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The words “employee video” are often accompanied by a groan or deep sigh, but you can avoid this attitude by following five simple tips to create effective employee training videos.
Many companies adopt the “it’s just a training video” attitude. They forget that employee training videos can be intriguing and informative in a good way. Kick the negative attitude to the curb and remember that when you create a training video, you are selling your employees on their jobs. You want employees who are passionate and interested in their jobs, and what better way to fuel that fire than by exceeding their expectations on day one? Enable your employees to enjoy, rather than dread the training process.
You know the information like the back of your hand, but can you convey this information efficiently off the cuff? Scripting out your information will save you (and your production team) valuable time. In the video production world, saving time often equates to saving money. You will be able to spot trouble areas in your messaging and accurately plan visuals with your production company.Scripting will also give you a realistic idea of the video’s timing and help your production company schedule a more efficient shoot. Read our script writing blog for more tips on this process.
Following this suggestion will provide you with the greatest returns in information retention and engagement. When it comes to absorbing new information, count on your employees having short attention spans. Everyone reaches a limit to the amount of information they can absorb in a single sitting. Once you’ve surpassed that limit, you are essentially wasting your employee’s time. You will also increase the likelihood that you will need to re-train the employee in person.
If you have a lot of information to cover, consider breaking it up into several videos. Offer your employees breaks between sections and make the videos available for future reference. Review your script. Is there non-essential information bogging down your core message? Are you communicating information that will make them excited and confident in their new job?
Training videos have two main sources for their on-camera talent: professional actors/actresses and current employees. Each option has pros and cons. Current employees will be able to demonstrate a situation more accurately and offer valuable input into the process, but they may have difficulty conveying the appropriate mood and confidence on camera. No matter which pool you draw from for your on camera talent, make sure they are prepared. Provide the script to them several days before the shoot. Talk it over together and make sure they’re clear on how you want them to deliver their lines.
Try to avoid simply creating a classroom-style video with a single person against a static background. Strive to engage your employee’s emotions as well as their intellect. Use anecdotes and examples, incorporate graphics, or present a handout with your video. Check our video messaging blog to learn more about how to communicate successfully.
If you have a need for employee training videos, Frozen Fire can help. Contact us to get the process started.
By Liz LeGrande
Frozen Fire is a digital business development and communication strategy firm that exists so that businesses have the tools necessary to know exactly who their customers are and what their customers are looking for; we help companies connect with their customers via digital marketing strategies; and we help them to drive their sales, business development and marketing efforts, so as to gain the maximum return on their investments in terms of marketing dollars, efforts, and human resources. Contact us to learn how we can help your business know, connect, drive.
Want to know more about video pricing. Check out our article here.