Let me ask you a question. Have you ever wanted to get a simple message out on YouTube, but you were just too intimidated by the idea of video recording yourself?

Yes, I thought so. Me too. I did a quick search through Google. Let me give you a run down on some of the issues to consider when making a video for any purpose.

First, I was instructed in no uncertain terms to buy the most expensive camcorder I could afford. The quality of the video suffers greatly unless the camera is first class.

The next thing I learned is that you have to have a tripod that costs at least $100 – $200 to insure it’ll be solid and firm enough not to wobble. I also learned you need a portable microphone and a “Lavaliere Microphone” (though I didn’t even know what that was).

I learned about narration, editing, panning, zooming, composition, lighting, and even equipment organization and sorting.

Wait. There’s more. You also have to consider cue cards vs. memorization – voice inflection – facial expression – noise minimization – and STAGE FRIGHT (my personal favorite)

All of this would make a lot of sense if you were re-making “Gone With The Wind”, but it’s way over the top if you’re just trying to explain or sell something.

You and I both understand that video sites like YouTube have incredible power, and that video accounts for more and more internet traffic (52% so far). We know that to get our message in front of the most pairs of eyes, we need to go video – but how do we avoid all of that other nonsense?

Good question. You could go for some expensive video editing software and – after overcoming a steep learning curve – create one of those masterpieces you see on YouTube from time to time. You know what I mean – a clever series of written messages which fade in and fade out, or leap on to the screen and then leap out, or dance around in a circle – all accompanied by perfectly synchronized music, of course.

Or maybe you’re thinking that’s all a bit much for your simple, straightforward message. So why not consider “text to video” software instead?

It’s actually been around for a little while, but don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it. I hadn’t either until fairly recently. Basically, text to video software allows you to paste or type language into your computer. It then converts that language into audio speech. They developed it to the point where it’s far less robotic than in the past.

This type of program makes creating a video as simple as writing an email. When you consider that more and more people prefer watching and listening to a message, rather than reading words on a screen, you can see the value in this.

The one major issue to bear in mind though, is how the program handles video. My advice would be that when looking for a good text to video program, you should get one that produces a computerized image, rather than just flashing the words on the screen as they are being spoken. Viewers are more comfortable watching someone talk, then being forced to read along with the script.

Looking to find the best deal on a new text to video program? Go to Jennifer Gordon’s site VIDEOGOROUND.COM to find the best advice on NEW TEXT TO VIDEO SOFTWARE.