory until you stop.

Before you press Record

• Your script has one clear outcome and a worked example.
• The reading line is close to the lens and the text is comfortable to read.
• You have tested the selected camera, microphone and voice engine.
• Notifications are quiet and anything private is out of the shot.
• You know where the recording will save and have checked a short test file.

Common questions

Do I need to install anything?

You can start in the browser. The Mac and Windows desktop app adds a window that stays above your slides or call and keeps the screen awake while you read. The download page explains the current installer warnings.

Will I get an MP4?

The format depends on the browser: Safari usually saves MP4; Chrome, Edge and Firefox usually save WebM. Check the test file against your course platform’s upload requirements before recording the whole lesson.

Can I use it during a live class?

Yes. The desktop prompter can sit near the camera during a call. Sharing the whole display can also show your script, so select the application you intend to share. See the Zoom, Meet and video-call guide for setup details.