Lights, Camera, Action!
This guide provides everything necessary for your EEA audition. Your audition serves two key purposes: showcasing your teaching ability and simulating EEA's course production processes, guidelines, quality expectations, and revision cycles.
The following six steps will guide you in effectively utilizing our audition kit. Before beginning, keep these essential points in mind:
Submit original videos showcasing your technical expertise. Previously created original content can be repurposed.
Aim for a video duration of 4–8 minutes, with a maximum limit of 10 minutes.
EEA strongly emphasizes originality and ethical authorship. Any plagiarism may result in termination of your partnership with EEA.
Step 1
Preparation Purpose of the Audition
Technical instructors inspire and educate by clearly explaining concepts. Completing your audition will:
Allow your Author Community Manager to assess your instructional abilities.
Demonstrate your proficiency in applying our branding and quality standards.
Help you estimate the time required to produce an EEA-quality video.
Clearly communicate the benefits learners gain from your instruction—answer the learner’s essential question, “What's in it for me?” (WIIFM).
Tips for Writing a Strong Audition Script
Narrative Structure
Establish a clear story or context.
Speak naturally, rather than reading directly from slides.
Vocal Variety
Highlight important words using emphasis.
Indicate deliberate pauses within your script.
Confident Delivery
Minimize filler words such as “um” or “sort of.”
Consider standing or smiling while narrating.
Synchronization
Ensure your narration matches the visuals.
Use speaker notes for coordination.
Practice
Rehearse thoroughly for smooth and engaging delivery.
Incorporate your teaching personality into your script, emphasizing enthusiasm and clarity.
Audio Recording Tips
Choose a quiet recording environment.
Avoid extended silences (no more than five seconds).
Review and eliminate background noise.
Record audio separately from your video demonstration.
Quality Callout Examples
Line Callouts (Example 1)
Box Callouts (Example 2)
Arrow Callouts (Example 3)
Poor Callout Examples
Freehand Callouts (Examples 4 and 5)
Remember, learners rely solely on visuals and narration for understanding. Employ clear visuals and annotations, avoiding distracting mouse movements.
Review the Audition Rubric
To ensure your audition aligns with our standards, consult the audition rubric available in the resources section.
Step 2
Audition Outline
Use the provided audition outline template to structure your content fully. Submit your completed outline to the Dropbox folder provided by your Author Community Manager.
Important: Await approval of your outline before proceeding with recording.
Step 3
Submission and Review
Completing the Audition Outline
Title and Difficulty Level
Select a precise, specific title that clearly conveys your content’s goal.
Clearly indicate whether the content targets beginners or advanced learners.
Course Planning
Storyline: Present a realistic scenario that contextualizes your teaching.
Description: Provide clear, concise information.
Course Organization
Audition Overview: Estimate segment durations accurately.
Slide Portion: Clearly outline key points; avoid excessive text.
Demo: Maintain scenario relevance during demonstrations.
Conclusion: Clarify what learners have accomplished and their new skills.
Slide Deck
Use provided templates and icons thoughtfully.
Visuals should enhance your narrative without dominating.
Scripting
Prepare your script ahead of time for smoother recordings and confident presentation.
Step 4
Recording and Editing
Slide Deck Requirements
Branded slide deck (PowerPoint/Keynote).
Screen capture/editing software.
Quality microphone.
Suitable editing software (Camtasia, DaVinci Resolve, OBS recommended).
Slide Recording Guidelines
Maintain default resolution (1920 x 1080p).
Use speaker notes for script alignment.
Record slides in a controlled window without distractions.
Screen Capture Best Practices
Capture at 1920 x 1080p; eliminate screen clutter and distractions.
Set neutral, solid desktop background.
Demo and Callouts
Capture only essential areas; minimize distractions.
Use clear, readable fonts (16–18 pt).
Audio Recording Standards
Record audio separately from visuals.
Maintain consistent audio levels (-6 to -12 db).
Ensure clarity, eliminating distracting noise and frequent fillers.
Editing Guidelines
Produce clean, professional edits with smooth transitions.
Use appropriate callouts for clear learner guidance.
Avoid cursor highlighting or zooming actions.
Step 5
Review
Assess your final product from a learner’s perspective.
Address any editing issues thoroughly.
Seek honest peer feedback and refine accordingly.
Step 6
Audition Submission and Feedback
Export Guidelines
Render at 1920 x 1080p, 30 FPS, in MP4 format.
Submission Process
Upload your audition video to your Expert Portal Profile or Dropbox folder provided by your Author Community Manager.
Feedback and Revision
Your Author Community Manager will review and provide constructive feedback.
Revisions may be necessary to meet EEA standards fully.
Upon successful audition approval, you’ll officially become an EEA Author—congratulations!
Download the Audition Rubric
