Video is an extremely powerful tool for communicating ideas and knowledge effectively. Producing good training videos is much more than just filming and editing. The script must be written in a direct enough manner to enhance learning while keeping the viewer engaged. It is not about amazing visuals and clean sound (although that doesn’t hurt), it’s about conveying complex information in a way that’s easy to understand and absorb. How it is put together is a requirement, but it is the method behind it that makes all the difference.
Start With The Script
The script is essential. It must be accessible and easy to understand. Some training videos may require industry-specific jargon, but for the most part, try to avoid anything that might confuse viewers. As soon as people feel lost, they tend to tune out. Work through the process and ensure everything is covered correctly to ensure viewers understand it on first viewing.
Keep It Interesting Visually
If you keep a stagnant title on screen for more than, say, 10 seconds, it begins to make your video feel like a glorified slideshow. If you expect to keep viewers engaged, you need to change things up regularly and give the viewers some variety. Keeping it visually interesting does not mean throwing everything on the screen; it means using a variety of shots and titles. Avoid flashy graphics or transitions that will distract from the material. Any unnecessary distractions should be removed.
Stay In Sequence
When it comes to training videos, the process is the most important part. As you can see in this training video, which we did for Stryker, a manufacturer of hospital trolleys and stretchers, the process is vital for both safety and efficiency.
This must be accounted for in the script. Especially when dealing with a video that will be used by paramedics nationwide, you want them to be completely certain of the correct process.
If the material is quite complex, it can also make sense to break it down into chapters. This not only makes finding the right topic easier for viewers but also gives them a natural break to absorb what has come before.
Use a Presenter
People absorb information more effectively when it’s presented by a person, rather than in a slide or booklet. This is why, if the material is appropriate, you should consider using a presenter to deliver the information. If the material relies heavily on visually demonstrating how to use something, then a voiceover can often be the best option to commentate on what’s happening on screen.
Training videos are the most effective method for quickly and comprehensively training people. Viewers absorb more through video than through other training methods and pure text. However, these training videos must be produced correctly. If you are looking to create a memorable training video that really works, contact us today.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
