Identify what must remain visible
A talking-head demo can contain subtitles, product labels, a cursor and platform interface elements in the same vertical frame. A conflict occurs when captions cover the control or result being discussed, or when their timing or words disagree with speech. Start with the exact transcript and the actual recording.
The following is a fictional planning scenario: the speaker explains a next-step section in a call note. No actual overlapping or corrected export is claimed.
Map the collision over time
Mark the interval where the product control first appears and where it remains readable. Note the caption box, cursor and any overlays over that interval. A caption may be clear at the first frame but cover the result after a crop or pan. Review the full motion, not a single still.
In the example, the line “check the next-step section” appears across the bottom while the section is also at the bottom. A correction could move the caption to a clear upper region or reframe the screen with enough context. The actual choice depends on the recording.
| Conflict | Possible correction | Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Caption covers the control | Move caption to clear space | Control is visible for the whole action |
| Caption arrives before the screen | Adjust timing | Words match the visible event |
| Crop removes context | Reframe or re-record | Viewer can locate the control |
| Long caption is hard to read | Split at a natural phrase | Exact meaning and reading time preserved |
Preserve speech while changing layout
Keep the words accurate; moving a caption is not permission to change the speaker’s meaning. Split a long caption at a natural phrase if both parts still match the timing and approved transcript. Check spelling, punctuation and any important conditions, such as a feature requiring manual setup.
If there is no safe place for both caption and product detail, briefly hold the screen, reduce unrelated content, or revise and re-record the script. Do not shrink the interface or captions until they become unreadable.
Review the exported result
Compare the final export to the approved words and watch it on a phone with sound on and off. Confirm that the control can be seen when the corresponding words appear and that the viewer can read the caption. Keep an actual before-and-after export only when you have permission to retain and share it.
Ask a reviewer to identify the spoken action and visible result. Record their real observation rather than claiming a correction has been tested before it exists.
Copy the planning worksheet
Use this worksheet in your own notes. Fill it with verified product details and actual review observations before sharing an asset.
Approved transcript: __. Actual collision time: __. Obscured control: __. Layout correction: __. Export checked: __.Browse the founder guide library for the next task in your workflow.