Best practices: screencasting

Here are my discoveries for what it takes to create a successful screencast:

• Know your content, and your audience. Don't try to create a screencast on something you are just learning yourself. And create a screencast that will keep your target audience engaged.
• Know your equipment! Be familiar with how your mike, computer and screencasting software work. This helps eliminate "technical difficulties" once you are ready to start recording.
• Practice, practice, practice! Do a run-through or two, especially if you are self-conscious when recording yourself. It will help you rehearse timings and transitions and also help you feel more comfortable with your presentation.