Before you get started

- So, you need to make a video. Using video for training is a great way to reach and engage your audience, if it's done right. There are some key elements you need, that, if not used, run you the risk of creating a video that doesn't engage and retain your audience. So let's get started with the key elements that you need to create an effective video. Let's talk about outline. It's the game plan before you even hit Record. You want to lay out exactly what you're going to be talking about in your video, so you don't end up with an hour of rambling. Plan out the purpose and the goal of your video and create a script. It can be a full script or in bullet points. This is a great time to plan out where you want your visual cues to cut in for even better retention. Doing this also improves your efficiency when filming and during the editing process. With the meat and potatoes of your video in place, you want to think about your messaging. What's the end goal for your audience? What problems are you trying to solve or what are you teaching them that you'd like them understanding by the end of the video? The importance of scripting is so that you have a good idea of what you'll say to keep you from getting off track. I encourage you to bring the energy right into the intro and start with a hook or a question. The more you're able to engage them right from the beginning, the more you'll be able to retain them. It can be overwhelming to imagine hundreds of thousands of people watching, so what I like to do is narrow it down to just one person. If one person was watching your video, who are they? What do they look like? What are their values and how can you deliver them even more value in your training that will make a difference? If your format is the meat and potatoes, your messaging is the gravy that ties it all together. Now with that full meal, you're going to want to have a bit of dessert. It's like the cherry on top, icing on the cake finishing touch that turns your video into something more. I'm talking about energy. Some of my favorite tips on bringing the energy is first, really believe in what you're talking about. Then do something that will literally energize you, like jumping jacks or pushups or get outside. Also, remember to smile. The energy and warmth you exude on camera makes all the difference in engaging your audience and keeping them retained. Format, message, and energy. With these three elements in place, your video has everything you need to be both educational and engaging.