Recording SOP (1 Page)

Your Setup

Gear: Phone (landscape mode) + simple light (natural window or cheap ring light) + outline on a sheet next to the lens at eye level (never below).

Framing: Face centered or upper-middle of frame, well-lit from the front, clean/non-distracting background, good audio (mic 6-12 inches away, quiet room).

Script placement: Outline (not full script) lives just LEFT of or ABOVE the lens at eye level so you can glance at the idea without looking down.

Energy note: Cameras cost you 2-3 charisma points. Dial your energy to a 10 during recording; it'll settle to a natural 7-8 on playback.

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Pre-Record Checklist

• Test recording: Do a 30-second test every single time (1 in 3 early videos has a fatal flaw: mic off, bad framing, glare, or focus).
• Warm up: Talk to someone (text a friend or chat out loud) to get in a talking mood.
• Energy: Do jumping jacks or pushups. Watch a high-charisma YouTuber for 2 minutes to imitate their vibe, then morph into your own style.
• Time it right: Only record when you're fresh, energetic, and talkative. Never when tired or in a bad mood.
• Hydration: Coffee, yerba mate, or a cup in hand. Tricks your brain into "talking with someone."
• Frame check: Face in focus, well-lit, centered/upper-middle, clean background, outline visible at eye level.
• Audio check: Close mic (6-12 inches), quiet room, no echo, test the waveform on your first take.

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During-Recording Rules

• Read, don't recite: Read your outline, grasp the IDEA of the sentence, then say it in your own words. Word-for-word forces 10-15 takes per sentence and sounds robotic.
• Keep hands still: During pauses, keep your hands in the same position so edits stay seamless.
• Signal your edits: On any flub, say "cut that part" out loud. Editors will see it on the audio waveform and know exactly where to split.
• Delivery rhythm: Start sentences fast and high, end slow and abrupt. Pause to emphasize key points. Speak through a natural smile, never monotone.
• Nailing intros: Record the intro as many takes as needed. You're anchoring the whole video here.
• Stay in the zone: Record all your takes for one topic before moving on. Batch everything: record 2-3 videos per sitting once you're comfortable.
• Length target: Keep under 14:59 if you're newer; mature videos can run 10-25 min. Most of your views come from people watching ~25-30% of the video, so frontload value.

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Batch Workflow

1. Generate ideas in advance (use the ICON method; aim for 30 ideas in one sitting).
2. Batch record: Once comfortable, record 2-3 videos per sitting. Stay 2+ weeks ahead in your bank.
3. Save files consistently: Each video gets its own folder (outline + raw recording + notes).
4. Review test takes: Watch your 30-second tests; note any technical issues before you record the full video.
5. Stay ahead: A 2-week buffer means no scrambling, better energy week to week, and the freedom to pivot if an idea flops.

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Remember: You don't need perfect production. You need good ideas + consistent publishing + minimum audio/lighting quality. Everything else is detail. Ship it.