Basic Steps:

Following a few simple rules when filming for desktop video will improve the quality of the shot:

1. Keep the background simple to focus attention on the subject.
2. Make sure that your lighting is adequate.  More light will help you keep the subject in focus and make colors look better too.
3. Avoid large differences in brightness between background and subject to prevent washing out detail in the subject. If the background is brighter than the subject and the camera angle can't be changed, a backlight setting may help.
4. Use a tripod.  A steady image is essential for better compression and for a more professional look.
5. Double check the sound level.  It is often better to avoid using an internal microphone because camera vibrations generate a lot of noise. If you need to use in internal microphone, test it first and compare the quality to the sound from an external microphone to be sure you are satified. However, external microphones can sometimes pick of radio interference. Get the microphone as close as possible to the subject.  Shoot in a quiet environment, and monitor the sound during filming if possible.
6. The smaller the image size of the final product, the closer you should zoom in on the subject to create a close-up shot for your video frame.
7. Keep it short and keep up the pace. Beginners tend to make shots too long. Long videos with little content take up space and time and slow down the rhythm without adding much to the overall quality of the presentation.
8. Remember to check the focus.
9. If you use auto-focus, test it to make sure it works well. On some cameras, auto-focus can cause sudden unintentional changes in focus when something moves in your frame.
10. Avoid changing the zoom, panning, or tracking while shooting for desktop video.
11. On some cameras it may be necessary to set white balance, check for indoor/outdoor settings, turn off any date stamp. When all else fails, read the manual.

as seen http://www.cortland.edu/FLTEACH/MM-COURSE/vid-cam.html