Showcase your expertise with a training video (and it's easier than it looks)
Is video the new king of media? In any case, when it comes to training, its value is no longer open to debate. Canadian researcher Thierry Karsenti has proved that learners retain 10% of what they read... but 50% of what they see and hear!
This is a godsend for online training organisations and other self-employed e-learning specialists, who can engage their audience more effectively and enhance their brand image.
But what are all the advantages and uses of this format? And above all, how can you make professional-quality training videos even if you don't feel like a Christopher Nolan?
Find the answers in this article.
Why use video in training?
It's attractive to learners
We don't need to remind you of the impact and success of video in many fields, such as marketing. The world of training is no exception.
And with good reason, learners are particularly appreciative of this teaching tool, which is capable of :
- capturing their attention
- help them remember more than text,
- explain certain complex elements of your course in a dynamic way,
- convey a modern image of your training.
In short, educational videos are engaging. It helps you stand out from the competition and reduce the drop-out rate during the programme.
It conveys the right ideas
As we'll explain a little later, a good training video needs to be fairly short in order to make an impact (especially as it's complicated to produce an hour-long production if you're just starting out!)
This format forces you to structure your ideas and retain the essentials, whereas the written word encourages digression. As a result, you pass on the key information to your learners.
It's an adaptable format
Regardless of the type of training you provide and the ideas you wish to convey, video can be adapted to suit all your ambitions and appeal to a wide audience.
From simple camera work to motion design (if you feel like it!), you can achieve a great deal and benefit from positive spin-offs. And sometimes you don't even need to have any special skills.
It's easier than it looks
All these advantages are well and good. But you're probably wondering how to film an online course if you've never done anything like this before.
The good news is that technology has evolved. These days, you don't need to be a seasoned videographer to create a quality video.
There are solutions to help you create your video, like Pitchy. The platform has a large number of pre-designed templates and motion design animations that are regularly enhanced to create any type of training video. Users choose the one that suits them best, customise it and build their video step by step, guided every step of the way. The tool has a fairly comprehensive range of post-production features (voice-over, automated subtitles with translations, illustrative media, music, clickable buttons, etc.) to guarantee users a professional finish.
And the icing on the cake is that you can make your first videos without breaking the bank. All you need is a smartphone, a tripod and a microphone.
What are the uses of training videos?
Training videos serve a variety of functions and take a number of forms.
Take webinars, for example: here, the training or conference takes place live, with the aim of encouraging interaction and exchanges between the learners, the trainer and any speakers.
To illustrate our point, let's take a look at a few examples of pre-recorded videos.
Carrying out all your training
More and more e-learning courses are being delivered exclusively by video. This is hardly surprising, given that this format is far more engaging, memorable and effective than the written word.
So why not plan your entire training programme in the form of a series of (short) videos? Even if you have to provide written support at the same time, for the exercises for example.
Promote yourself
Video has become an excellent marketing and communication tool. A good practice is to produce one to explain :
- the usefulness of your training course
- its content in a succinct manner
- the skills that will be acquired at the end of the course, etc.
Properly used and relayed, this training teaser will generate more commitment from your target audience than a long explanatory file.
Explaining a complex concept
Have you opted for a written format for your training course?
Even if your course is comprehensive, some complex concepts deserve a video, because the information conveyed will be easier for learners to assimilate, especially if you make the format fun.
Better support for learners
Whether it's a question of correcting exercises or clarifying areas that are blocking the way, sending videos to a learner or group of learners is an excellent way of answering their questions. This type of support is so much more enjoyable than a long email.
What's more, such an initiative helps to humanise the relationship you have with them.
Give a demonstration
Do you need to explain more operational elements? Say goodbye to a succession of screenshots and say hello to the video format!
For example, if you're giving a graphics course, there's nothing like a video to show step-by-step how to perform a particular action on Photoshop.
Involve other people
This can involve other trainers who can use their expertise to develop a specific concept.
Another good idea is to involve other students so that they can testify to the effectiveness of your training and your method.
5 key steps to making quality videos
Step 1: decide what information you want to convey
The first point to remember is that, when it comes to training, it's best to keep videos short and to the point, because the audience's attention span will wane as the minutes go by. It's not about giving a lecture!
So keep your videos to between 5 and 10 minutes maximum, even if you have to produce several videos if you have a lot of ideas to convey.
It's also important to select the key information to be communicated in advance of filming. To do this, determine
- the main objective(s) of the video
- the target audience, their expectations and their skill level.
This way, you'll know exactly what you need to tell them.
Step 2: Choose the right format
Once you have an idea of the content, it's time to define the format that will suit your objectives.
Here are a few examples
- a tutorial, in which you explain how to perform a particular action ;
- a face-to-face video to develop a specific concept;
- illustrations or photos with voice-over, etc.
☝️ Please note that to choose the right format, make sure you comply with the technical specifications of the platform on which you want to broadcast your video: YouTube, e-learning website, etc.
Step 3: Write the script for your video
To make sure you get straight to the point while getting the essential ideas across, structure your speech and organise the information in a hierarchy. We advise you to write your script in advance, but don't go into every detail down to the last comma, or you'll end up reading it by rote. Instead, concentrate on the main concepts.
Also anticipate all the other elements that will punctuate your production, such as :
- music and/or sound effects
- insertion of images or explanatory diagrams,
- dynamic transitions,
- clickable resources (video summary, quiz, etc.).
☝️ If you plan to film yourself in front of the camera, this is also the time to define your background. In the case of a training video, choose as neutral a backdrop as possible (so that the learners' attention remains focused on the content) and one that matches the image you want to convey.
Step 4: Smile, you're being filmed
It's time to get out your best blow-dry and get in front of the camera!
We're not going to lie, this isn't an easy exercise. You'll probably have to do several takes to make the necessary adjustments and find the right tone and rhythm. Bear in mind that you need to keep your speech as clear and engaging as possible, while adopting the right rate of speech.
As for the form, this also deserves your full attention:
- Image quality is essential. Opt for full HD, even if you're using a mobile phone;
- find the right lighting, neither too dark nor too bright;
- If you are displaying documents or other computer screens, make sure they are visible and legible;
- also take care with the sound recording. It would be a shame if your learners misheard all the interesting things you were saying. So use a microphone, such as a tie microphone.
Step 5: Edit your training video
Everything in the box? Now it's time to edit the video.
There is a wide range of possibilities, as long as your video remains dynamic... once again so as not to put your audience to sleep! Without going overboard with Michael Bay-style special effects, add a few elements to make your production punchy:
- images,
- sound
- transition effects, etc.
💡 Another good practice: insert subtitles. They meet the needs of the hearing-impaired or those who don't yet have a perfect command of the French language.
Example of a successful training video
To illustrate what we mean, here's an example of a classic training video, the famous face-to-face video.
The training video in brief
The video must be part of your training process, whether it's an on-camera explanatory video, a demonstration or an exercise correction.
Attractive and engaging, it facilitates learning and enhances the value of your expertise. And if you don't have the necessary skills, don't panic, editing software can help you along the way.
But tools aren't everything. So pay particular attention to the quality of your material:
- fine-tune your message and structure your video;
- choose a format suited to the message you want to convey;
- take care with the form (lighting, framing, background, etc.);
- add dynamism by integrating sound, visual effects and transitions, etc.
In this way, you'll get a professional-quality teaching video, a guarantee of the seriousness of your training.
Article translated from French