Promote your expertise with training videos (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 debated. Canadian researcher Thierry Karsenti has shown that learners retain 10% of what they read... but 50% of what they see and hear!
This is a boon for e-learning organizations and other self-employed e-learning specialists, who can engage their audience more effectively and enhance their brand image.
But what are 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 out 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 for good reason: learners particularly appreciate this teaching tool, which is capable of :
- capture their attention,
- encourage memorization far more than text,
- explain complex elements of your course in a dynamic way,
- convey a modern image of your training.
In short, instructional video is engaging. It helps you stand out from the competition and reduce the drop-out rate during the program.
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 essential, whereas the written word encourages digression. As a result, you pass on key information to your learners.
It's an adaptable format
Regardless of the type of training you provide or the ideas you wish to convey, video is adaptable to all your ambitions and appeals to a wide audience.
From simple camera work to motion design (if you're feeling it!), you can achieve a great deal and benefit from positive spin-offs. And sometimes, you don't even need any special skills.
It's easier than it looks
That's all 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. Today, you don't need to be a seasoned videographer to create a quality video.
There are solutions to help you with your video creation, such as Pitchy. The platform features 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, customize it and build their video step by step, guided every step of the way. The tool boasts a comprehensive range of post-production features (voice-overs, automated subtitles with translations, music illustration media, clickable buttons... etc.) to guarantee users professional-level rendering.
And best of all, 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 can be used for a variety of purposes and in a variety of forms.
Take webinars, for example: here, the training or conference takes place live, with the aim of encouraging interaction and exchanges between learners, with the trainer or with potential speakers.
To illustrate what we mean, let's focus on a few use cases for pre-recorded videos.
Produce your entire training course
More and more e-learning courses are being delivered exclusively via 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 program as a succession of (short) videos? Even if you have to provide written support 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,
- 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 complete, some complex notions deserve a video, as the information conveyed will be more easily assimilated by the learner, all the more so if you make the format fun.
Better support for learners
Whether it's a question of correcting exercises or clarifying blockages, transmitting videos to a learner or group of learners is an excellent way of answering their questions. This type of support is so much more pleasant than a long email.
What's more, such an initiative helps to humanize the relationship you have with them.
Make a demonstration
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 training course in graphic design, 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, thanks to their expertise, can develop a specific notion.
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 thing to remember is that, when it comes to training, it's best to keep your videos short and to the point, as the audience's attention span diminishes with each passing minute. You don't want to give 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 a good idea to select the key information to be communicated in advance of filming. To do this, determine :
- the video's main objective(s),
- the target audience, their expectations and skill levels.
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.
☝️ To choose the right format, be sure to respect the technical specifications of the platform on which you want to broadcast your video: YouTube, a site specialized in e-learning, etc.
Step 3: Write your video script
To make sure you get straight to the point and convey the essential ideas, structure your speech and organize 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. Concentrate instead on the main concepts.
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're planning 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 learners' attention remains focused on the content) and in keeping with the image you wish 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!
Let's face it, it's not an easy exercise. You'll probably need to do several takes to make the necessary adjustments and find the right tone and rhythm. Keep in mind that you need to keep your speech as clear and engaging as possible, while adopting the right speaking flow.
Form also deserves your full attention:
- image quality is essential. Opt for full HD, even if you're operating via mobile;
- find the right lighting, neither too dark nor too bright;
- if you're displaying documents or computer screens, make sure they're visible and legible;
- take care with sound recording. It would be a shame for your learners to mishear all the interesting things you say. 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 your video.
The field of possibilities is wide, 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 our point, here's an example of a classic training video, the famous face-to-face video.
Training video in a nutshell
The video must be part of your training process, whether it's a face-to-face explanatory video, a demonstration or an exercise correction.
Attractive and engaging, it facilitates learning and enhances 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 this support:
- fine-tune your message and structure your video;
- choose a format suited to the message you wish to convey;
- pay particular attention to form (lighting, framing, background, etc.);
- add dynamism by integrating sound, visual and transition effects, etc.
In this way, you'll obtain a professional-quality instructional video, a guarantee of the seriousness of your training.
Article translated from French