Lockdowns have challenged each part of business’ lives, including their training strategies and programs. How could they train their employees remotely, efficiently? Video was and is, again, the best solution. The training video is the perfect format to grab and retain the attention of employees, if it is produced properly. How to make the perfect training video? We sum up everything in the following article!
The rise of video for distance learning
Training videos are now used by many businesses and offer many advantages: economies of scale, simplification of the organisation with training accessible at any time, better adapted training courses, productivity gains… the digitalisation of training has become a must. And with the Covid crisis, “virtual” training has become the new tool for businesses to train their teams in new practices and protocols. Moreover, this internal knowledge sharing through video is an interesting trend for both small and large businesses.
Technological and societal developments, particularly the democratisation of training videos and tutorials on YouTube and Instagram, have changed the game for training managers. Employees expect short, punchy, easily available formats. And when they can’t find the information quickly in the business, they don’t hesitate to search on YouTube, even for professional needs (e.g. software packages). For us, these developments are reflected in three basic trends for training videos: microlearning, mobile learning and the influence of Youtube.
Microlearning video example
Training videos turn snackable
Microlearning
Microlearning is based on a series of short and practical video sequences that allow the learner to focus on one subject at a time, taking it step by step. This type of split video training is therefore suitable for both busy employees and those in the field who cannot sit behind a screen for 30 minutes.
With these short training sessions (it is recommended that each video should not exceed 5 minutes), the learner remains focused and assimilates the message better. The training is also spread out over time, which allows for repetition.
Mobile learning
Mobile learning, as its name suggests, gives continuous access to training material on a smartphone or tablet (or of course a laptop). Thanks to mobile learning, it is possible to follow a business training course on the move, in public places, with or without an internet connection.
This format is also useful for staff who do not work behind a desk: workers on a building site or in a workshop, sales or support staff on the road, clerks in a shop or cooks in a kitchen, etc. In short, it is a practical and effective way for employees in all types of sectors to learn wherever and whenever they want, even without a computer.
Training under the influence of YouTube
YouTube is a platform that has greatly influenced the way training videos are created. Indeed, it has become the number one place online for training videos. Since for many, it is the reference platform for training, we collectively have gotten used to the formula for howto videos and the like published there. And this has become the new standard for short training videos.
The ingredients of the typical YouTube training video boiled down to an eloquent person who speaks in simple terms, animations to illustrate what is being said when no one is filmed, and concise content that captivates.
So it is not enough to be an expert on a topic: you have to be able to present it well and express what you are saying in a captivating way.
Training video example
Training video: what are the advantages?
Video is economical and practical for training
Video, a practical format
A well thought-out training video programme gives your employees the opportunity to develop new skills wherever they’re working and according to their availability. It also alleviates time constraints in the case of international teams. And there is no difference in the level or quality of training since everyone is exposed to the same pieces of content.
Video, a vector for economies of scale
For the business, video allows savings on several fronts. If the subject matter does not change, a training video can be reused at will. And compared to face-to-face training, a video training programme lets you save on travel costs and trainer time. In general, video pays for itself very quickly.
Personalised and interactive training programmes
Interactivity for better skills development
When short sequences are produced, video is generally a lively format. This is all the more true when video is part of a larger training programme: exchanges on forums, or question and answer sessions with an expert after viewing, for example. To encourage engagement, videos can be enhanced with quizzes and fun activities. With platforms such as Kumullus or Edpuzzle, this type of interaction is easy to create.
Video to define tailor-made training
There is no need to gather a whole team or remote employees to be face-to-face with a trainer, because with recorded video, it is possible to create a tailor-made training course that will be adapted to the path and needs of each employee. We have noticed a strong increase in the appeal of this type of approach following the changes linked to the Covid crisis with remote working, health instructions, etc.
Employees’ integration
Video training for better engagement
With text, image and audio combined, the video format is a captivating multi-sensory training tool. This multi-sensory presentation gives a dynamic aspect that lets you optimise the learning experience. The video format is also very effective in conveying emotions, which helps capture attention and therefore improve retention! Finally, featuring the business’s employees makes it easier for the learner to identify and understand.
An enhanced reputation for the business
When the content is not confidential, businesses have a card to play by sharing videos and tutorials on external platforms, because a well-prepared and carried out training course will contribute to creating a good reputation. Similarly, employees generally have a better opinion of their organisation when training and, more generally, knowledge is documented and easily available..
Check out our video “Why make a video tutorial for your employees?” for more tips and details!
Video produced by Kannelle
Empowering each employee
Building a library of pre-recorded training videos within the business gives employees the means to learn at his or her own pace and according to a pre-established programme. With this learning format, it is up to each individual to take responsibility for self-training.
With self-study, employees develop autonomy and have a greater mastery of their subjects. Employees can also be given the means to create a video on their own to complement those available in the company’s learning platform and help peer-to-peer transmission. You just have to make it simple and accessible with a video creation application, such as Kannelle.
How to use video to train effectively
Training and onboarding your employees
Business training
Video is the ideal tool for teaching business gestures and good practices, especially when you rely on the experience of existing employees, through “bottom up” feedback. By illustrating the subject step by step, learning is much more visual and lets you learn quickly. Between business gestures for prevention, maintenance and more, video is very effective in showing visually what cannot be shown in photos or in text.
Accelerated onboarding
Use video to effectively welcome new members of the business. For recurring or mandatory topics, bet on pre-recorded videos! This will free up your employees’ agendas and leave more time for question-and-answer sessions that are more conducive to fostering relationships.
Remote onboarding with video is also very topical in the current context of remote working, as video is a more human and friendly format compared to reading articles, for example. Examples range from details on the culture of the business to the demonstration of tools and software suites used within the business…
Video is a great way to develop retention and teach technical skills to your employees across the board, but especially so when they join the team. Pre-recorded videos also mean harmonised training: by viewing the exact same piece of content, all employees will be trained in the same way.
Supporting customers and responding to their needs
YouTube tutorials
Many businesses are taking advantage of the popularity of this platform to train their customers. The beauty brand Clarins, for example, promotes its beauty products on video by showing how to use them on their YouTube channel with almost 50,000 subscribers. They are far from alone, and businesses in every sector use the platform! This is especially true for technical training videos, be it in the construction industry or software.
Practical demonstration
This type of training is perfect for featuring a face-to-face person who shows learners how a product, service or process works. This type of training video is often found on platforms such as YouTube, with tutorials ranging from make-up to washing machine repair to first aid videos. These tutorials are a good source of inspiration for creating engaging training video programmes.
All about creating a training video
The ingredients of a successful training video
Keep the format short
The learner’s concentration might decrease after some time, especially if it is a long video. A short video with dynamic sequences will capture their attention best. However, some subjects require a certain amount of content. The trick? Break up your content into several videos, with each episode lasting no more than 5 minutes.
Keep it simple and natural
For a successful training video, focus on the message. Go easy on animations and special effects! For the surrounding space, keep it simple and adapted to the type of training you are delivering: a workshop to show a trade gesture, or a kitchen to show a recipe, for example.
Sum up the purpose of the course
In order to put the learners at ease, clarify the objectives of the training course in a short introduction at the beginning, and present any instruction to be followed in a friendly manner. By clarifying the why and the how, the learners’ motivation will be reinforced, because this lets them understand the meaning of the learning process they are going through.
Storytelling
Everyone loves a story. Whatever the type of audience, storytelling is a great way to capture someone’s attention and help the learning process. For better understanding and retention of information, consider including narrative elements, such as an anecdote or a situation in your training videos. For example, you can set up a narrative arc with an initial situation (the context), a disturbing element that hooks the audience, resolution factors and a positive outcome matching the objectives.
Choosing the right format
For each type of training, there are different formats:
- Screen capture video when to train users on a new piece of software,
- Micro-video to present a process in less than a minute,
- Course introductory video for direct training
- Product demo video…
Make sure you choose the format that matches your training topic.
Delegate the creation of training videos to your employees
When the creation of training videos is delegated to employees, businesses generally have specific and strict guidelines. You need precise instructions and a script written and validated by the educational team beforehand. And the video needs to follow the business’s visual identity. Plus, managers’ expectations can slow down the creative process.
So how can you delegate this task to your employees and monitor progress, without holding them back? Kannelle lets admins manage the visual identity and validate the content created. This gives employees a clear framework to make sure that their videos meet expectations.
The steps involved in creating a training video
Smartphones are the ideal tool for creating a training video or tutorial. The cameras and editing software on these devices are now advanced enough to create professional video content. And it’s convenient: you always have your smartphone with you. It’s light and compact, and lets you do it all in one: script the video, shoot the rushes, and edit it all.
Let’s look at the advice our content team has for you on how to succeed and create a professional quality training video with a smartphone in a few simple steps.
Planning your training video
Before you even start filming, there is a very important preliminary task: prepare a storyboard. Indeed, a clear training video requires a good organisation of the content. Grab some post-its and ask yourself the right questions:
- Who is the training video intended for?
- Which employees will be involved?
- What are the key points to cover?
- Which sequences should be filmed?
- What angles should be used (especially for a tutorial or business gestures)?
Stick your post-its on your desk or a wall and rearrange the order until you have the right tempo and a logical and engaging progression.
Once your storyboard is ready, you can gather the necessary equipment to shoot a quality video:
- Your smartphone: fully charged and with enough memory space to tackle video. Don’t forget to clean the lens to avoid a blurry image.
- A tripod is ideal for sharp images, especially if you are going to have your hands caught in your demonstration.
- A microphone for clear sound. Tip: the headset microphone of your smartphone works perfectly!
| Need references for your video equipment?We’ve prepared a downloadable essentials sheet to make a great video! Have a good shoot 😉 |
Think about the background of your training video
Choose a simple setting, with enough depth of field if possible: this will help contrast the person in the foreground with the background. If this is not possible, you can also film in front of a white or plain wall.
If your training video is aimed at a specific audience, try to instil codes and a setting that are familiar to them: office, workshop, shop, etc.
Choose a calm and quiet place. It may be that everything is understood only through visuals: videos of furniture assembly come to mind. But some training videos feature people talking (for professional training, for example): good sound is therefore crucial.
Light is very important for a professional look. Prefer natural light, but if it is not available, you can film indoors with suitable lighting. Two softboxes usually do the trick – a small budget for a professional look.
Filming your training video: let’s get started!
Choose the right orientation from the start. For a tutorial intended for Youtube, choose landscape (or horizontal) format; for Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter, choose square format; and for videos intended for consumption on mobile phones, Snapchat or TikTok, portrait (vertical) format is perfect. Do the same for formats supported by your LMS for internal use.
Use a smartphone tripod to stabilise your image. Depending on what you want to film, it is possible to move the camera, but if possible we recommend that you avoid moving it.
If you do move, use stabilisation. If your training video requires movement such as a traveling shot to follow the movement of a person or object, consider using stabilisation software or investing in a gyro grip. This is essential to good quality videos.
Place your speaker in the centre of your shot or slightly off-centre to make room for the demonstration or a picture-in-picture overlay. Pay attention to points of interest (the person’s eyes in a tight shot…) and for this, use the third party lines or the framing silhouette in the Kannelle app.
Prefer to shoot short sequences. These contribute to a more dynamic video!
Don’t be afraid to throw away failed video sequences as you go along: the editing will go faster and you can always find your sequences in the deleted items on your smartphone.
Latasha James
Editing
The advantage of filming on your smartphone is that there are no file transfer problems: all the images are already in the device! To assemble your final training video or tutorial, use smartphone editing software or assisted editing software, such as Kannelle.
Sharing your training video
This is a question to ask yourself before writing your training video, as the training must be adapted to its audience. Thus, internally or externally, the tone will not be the same and the information will also be presented differently.
Internally
In case your training video is only intended for your business employees, you have several platform options.
LMS Platform
The Learning Management System platform is the ideal place to share your training video as this format illustrates what you are saying.
Internal website
Sharing training on your business intranet ensures that it is available to everyone. If the site is modern and lets you do this, it is the best place to share your pieces of content with employees.
Externally
You also have the option of sharing your training video with external people.
Website: Sharing your training video on your website lets you reach a larger audience, but not only! It lets you optimise your SEO, necessary to increase your visibility on search engines.
Social media: The presence of businesses on social media has become inevitable. Sharing a training course on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook lets your social media come alive, but also allows partners, future collaborators and even customers to benefit.
YouTube: This platform has around 2 billion users every month: share your training on your YouTube channel if you want to reach a wider audience.
Other business video sharing platforms: There are many solutions on the market today that allow you to host your business content (Kumullus, or Edpuzzle to name a few). These let you create interactive videos with quizzes, chapters, downloads and more, to boost your business training.
