Use of Video Equipment

OUR Christian brothers and sisters spend much time and effort attending Christian meetings. If they are to benefit from what is said, they must be able to see clearly what is presented.

In the days of ancient Israel, there was no electrical sound amplification. When Moses spoke to the nation of Israel on the Plains of Moab before they entered the Promised Land, how were all of those in his audience, numbering in the millions, able to hear? Moses possibly employed a system of human relays whereby his words were successively repeated by men stationed at appropriate intervals across the camp. (Deut. 1:1; 31:1) Not long after the Israelites began their conquest of the land west of the Jordan, Joshua gathered the nation in front of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, evidently with the Levites in the valley that separated them. There all the people heard and responded to the divine blessings and maledictions that were presented to them. (Josh. 8:33-35) It is possible that on this occasion too, human relays were used, but no doubt the excellent acoustics of the area were also helpful.

About 1,500 years later when “a very large crowd gathered” at the Sea of Galilee to hear Jesus, he boarded a boat, pushed away from shore, and sat down to speak to the crowd. (Mark 4:1, 2) Why did Jesus speak from a boat? Evidently because the human voice carries with remarkable clarity over the smooth surface of a body of water.

The need to convey a message clearly to a large audience also exists in sign language. For many years, before video equipment was used, those who commented at meetings had to do so from the front of the auditorium in order that all could see what they had to say. Meetings were often longer because of the amount of time needed for our brothers and sisters to walk up and down the aisle. In other cases, a skilled brother copied the comments signed by brothers and sisters from their seats. These methods are still used in some places, either on a regular basis or when video equipment fails.

Today, many congregations have mounted televisions in strategic places so that the audience and the speaker can see the program clearly. While this has proved helpful, it is good to keep in mind some suggestions in order to avoid distractions at meetings and thereby help those attending to focus on the spiritual message.

Video Equipment. Video equipment can be used to broadcast talks while maintaining the quality and clarity of the signing. The speaker is not required to constantly sign in a large space, which could be taxing on him. Those in the audience do not have to strain to catch what is signed. Instead, they can concentrate on the message.

Much has been done to make sure that good video equipment is available at conventions and assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Additionally, many Kingdom Halls use video equipment to broadcast the signing of those who give discourses and conduct meetings. And some congregations have manual or ceiling-mounted cameras that can focus on individuals in the audience when they give comments during meetings. If your congregation has such equipment, learn to use it well.

Framing Principles. To frame a signer properly, keep in mind that the picture should generally encompass the signer from his waist, with his elbows at the bottom of the screen, to just above the top of his head. This framing will help the audience to focus on the signer’s face and hands, where most of the information is typically presented. Additionally, the signer should be centered on camera, not off to one side.

The signing in this publication can be used as one example. Notice how the signer is framed. Following are some additional examples. However, keep in mind that the framing may need to vary according to unique circumstances; therefore, these principles should not be viewed as rules.

In this example, the speaker is framed correctly, from his waist to just above his head. He is also centered so that his signs do not normally go off screen.

In this example, the speaker is framed too close to the camera.

In this example, the signer is framed too far from the camera. This could result in the audience needing to strain their eyes to see what is being said.

In this example, the person giving comments is framed correctly, from his waist to just above his head. He is also centered so that his signing does not normally go off screen. He is angling his body slightly to say the word “Jehovah.” This is natural and acceptable, since most of what he signs will not be off screen.

In this example, the person giving comments is framed too close to the camera.

In this example, the person giving comments is framed too far from the camera. This could result in the audience needing to strain their eyes to see what is being said.

In these two examples, the participants are framed correctly, centered as much as possible so that they do not sign off screen.

Since there are several people involved, the camera is zoomed out a bit farther than normal so that all who are signing can be seen clearly.

In these examples, the participants are framed too close to the camera.

In these examples, the framing is too far away. This could result in the audience needing to strain their eyes to see what is being said.

When Giving a Discourse. When you step up to the speaker’s stand, a brother will ordinarily adjust the camera. Stand in a natural manner with your face toward the audience while he does that. Place your notes on the speaker’s stand. When you are giving a talk, try to face the camera as much as possible. Before you begin to sign, briefly look at yourself on a monitor to make sure that you are clearly visible and that the camera operator has finished framing you. Use a little more signing space and slightly more animated facial expressions than you would in conversation, but there is no need to be excessive.

If you will be copying the signing from a video during your talk, place your tablet or notes so that your face is toward the audience. Since the camera will likely be directly in front of you, you may need to angle the lectern in such a manner that you do not have to bend your head so far forward that it becomes difficult to see your face.

When Commenting During the Meeting. Even if your congregation uses cameras for audience participation, you still need to sign clearly and with sufficient signing space. When commenting, either put your notes down or ask someone to hold them for you. This will enable you to use both hands and sign your comment clearly. A word of caution: Regardless of where you place your notes, be careful not to look away from the camera to view them while you are giving your comment.

In some congregations, brothers are assigned to handle the video equipment, including a ceiling-mounted camera, from a console. In other congregations, while one or more brothers work at the console, another brother stands on stage to manually operate the camera. In either case, keep your hand up when you are called on to comment so that the brother operating the camera can easily see where you are seated to focus the camera on you. It is customary in some congregations for those giving comments to stand unless their signing can be clearly seen on camera from their seat.

Do not begin your comment until you see yourself on screen and the camera is focused properly. When you finish your comment, you may either relax your arms in a neutral position or sit down as the camera focus is moved back to the meeting conductor. If you are called upon while you are sitting in another room, such as a library, with a glass window between you and the auditorium, it may be better to come out of the room while commenting. This will reduce glare and make it easier for others to see your comment.

Those in the audience who are seated near the one giving comments are often visible on screen as well. They should be politely attentive. It would be impolite to laugh inappropriately or sign to others during the comment. Even though some in the audience might feel embarrassed by seeing themselves on screen, they should not turn away or look around. Although this is not a rule, looking away from someone as he signs could be misconstrued as being rude and could be distracting. In addition, children need to be trained so that they do not make faces when they are seen on screen.

When Sharing in a Demonstration. Sharing in a demonstration requires special forethought and practice. If you and the other participant are seated during the demonstration, you should sit close together with your chairs and bodies facing the audience. Although it may be tempting to turn your bodies toward each other, you should try to maintain an angle that is easily seen by the audience. If you are standing, stand with your feet pointed straight toward the audience and your head slightly turned toward the other participant. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it allows the audience to see clearly. You may need a partner to hold your tablet or other items. Or perhaps a table or stand can be used so that you can sign with both hands. You, your partner, and your householder should practice so that all know what is expected of them during the demonstration. Keep in mind that you should never turn your back to the audience, especially when you are signing.

There may be a number of participants who may move around in some demonstrations. Thus, camera operators may need a little extra time to focus on each individual. Those participating in the demonstration should be aware of this and wait until they are on screen before they begin signing. This takes advance planning. Rehearsing demonstrations before they are presented affords opportunity to offer appropriate reminders regarding being on camera. When a rehearsal cannot take place on the platform, participants could practice in another location so that they will know their proper positions on stage.

It is possible to have technical difficulties with video equipment, or even for it to fail, during talks or demonstrations. While the brothers involved do their best to avoid such problems, things can occasionally go wrong. (Eccl. 9:11) It is wise to maintain a calm spirit. The speaker could simply say: “There is a technical problem. Thank you for your patience.” Oftentimes the brothers are able to fix the problem quickly.

Giving Attention to Those With Special Needs. Some in your congregation may be visually impaired and might need special consideration so that they can see the program clearly. Perhaps you can reserve seating for them in the front of the auditorium where they can view the monitors clearly. If there are a number of individuals in your congregation in this situation, you might be able to set up a television at eye level for them in one section of the auditorium. It would be a kindness to ask them what might be helpful and then determine what the best options are.

Others in your congregation may be deaf and blind and will therefore require tactile interpreting. Seats reserved for them should be in a location where the interpreters can clearly see the program and convey it. If possible, allow some extra space in this area, especially since some brothers may have working dogs that accompany them. There should also be sufficient space for interpreters working in teams. In addition, it would be good to make a schedule for tactile interpreting at meetings so that “all things take place decently and by arrangement.”—1 Cor. 14:40.

Our giving attention to the use of video equipment is directly connected with one of the principal objectives of our meetings, namely, benefiting one another by our discussion of God’s Word. (Heb. 10:24, 25) By learning to use video equipment effectively, we can personally contribute to this important objective.