The way you speak and express yourself provides vital context to internal communications (IC), making it easier for your team to understand the message. Therefore, no matter what your organization is up to, video content can enhance your communications strategy.
Internal videos can make a positive impact in most areas of operations—from helping coworkers figure out complex new software via charming animated explainer content to kindly reminding them to adhere to new policies and processes with a funny, informational video guide.
But creating compelling video content to use internally can be tricky. You need to generate practical pieces to get results, but you also need to understand what the medium is (and isn’t!) suitable for.
Let’s examine the ins and outs of using video to enhance internal communications, and how to make the most out of your video communications.
Waving hello: Do we really need better internal communications channels?
By delivering crucial announcements on behalf of management, creating a transparent recruitment and onboarding process, and allowing two-way communication between a corporation and employees, IC is one of the most critical factors that most successful companies share.
With one clear goal in mind—ensuring adequate information circulation—companies have 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 at work, training them for a possible medical crisis, or sharing company values to nurture 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 communications pipeline. But what makes video content the smart choice?
The fact is, we’ve grown used to never-ending email chains and online meetings as a part of everyday business. But a high-quality, 60-second corporate training video can engage your workforce and get results like no Slack thread ever could.
To video, or not to video: That is the question
If you’re wondering whether your message is worth a video, consider its relevance and potential impact.
Companies turn to video content for a handful of reasons which all benefit from the quirks and perks of a clean-cut production. Internal video content shares similarities with online courses that are readily accessible to all team members. Not only will they learn something new or get updates on relevant topics, but also they’ll always be able to go back and view said videos if they forget something.
By creating an engaging video that brings essential topics to life, you avoid the drawbacks of text-based comms and ensure crucial information is heard and acted upon more consistently.
Bridging physical distance with video
Video content accomplishes a lot toward building a cohesive brand voice able to spread worldwide. By creating a clear way to distribute company-wide announcements, even across different branches, your content will reach those working from home and in different time zones as effectively as if they were right next to you.
Great videos go a long way toward nurturing interest despite the absence of in-person interaction. Moreover, if you want to make your message the talk of the town, videos can make announcements memorable. Most employees will remember a nicely produced, short-form video designed to speak to them on a personal level long after they are done watching.
Lastly, getting accurate feedback from your team shouldn’t be taken for granted. Videos can help generate opportunities for a two-way, individualized conversation, even in remote work settings, offering emotional context that might translate constructive criticism better than a long, heavy-worded email.
Get your point across: Tips on making the perfect internal communications video
While it can be easier to ignore a few emails, a good internal communication video is designed to nurture a certain degree of engagement. So, let’s review a few tips that make internal videos pop and generate the attention and reaction your company needs for this type of content.
- Determine what you want to achieve with your video. Are employees in need of 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 you can customize to your needs.
- Remember who your target audience is, and that crafting a perfect video for internal communications equals adding a dash of humanity to otherwise dull content. Consider adding emotional touchpoints that resonate with viewers. A bit of humor can spruce up monotonous content, and a heartfelt conversation gets people paying attention.
- Leverage the power of clips of leaders and team members, even selfie-styled, recorded with a cell phone or webcam. Something as simple as brief clips of employees answering questions or delivering information where it’s needed can go a long way.
It’s time to start leveraging video content to keep information circulating 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 the explainer video production company Yum Yum Videos. Besides running the business, he’s a lifelong student of Chinese philosophy and a passionate geek for all things sci-fi.
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