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- Anukriti Srivastava
Planning To Create Training Videos For Your Employees? Here Is Your Step By Step Guide
Videos have become the most effective and popular way to deliver and consume information. From Facebook to YouTube, all the social media platforms encourage people to watch and share video content, and people are looking for videos to learn things.
According to research, 87% of users use YouTube for their learning needs. So, undoubtedly video is important. In the corporate world, video is becoming one of the most preferred ways of learning. The increase in videos as a learning source has compelled learning and development managers worldwide to use training videos to train their employees.
But that doesn't mean you can make a video and expect employees to watch and learn from it. The training videos should be paired with research-backed learning principles to impart better learning.
If you haven't figured out how to leverage the power of video tools for learning purposes, then it's high time to get on board. We have curated this article as a comprehensive guide to help you create compelling training videos for your employees with examples.
What are training videos?
Training videos are made to train employees in a particular skill or impart knowledge on a specific topic that will make them more efficient at work and solve their problems. It serves as internal communication between employees. The subject of training videos can range from software tutorials to complex policy updates, employee onboarding processes to how-to tutorials.
It comes under corporate training video created to train employees about a particular software that will make them efficient at work. The targeted audience of this kind of video is the employees working for the organization.
Why invest in training videos?
In this era of reels, people have a short attention span, and thus it would be unrealistic to expect that they will read long-text-based documents. Employees expect the training to be short, easy-to-learn format so they can consume it conveniently. Thus, videos are the best way to provide training content, most interestingly. Here are a few benefits of investing in training videos-
Get traffic to your website
Enhance Google search results
Reduce the burden on your tech team
Grow your business
Examples of some great training videos
How to create effective training videos that keep the viewer's attention?
Let's go step by step and understand how to create an effective training video.
1. Set goals and objectives-
a. Understand the goal: The most crucial part of the training video is to figure out what outcome you want to achieve through the video. Partner with your R&D team and analyze the need for a training video.
b. Know your audience: No matter the kind of video you create, you should know your target audience to design an effective training video. Analyze the demographics, age, culture, background, location and job function of your audience so that you can create a video according to their interest.
c. Define the learning objective: The purpose of the training video is to impart knowledge, so you need to define the learning objective that is clear, concise and relevant. Viewers should know what they will get at the end of the video.
2. Determine the type of video-
Training videos are categorized based on their subject. Choosing a video type depends on the audience's learning goal, available resources, and budget.
You can pick the category based on your subject. However, you don't have to settle for one; you can blend 2 or 3.
Here is the list of 7 different types of training videos:
a. Animated- These training videos use animation and are great for explaining data, ideas and complex processes. Texts, icons, and graphics are majorly used to make them visually creative. This kind of video doesn't require expert-level skill, and you can use online video creation tools to create animated training videos. They are perfect when you don't have time for shooting. The only equipment you need is an audio recorder for voiceovers.
b. Screen recording- These kinds of videos are best for creating software or app tutorials. Screen-recording videos employ a screen recording app to capture the demo of the software and a voiceover narrator to guide the viewers. Software companies mostly use these videos to help customers understand how to use their apps or software. You need minimal editing skills to create such videos; all you need is screen-recording software and an audio recorder.
c. Micro video- Micro videos are short videos that talk about a single concept in one go. A collection of micro-videos is clubbed together to explain a complicated concept. They are easy to understand for the audience. You need to have basic video editing skills to create such videos.
d. Instructor-led video- These kinds of videos are basic classroom training videos where an instructor/ presenter explains the concept. These videos are also called "talking head videos". To create these videos, you need expert video editing skills and equipment like a lighting kit, video camera, audio recorder etc.
e. How-to video- How-to videos are made to demonstrate a task or take the viewers through a step-by-step process. These videos are called termed demonstration videos and are commonly found on YouTube. To create these videos, you need expert video editing skills and equipment like a lighting kit, video camera, audio recorder etc.
f. Interactive video- Interactive videos are the most effective training videos as they engage the audience and test their learning then and there. These videos require various resources, equipment and expert skills.
g. Employee created video- Learning happens best when it comes from colleagues. The employees create employee-created videos for the employees. It is the best way to distribute knowledge to the entire organization, and also, employees can practice their learned skills.
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3. Create the script and storyboard-
Once you decide the type of video, it is time to craft a script according to it. The soul of any training video is the script and storyboard, and ensure to spend considerable time drafting a script that creates an impact. Here are three key elements of a good script:
a. Hook: Hook is the first 5 to 10 seconds of the video that decides whether the viewers will stay till the end or not. You can use intriguing visuals or texts to spark the interest of your audience.
b. Message: The overall quality of the video depends on the message you want to convey. So, ensure to provide a meaningful message through your script. While writing your message, you can consider three things: Provide value, live up to the hook and engage.
c. Call to action: Call to action is the last step but one of the most important steps in your video. It is what you want your audience to do after watching the video. So, ensure to mention CTA compellingly in your script.
4. Recording and editing the video-
Once you are done with the script and storyboard, you can now start recording your video based on the type of video you have chosen to create.
A. Recording a voiceover: Most training videos need voiceovers, so ensure to use a good quality microphone to capture the audio. Follow these tips to get the perfect audio:
a. Record in a quiet place
b. Place your microphone in the right place
c. Practice before the final recording
d. Speak clearly and confidently
B. Editing voiceover audio: No matter how perfectly you have recorded the audio, you must edit it for the best results. You can use audio editing software to remove background noise, set the pace, tempo and tone of the audio etc.
C. Recording your screen: While creating a screen-recording video, you must ensure that the viewers have a seamless visual experience. Follow these tips to capture the best screen-recording for tutorial videos:
a. Close tabs and clean up desktop: Close all your tabs and browsers to ensure the screen looks clean and non-distracting.
b. Practice: Before the final screen recording, go through the process yourself. It will save you time.
c. Edit: You always have the option to edit your recording if it hasn't been done perfectly.
5. Shooting a video-
If you are going for the shooting, you will require more advanced equipment such as a tripod, lighting kit, HD video camera, and microphone. Shooting can be complex, but we have simplified it for you.
a. Plan your shoot: Before going for the shoot directly, plan the time, date and location to make the most out of everything. Ask your artists and crew members to be available at the scheduled time.
b. Choose the right environment: Choosing the right ambience for the shooting is critical to ensure seamless recording. You can rent a studio or choose a conference room to ditch the background noise.
c. Have good lighting: Lighting is vital to consider as it sets the video's mood. Ideally, natural light is perfect for shooting, but you can use fully artificial light also or a mix of both.
d. Use a tripod: Your audience won't appreciate shaky footage, so use a tripod stand to get that perfect shot.
e. Keep a simple background: The purpose of the training video is to impart knowledge, and busy background can cause distraction. So, keep the background simple and out of focus. You can use a simple green background for creating training videos.
6. Creating animations-
Animation video types are considered best for creating training videos. They are great at explaining data and complex concepts using charts and graphs. When you don't have access to shoot a video, animation videos come to the rescue. A blend of the right images and texts can create the perfect animated video. Here is the step-by-step process on how you can create the perfect animations:
a. Storyboard your video: You need to plan how your video will proceed if you want to create the perfect animation. Storyboarding is an essential step while creating animation videos. You can use your script to create a visual storyboard for your training video. Storyboarding means the chronological arrangement of text and visuals.
b. Start with simple software: If you are a beginner, don't go for complex video creation software; instead, start simple. Once you get your hands on basic software, switching to a more advanced version will be easier.
c. Keep animations on brand: Text and images are the souls of the animation video, so ensure to use the right color, images, fonts, and characters that match your brand.
d. Tell a story: Humans connect well with stories, and animation videos are the best way to narrate one. You can create a character and then take your viewers on a journey from problem to solution.
7. Editing your video-
Video editing is a time-consuming and tedious process. But it is the most important step of the video creation process, and you can't skip it. Editing makes all the difference in the final output, giving you a chance to rectify your mistakes and make the video look appealing. Here are a few tips you can consider to edit your videos perfectly:
a. Know your editing software: There are tons of video editing software and apps available. Some are free, while some need to be purchased. You have to decide which editing software you need based on the need and complexity of your video.
b. Be consistent with transitions: A video that transitions seamlessly is more impactful than videos with fancy transitions. So, try to use simple transition and ensure it is consistent throughout.
c. Stay on brand: Never forget to use your company's logo, fonts, color palette and graphics in the video to keep the credibility alive. It ensures that you pay attention to details, and your viewers will appreciate the well-branded visual experience.
d. Use text and graphics: Texts and graphics make up most of the training video as it highlights important information. But don't overstuff your videos with text, as they will overwhelm the learners. Only add texts that are important and need emphasis. Also, ensure that your graphics should support the learning content and don't appear out of context.
e. Use annotations: Boxes, pop-ups, highlights, or arrows on specific places in the video capture attention and help the learner remember information for a long time.
f. Add background music: Background music is used to engage the audience, but it should not be distracting. Choose background music that blends with the video content and sets the video's tone.
g. Consider your export settings: Always export your video in higher quality. Make sure you know which platform you are using to broadcast it.
8. Review-
After editing, go through the video once again before finalizing it. You can get your team onboard to review the video and get collaborative feedback.
9. Produce, host, and distribute your training video-
Once you get your video downloaded, it's time to share and distribute it to various platforms to fulfil your purpose of creation.
a. Hosting training videos: If you have created a video for the internal viewers, i.e., your employees, you can host it on the platform you use for internal communication. If your video is for an external audience, then online platforms like YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms will be best to host videos. Knowing the hosting platform will help you get to your target audience easily.
b. Communication plan: Many videos are available, but not all are getting the audience's attention. Thus, to achieve the desired result, you need to have a proper communication plan; it will ensure that your target audience knows about it and where they can access it.
Tips to make your training videos binge-worthy
1. Find the perfect length: People's attention span is decreasing rapidly, and thus content creators are trying to create content that delivers the message within 30 seconds. I know that training videos are long but try to keep the length within 3-5 minutes.
2. Audio does matter: Audios are often underrated. But they make a huge difference if used appropriately. So, ensure clear, noise-free audio recordings for the best video experience.
3. Support videos with other training materials: Training videos backed with resources or training materials make the learning experience effective. You can create questionnaires and attach workbooks or pdfs along with the video to test the learners' knowledge.
4. Add captions: For proper understanding, add captions to your training videos. Sometimes people cannot understand the said words, and thus captions come to their rescue. It ensures smooth learning.
5. Change scenes frequently: Training videos can be boring; thus, to engage your audience, change the scenes frequently. Instead of a continuous 5-minute headshot, mix it up with visuals and graphics. Insert animation to explain graphs.
Conclusion
Training videos are the perfect way to upskill employees. However, the best training video is the one that balances both art and science. Nowadays, it has become easier to create videos; all you need is an idea and purpose.
Written by: Anukriti Srivastava
Content Writer @Skyshot media