The way you speak and express yourself provides important context internal communication (IC), making it easier for your team to understand the message. Therefore, whatever your organization does, video content can enhance your communication strategy.
Internal videos can have a positive impact in most areas of operations—from helping co-workers learn complex new software through engaging animated explanatory content in nice reminding them to comply with new policies and processes with a funny, informative video guide.
But creating compelling video content to use internally can be tricky. You need to build practical pieces to get results, but you also need to understand what the medium is (and no!) suitable for.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of using video to enhance internal communications, and how to get the most out of your video communications.
Waving hello: Do ​​we really need better internal communication channels?
By delivering important announcements on behalf of management, creating a transparent recruitment and onboarding processand enables two-way communication between a corporation and employees, IC is one of the most important factors shared by the most successful companies.
With one clear goal in mind—ensuring adequate circulation of information—companies tried every communication format available, from telegrams to online meetings. Adapting video content to help fulfill and enhance this process is the next logical step.
How video can overhaul internal communications
Whether you’re preparing new employees for their first day on the job, training them for a possible medical crisis, or sharing company values to maintain brand loyalty, video content is the most effective medium to deliver your message in memorable ways.
When it comes to internal exchanges, staff need to know what you’re trying to convey, how that message relates to them, and what steps they should follow based on the information presented in the video.
That’s the premise behind an effective internal communication pipeline. But what makes a smart choice of video content?
The truth is, we’ve become accustomed to endless email chains and online meetings as part of everyday business. But a high quality, 60 seconds corporate training video can engage with your workforce and get results that a Slack thread never could.
To video, or not to video: That’s the question
If you’re wondering if your message is worth a video, consider its relevance and potential impact.
Companies are turning to video content for a number of reasons that all benefit from the unique features and benefits of a clean production. Internal video content shares similarities with online courses which is easily accessible to all team members. Not only will they learn something new or receive updates on relevant topics, but they can always go back and watch said videos if they forget something.
By creating engaging video that brings important topics to life, you can avoid the drawbacks of text-based communications and ensure that important information is heard and acted upon more consistently.
Bridging physical distance with video
Video content goes a long way toward building a cohesive brand voice that can spread globally. By creating a clear way to distribute announcements throughout the company, even across different branches, your content will reach those who work from home and in different time zones as effectively as if they were right next to you.
Good videos go a long way in nurturing interest beyond lack of personal interaction. Moreover, if you want to make your message the talk of the town, videos can make announcements memorable. Most employees will remember a well-produced, short-form video designed to speak to them on a personal level long after they’ve watched it.
Finally, getting accurate feedback from your team should not be taken for granted. Videos can help create opportunities for a two-way, individual conversation, even internally remote work settingsoffers an emotional context that can be translated constructive criticism better than a long, wordy email.
Get your point across: Tips for creating the perfect internal communication video
While some emails are easier to ignore, a good internal communication video is designed to nurture a certain level of engagement. So, let’s review some tips that get internal videos out and generate the attention and reaction your company needs for this type of content.
- Determine what you want to achieve with your video. Do employees need a soft skill boost? Are you looking to expand your team and onboard the latest draftees? From FAQs and announcement videos to corporate recruiting and training, the medium acts as a flexible tool that you can customize to your needs.
- Remember who your target audience is, and making a perfect video for internal communications amounts to adding a dash of humanity to otherwise dull content. Consider adding emotional touchpoints that resonate with viewers. A little humor can liven up monotonous content, and a heartfelt conversation gets people’s attention.
- Use the power of clips of leaders and team members, even in a selfie, recorded with a cell phone or webcam. Something as simple as a short clip of employees answering questions or delivering information where it’s needed can help.
It’s time to start using video content to keep information flowing within your company and overhaul the way your staff communicates.
Rely on personalized, simple and straight-to-the-point video messages to enhance your internal conversations—you won’t regret it.
Contributed to EO by Victor Blasco, an audiovisual designer, video marketing expert, and founder/CEO of explainer video production company Yum Yum Videos. Aside from running the business, he is a lifelong student of Chinese philosophy and a passionate geek for all things sci-fi.
For more insights and inspiration from today’s top entrepreneurs, check out EO at Inc. and more articles from EO blog.