When you think of creating a training video, you may feel dread. It’s not easy to create videos, and you don’t want to put in all that effort only to end up with one of those poor-quality, awful acting films. However, it is important to keep in mind that corporate training videos often provide the first impression of your business. A great video can help create a solid brand image that your new employees remember for years to come.
Your employees are 75% more likely to watch a training video than read printed materials, emails, or web text, according to a study by Forrester Research. Company training videos are a great way to share information and ensure your employees stay informed—as long as the videos aren’t boring.
At NextThought Studios, we encourage you to break free of the same old format and create compelling visually engaging training videos that capture the imagination. Here are some tips to help you create training videos that will have your staff excited and engaged to implement what they are taught in your videos.
Have you considered using animated graphics? 2D and 3D illustrations show concepts beautifully and educationally. They help people gain instant insight into almost any topic.
For example, show an illustrated view of your production process that teaches your employees how your products are manufactured. Do things that can’t be done in real life, like freeze-frame or high speed. These innovative editing strategies can take your corporate training videos to the next level.
Graphics offer eye-catching movement and vibrant color, etching an unforgettable picture in the minds of your employees. Psychologists have found that graphics help people remember things effortlessly, without even realizing that they’re learning. This tip alone can help you create effective training videos.
Through careful filming and special effects, your video can show detailed views that make your training videos more effective. Detail shots quickly train your employees on complex tasks. Show precise parts up-close and demonstrate complicated assembly procedures.
For example, at the Tesla vehicle manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, new employees go through a rigorous training process that includes viewing Teslas on the assembly line, doing hands-on work, and watching videos that methodically reiterate what they’ve just seen.
How could your company use detailed views in training videos? Could you explore the inner workings of your products? Could you demonstrate how customers are supposed to assemble your products, so your salespeople can better understand the experience? The possibilities are almost endless.
You can also go big and show things from 10,000 feet. Using aerial and drone videography, take your audience on a large-scale journey across terrain or into remote areas.
Drone videos help your employees “think big” and view things in a new way. Many companies are using them to push the boundaries of ordinary thinking.
Look at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the London-based accounting firm. Instead of a traditional training program, they’ve enrolled their workforce in a new type of digital training that teaches tech and drone skills.
Why would a company train accountants with drones? According to their digital talent leader, Sarah McEneaney, they’re doing it to “future proof” their workforce. They want to ensure the old-fashioned business of accounting can transition easily into the next century—and that takes flexible thinkers.
Teach employees with cartoon characters? Wait, wait, give us a chance to explain.
Animated characters actually have a place in the workplace.
They are proven to keep the audience’s attention and make them feel more receptive to hearing new information.
They make an emotional connection that even humans can’t make.
That’s why spokes-characters like the Geico gecko and the Snuggle bear enjoy enduring popularity. Sure, we sometimes roll our eyes at them and chuckle—but in the process, we’re listening to them and remembering what they have to say. And we pay more attention to them than some random talking head.
If a spokes-character doesn’t seem to be a fit for your business, consider using other kinds of animations that reinforce your messages: animated logos, products that come to life, animated clips, visual storytelling, and motion graphics.
You can also use human narrators that have friendly, vibrant personalities. Work with a video production company that uses actors who do corporate training videos. They can present information in an upbeat and engaging way.
Explainer videos are short videos that explain complex topics in just a few minutes. You can incorporate some of the other tips discussed here, such as using an animated spokes-character or using detailed videos. Alternatively, you can use a whiteboard or a live-action video to get your point across. Ultimately, you’ll be left with a clear and concise video that your team members can glean important information from.
Making an explainer video is a straightforward process. You simply:
Once your concept is in place, you can use editing software or a professional video production company to splice your video together.
If your corporate video is based on a highly technical concept that involves computers, consider making a screen recording. Rather than having to show your team how to do something during a live demonstration, you can make a screen recording where you demonstrate the concept and imbed that recording in your training video. This saves you time. Also, you can ensure that the recording is just right before adding it so that you are not affected by any technological glitches or you forget to include an important step.
If you’ve ever watched a boring instructional video, you know how easy it is to drift off in your mind to any other topic.
Prevent your employees from ignoring your employee training videos by creating an interactive video instead. Quizzes and games can boost interactivity for your audience. Arrange your video into short segments and add a quiz at the end of each segment. Or, end the entire video with a big quiz that reviews what they’ve learned. These additions will help enhance your employee’s learning and engagement.
Training videos can also use gamification, or game-based education. When you gamify a video, you use the concepts behind the world’s most popular video games to boost learning and retention. These videos work well to solidify information for your target audience.
For example, you can create a visual treasure hunt that helps people seek out concepts and understand them. Immerse your audience in a virtual world that’s not only educational but also fun.
Immersive and gamified training videos are very popular with employees. You’ll likely find that they’re clamoring for another one, eager to see what kind of video experience you’re bringing them next.
Once you have the foundation of your project in place, you can take your video to the next level by completing post-production work on it. Having audio, new visuals, and transitions can make a big difference in the quality of the video. A professional video production company like NextThought Studios can bring your vision to life.
Are you getting excited about creating a training video? So are we! NextThought Studios has made thousands of high-quality training videos for all kinds of companies. We are never in short supply of creative ideas or innovative ways to help you perfect your corporate video.
Videos keep your employees engaged, motivated, and educated. Our team of training video experts can bring your ideas to life. Connect with NextThought Studios for a quote, and let’s start brainstorming.