Discussing The Best Qualities Of A Training Video
Training is a part of the learning curve of an organization. Whether it is the introduction of a new procedure, product, improving skills, introduce new skills or onboarding of employees, organizations need to educate and inform their employees and this is where training videos are making a difference. They are a highly effective and economical way to impart training. It is a digital media and hence, it can be viewed from anywhere, cutting down costs of traveling, boarding, and venues. Some of the early winners of the video training race saved themselves millions of dollars by utilizing videos. Here are some statistics for you:
- Microsoft reduced the cost of training from $320 to $17 when they switched to video training.
- IBM saved $579 million within 2 years of implementing its video training program.
- Employees are 75% more inclined to watch a video than read long text matter. They are 80% more likely to remember what they see in a video.
- 81% of young people prefer companies that are video savvy.
Qualities Of A Great Training Video
A training video needs the following qualities to be effective and memorable.
1. People Should Be Able To Relate To It
Viewers need something in a video to identify with. Being able to relate to the situation, characters, or scenarios is essential. Including popular topics, cultural references, the latest news, and events will instantly spark interest and association that is imperative for effective learning. Use of colloquial language and references will enable the viewer to dissociate the video from the learning process and make the entire process more relevant, pleasurable and motivating.
2. It Should Be Engaging
Viewer attention is the key to a good training video. With shrinking attention spans, it is important to present the information in such a manner that the viewer remains interested as long as possible. The training video should encourage active participation and interaction through conversation. One way to do this is to ask questions that the audience is required to answer. This also helps in assessing whether people are comprehending and retaining the information. This is also a good method for those who prefer to learn through action and hands-on activities.
3. It Should Be Aesthetically And Sonically Pleasing
Another factor that contributes to a video is its appeal. The way it looks, the way it sounds, has a lot to do with how it will be received. Boring visuals can turn off viewers who can get distracted and miss important information. If the visuals are too complex and complicated, then too, it can cause a distraction. So maintaining a balance is essential. Same for the audio. Not only should the voice of the commentator be pleasing and clear, but it should also be easy to understand with no heavy accents. If there is background music, it should be conducive to learning and should not overwhelm the commentary. Using subtitles and other text can help to enhance the overall experience of the video as it will target the many different types of learners.
4. It Should Be Well-Organized
The training material should be well organized and sequential. Jumping from one unrelated point to another can cause confusion and distract the learner. Thus, it is essential to organize the training material well so it has a consistent direction, continuity and a good flow. The information should follow one after the other seamlessly from the beginning to the end. The visuals that accompany the information should also be equally well-organized and appealing.
5 Examples Of Great Training Videos And What They Do Right
Now that you know what goes into making a great training video, here are a few examples of great training videos.
1. Sage Appliances
This video teaches baristas the tips for making a great cup of coffee. The easy conversational style and carefully thought out content makes this a stand-out video. It is simple in execution and ticks the boxes for sonic and visual appeal.
2. HSE Batna
This video uses animation to convey safety guidelines. It uses credible situations to drive home the risks of ignoring the safety rules. The visuals, the storyline, the execution as well as the audio are all just right making this another good example.
3. Burger King
Burger King took relatability to another level by enlisting the rapper Snoop Dogg to train their employees in making grilled hot dogs. He makes the video so interesting to watch!
4. Reach Out
This video is about workplace bullying. It defines bullying and provides tips for identifying bullying in the workplace. The animated video depicts credible situations and settings making this a very relevant video. Its audio is friendly and appealing.
5. Pagliacci Pizza
Pagliacci Pizza explains the process of hand-tossing pizza dough for new employees. In less than two minutes, a pizza dough master discusses his technique. It’s a great example of how he may not be able to go around training everyone personally.
Wrapping Up
As more companies adopt the use of videos of training, video producers are sure to become more innovative. Keeping the above qualities in mind will help you improve your training process. With changes in technology, the training processes of companies and the use of video for training will evolve. So, it's important to keep yourself updated with the latest trends and stay on top of the game.