Students look for connection and clarity at the start of your course. Two short videos can help you provide both: a personal introduction and a course introduction. As you plan and script these videos, use the guidance below to decide what to include and how to organize your message for students.

Instructor introduction video

When your students feel connected to you as a person they’re more likely to ask questions and engage in the course. Introducing yourself in the beginning of the term is a simple first step in sharing a bit of your personality and passion for you subject matter.  

The best introduction is an authentic one! Set yourself up in a comfortable place and create a quality video that shows off your personality. Your introductory video should include your professional background and expertise as well as some interests you may enjoy outside of the classroom (these can be hobbies or even stories about your family). Try to include some enthusiasm for the topic area and your personal connection to it to make your students excited about learning from you. 

Hi everyone! My name is _____ and I will be your instructor for [insert course name]. I am a [insert title] here at [institution name] and have been teaching here for [X] years. I am excited to be leading this class because [include 1–2 reasons why this relates to your experience, research, or passions]. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy [insert 1–2 personal anecdotes about hobbies, family, ways you unwind/take a break]. I look forward to interacting with you all throughout the semester. Feel free to contact me at [insert preferred method of contact] with any questions or concerns.

Course introduction video

A strong course introduction video helps you set expectations, build interest, and show students why the course matters. It gives you an early opportunity to connect the content to their goals and encourage them to engage from the start. 

Consider these approaches to create an effective introduction video: 

• Start with what makes the course engaging. Focus on how the content connects to your students’ careers or goals instead of repeating syllabus details. 
• Open with a guiding question. For example, “What makes a good leader?” A strong question sparks curiosity and invites students to think more deeply. 
• Connect to a real-world example. Share a short story, scenario, or research example that shows how the content applies in practice. 
• Use a clear structure. Organize your video with a simple introduction, body, and conclusion so students can easily follow your message.

Tips for script writing

Organizing your ideas before you record will help you create a clear and engaging video. Depending on your comfort level in front of the camera, you might choose to write a full script or outline key points in a bulleted list. As you draft your script, keep these tips in mind:

• Write the way you speak. Aim for a conversational, informative, and friendly tone, as if you were talking with students in person. 
• Keep it concise. Plan for about 200 to 300 words, which typically results in a 2 to 3 minute video. 
• Avoid time-specific language. Phrases like “last year” or “this month” can quickly become outdated. 
• Avoid fixed course references. Skip details like “week 3” or “chapters 5 and 6” in case the course structure changes. 
• Consider your audience. Think about what students may find interesting or challenging and what they already know about the topic. 
• Practice out loud. Read your script before recording and revise any words or phrases that feel awkward or hard to say.