The AEPS Recording System
Recording Professional Educational Videos Doesn't Have to Be Complicated.
The goal isn't to create perfect videos.
The goal is to consistently create authentic educational videos that help consumers understand estate planning while building your long-term educational library.
Every Featured Attorney develops a different presentation style. This page will help you find the approach that works best for you.
The AEPS Recording Process
Creating educational videos is simple.
Choose a Video Kit
Select one of the AEPS Educational Series and choose the Video Kit you'd like to record.
Choose Your Preparation Style
Select either a Simple Outline, Speaker Notes, or a Ready-to-Record Script.
Record Your Video
Record naturally using the preparation style that feels most comfortable.
Upload Your Recording
Upload your completed recording to your AEPS Dropbox folder.
AEPS Takes Over
We'll edit your video, create Shorts, publish it, update your state pages, and continue building your educational library.
Once you've completed this process a few times, recording several videos in a single afternoon becomes surprisingly easy.
Choose Your Preparation Style
Every Featured Attorney has a different presentation style.
Choose the preparation method that feels most natural to you. There is no right or wrong choice.
Many attorneys begin with Ready-to-Record Scripts and gradually transition to Speaker Notes or Simple Outlines as they become more comfortable recording.
Option A — Simple Outline
Best for: Attorneys who enjoy speaking naturally with minimal notes.
You'll receive a short outline highlighting the major concepts to cover, allowing you to explain the topic in your own words and presentation style.
Choose this option if you already feel comfortable presenting educational information without detailed notes.
Option B — Speaker Notes
Best for: Attorneys who want additional structure while still speaking naturally.
Speaker Notes expand each outline into organized talking points with suggested transitions and explanations, while leaving plenty of room for your own examples and personality.
Many attorneys find this provides the ideal balance between preparation and flexibility.
Option C — Ready-to-Record Script
Best for: Attorneys who prefer maximum preparation.
Ready-to-Record Scripts are written in a conversational style and are designed to sound natural when spoken.
You may personalize the wording however you'd like, or simply use the script as written.
Many Featured Attorneys find this is the fastest way to record several educational videos during a single recording session.
Which Option Should I Choose?
If this is your first recording session, don't overthink it.
Choose whichever option makes you feel the most comfortable.
Remember, consumers aren't evaluating whether you memorized a script.
They're looking for a knowledgeable attorney who explains estate planning in a way that's easy to understand.
As you record more videos, you'll naturally discover which preparation style works best for you.
My Recommendation
If you're unsure where to begin, start with the Ready-to-Record Script. After recording several videos, you may find that Speaker Notes or even a Simple Outline becomes all you need.
Using Notes While Recording
One of the most common questions attorneys ask is:
"What's the best way to use my outline or script while recording?"
There isn't one "correct" method.
Over the years, I've successfully used several different approaches. The best method is simply the one that allows you to comfortably and consistently record educational videos.
My Recording Methods Over the Years
My recording method has changed over time, but the goal has always been the same: create helpful educational videos as efficiently as possible.
• 2016–2021: One-page outline taped beside my iPhone
• 2022–2023: Teleprompter with iPad
• 2024–Present: Laptop beneath my iPhone using Microsoft Word in full-screen mode
The lesson isn't that one method is better than another. The best method is simply the one you'll actually use consistently.
Method 1 — Outline Beside the Camera
For many years, I simply taped a one-page outline next to my iPhone using Scotch tape.
Many of those videos have gone on to receive hundreds of thousands of views.
This approach works well if you're comfortable speaking naturally from a simple outline.
Method 2 — Teleprompter
For a period of time, I used a teleprompter with an iPad.
This worked well for presentations where I wanted to closely follow a prepared script while maintaining direct eye contact with the camera.
Teleprompters can be an excellent option, but they are certainly not required.
Method 3 — Laptop Below the Camera
Today, I usually place my laptop directly beneath my horizontally positioned iPhone.
I display my script in Microsoft Word using full-screen mode so the top of the document sits immediately below the camera.
Because the script is so close to the lens, I can comfortably follow my notes while maintaining natural eye contact with the viewer.
This has become my preferred recording method.
The Best Method Is the One You'll Actually Use
Some Featured Attorneys speak from a simple outline.
Some prefer Speaker Notes.
Some use Ready-to-Record Scripts.
Some print their notes.
Some use teleprompters.
All of these approaches can produce excellent educational videos.
Don't worry about finding the "perfect" recording method.
Choose the method that helps you consistently create educational content.
Technology Makes Recording Easier Than Ever
Don't wait until you have the "perfect" recording setup.
Most Featured Attorneys can create excellent educational videos using only a modern smartphone.
AEPS uses professional editing tools that help improve the finished product.
Eye Contact Enhancement
If you occasionally glance down at your outline or script while recording, our editing software can often improve eye contact so your presentation appears more natural.
This means you can comfortably follow your notes without worrying about looking away from the camera every few seconds.
Studio Sound Enhancement
Professional microphones can be helpful, but they aren't required to create excellent educational videos.
Most Featured Attorneys can produce clear, professional-sounding audio using only a modern smartphone. Our editing software can often enhance smartphone audio, so don't feel like you need to invest in additional equipment before recording your first videos.
If your office has significant background noise or you're recording in a larger room, an inexpensive wireless lavalier microphone may improve audio quality—but it is entirely optional.
The most important thing is to begin recording. You can always upgrade your equipment later if you choose.
Recording Tips That Increase Viewer Engagement
Consumers aren't judging your video like a television producer. However, a few simple recording habits can make your videos feel more engaging and professional.
Frame yourself from about mid-chest to just above your head. A closer camera angle allows viewers to better see your facial expressions and creates a more personal connection.
Position the camera at eye level. Looking straight into the camera helps viewers feel like you're speaking directly to them.
Keep your hands free. Natural hand gestures help emphasize important points, but avoid holding pens, glasses, phones, clickers, or other objects that may distract viewers.
Keep your background simple. Bookshelves, diplomas, artwork, or tasteful office décor work well. Try to minimize clutter or distractions behind you.
Dress as you normally would for meeting with clients. Professional attire helps reinforce credibility while still allowing your personality to come through.
Smile naturally. A friendly expression helps viewers feel comfortable learning from you.
The Most Important Thing
Don't let technology become an excuse to postpone recording.
Consumers care far more about receiving clear, trustworthy guidance than they do about perfect production quality.
Your educational library grows one video at a time.
A Few Final Tips
Don't wait until you have the perfect equipment, the perfect office, or the perfect presentation.
Start recording.
If you make a mistake, pause briefly and begin the sentence again. Continue recording. AEPS can usually remove mistakes during editing, so there is rarely any reason to restart an entire video.
Don't worry if you occasionally glance at your notes. Our editing tools can often improve eye contact, allowing you to comfortably record from an outline or script while maintaining a natural appearance.
Don't wait until you've invested in expensive recording equipment. A modern smartphone is usually all you need to get started, and our editing tools can often enhance audio quality as well.
Whenever possible, record several videos during the same recording session. Once your equipment is set up, you'll often find that recording additional videos becomes much easier.
Most importantly, remember why you're doing this.
Consumers aren't looking for television-quality production. They're looking for a knowledgeable attorney who explains estate planning clearly, honestly, and naturally.
Every video you record becomes a permanent educational asset.
Every month your educational library grows.
Every year more consumers discover your educational content before they need an estate planning attorney.
That's the power of building your educational library one video at a time.