Communicating Effectively (Especially with Video)

Canadians watch 24.8 hours of online video per month (41 hours overall on the internet). That’s 291 videos EACH and roughly 69% of those viewers actively engage through the video’s they watch. So the question is: How can you get your message through to these online customers?

Clear communication is a gift some are born with but for most of us, it is a delicate learning process.

Video is one of the simplest ways to broadcast your message clearly because it captivates the viewer both with audio and visual. While the following video contains a lot of information, it’s all necessary and relevant to the overall message. Listen to the language, tone and pace of Nancy’s words. Her clear, effective intonation and pauses paired with corresponding visuals produced an inspiring and easy-to-follow video.

Here are a few tips to help you communicate your message clearly:

Be Concise
Video length depends on the type of video you want to create and who your audience is. But in general, shorter videos preform better in terms of share-ability, watchability and retention.

Be Honest
Be sure your information is consistent in all areas (website, videos, social media, sales reports etc.). Gaps in important information will leave you appearing untrustworthy.

Use the language of your audience
Think about who your audience is. How would they speak to each other? How do you want to them to feel about your business or product? A video your customers can relate to is a sure way to capture attention. Think about the tone and emotion of your business/ product and that of your customers. Find a way to bridge the two in your video and messaging.

Tell Your Story
Think of creating your video as developing a visual elevator pitch. It’s important to make that pitch hit the most important aspects of your business in 30 seconds or less. Not only should it answer the ‘what we do’ question, but more importantly, WHY you do it. Use visual representations of your business, employees or products. Show the human, personal side of your business.

Messaging
Come up with three reasons for wanting to making a video and three messages you want in your video. A clear outline and plan will ensure a clearly messaged video.