Best Practices to Create a Training Video

Creating training videos is an effective means of onboarding new employees, educating team members, and providing an engaging learning experience for learners...

Creating training videos is an effective means of onboarding new employees, educating team members, and providing an engaging learning experience for learners at all levels. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the best practices for creating high-quality, interactive, and effective training videos.

The Best Way to Create a Training Video

The best way to create a training video starts with a thorough plan and a clear understanding of your subject matter and target audience. A step-by-step approach will ensure that your video content is comprehensive, yet digestible.

Begin with a well-crafted video script. This should outline all the points you wish to cover, including a compelling intro to grab your viewer's attention and a concise wrap-up.

Next, create a storyboard. This acts as a visual template for your video, giving you a clear structure and sequence to follow during video production. It's particularly useful when creating instructional videos or how-to videos, as it helps illustrate the steps your audience needs to follow.

Finally, choose the best video format and video creation tools that suit your needs. Common formats include live-action, animated training videos, talking head videos, and screencast videos. As for tools, video editing software like Camtasia is ideal for beginners, offering a user-friendly interface for screen recording and editing. For more advanced or professional video production, software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro may be more suitable.

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What to Include in a Training Video

In creating training videos, it's essential to ensure that your video content is both informative and engaging. This will help improve retention and ensure an effective training program.

To make your video more interactive, consider using on-screen annotations, quizzes, and transitions to guide your audience through the material. A talking head or voice-over can also add a personal touch, making the content feel more relatable. These elements work well in all types of training videos, from onboarding materials for new employees to tutorial videos for specific skills.

Be sure to include a mix of visual aids. For instance, PowerPoint slides, screen capture of your computer screen, or whiteboard explanations can break up the content and keep your audience's attention. Furthermore, utilizing video files of real-life scenarios or examples can help contextualize the information, especially in corporate training settings.

When considering what a training video should include, don't forget the power of a clear call-to-action. This can be a prompt for your audience to apply what they've learned or to move on to the next video in a series.

Making Your Training Videos More Engaging

Keeping your audience engaged is crucial in elearning. Interactive video elements can be especially useful, making your training sessions more dynamic and helping viewers to absorb the material.

Firstly, keep your videos short. Short videos tend to retain the viewer’s attention more effectively than longer ones. It's often better to break up complex topics into several shorter videos rather than one lengthy one.

In addition, adding elements like quizzes, on-screen prompts, and interactive annotations can help reinforce key points and increase viewer participation. Integrating these features with a Learning Management System (LMS) allows you to track learner progress and engagement.

Don't underestimate the power of good video editing. Effective transitions, clear audio, and professional-quality visuals can drastically improve the viewer's experience. Whether you're creating beginner-level tutorials or advanced corporate training content, a well-edited video stands out and keeps the viewer engaged.

The Ideal Length and Format for Training Videos

While there's no definitive rule, most experts agree that training videos should ideally be between 3-7 minutes long. This range typically holds the viewer's attention while providing enough time to cover the subject matter adequately.

The best training video format depends on the topic and the audience.

Animated explainer videos can help simplify complex concepts, while instructor-led videos or screencasts might be better suited for software tutorials. For team building exercises or corporate culture videos, live-action or talking head videos can be more relatable. Remember, choosing the right format can make a significant impact on how effectively your video communicates its message.

Recording and Editing Your Training Video

When recording your training video, pay attention to both the visual and audio aspects. Ensure that the on-screen content is clear and easy to follow, especially if you're using screen recording for a software walkthrough or tutorial.

For talking head videos, use a clean, distraction-free background. Ensure you have good lighting, and always do a test recording to check for any technical glitches. If you're recording voice-over, use a high-quality microphone and record in a quiet, echo-free environment.

As for editing, use video editing software that matches your skill level and needs. Beginners may prefer straightforward tools like Camtasia or iMovie, while more experienced video editors might choose advanced tools like Adobe Premiere Pro. Remember to include transitions between different sections of your video to make it flow smoothly.

Tips for Creating Effective Training Videos

1. Keep it Simple: Beginners and seasoned learners alike appreciate clear, straightforward instruction. Avoid jargon and explain concepts in a way that anyone can understand.
2. Interactive Elements: Make use of interactive video features like quizzes and annotations to engage your audience and reinforce learning.
3. High-Quality Production: Use good lighting, clear audio, and steady camera work to produce high-quality video content. If you're using screen recording or screencast, ensure that the actions on the screen are easy to see and follow.
4. Share on Multiple Platforms: Once your video is ready, make it accessible to your audience. This might be through an LMS, on social media, or even via email.
5. Feedback and Iteration: After sharing your training video, solicit feedback from your learners. This feedback can be invaluable for improving future videos.

Creating effective training videos requires careful planning, the right tools, and a learner-focused approach. By following these best practices, you'll be well on your way to producing engaging, high-quality training videos that effectively communicate your message and provide a valuable learning experience. Whether it's for onboarding new employees, providing a tutorial, or implementing a corporate training program, video-based learning is a powerful tool in any training arsenal.