A good outcome, I hope

Driving to a training session I was to give to a Search and Rescue (SAR) group, my mind wandered over the outline of my talk. Noting the outcome was the most important part of the session, I reconsidered my talking points. Was I introducing tools, concepts and skills in the right order? Was a deep understanding necessary or could I just cut-to-the-chase and allow a demonstrated proficiency?
In-person training differs greatly from making videos for businesses but I ask many of the same questions. What is the outcome we’re looking for? How should we structure it? Are we demonstrating properly? What questions must be answered? Additionally, videos must be paced, have the right tone and be on target with the audience and branding. Whoa, seems a lot more difficult than giving a talk and demonstrating skills. Nevertheless, here are five mistakes not to make when prepping for your business video.

Not knowing the purpose.
Not knowing the audience.
Not being concise.
Not knowing what you’re selling.
Not having a narrative flow.

In the SAR session, I began my talk with the point of view of the “client” and what they were going through. We progressed to how we’ll help them and introduced the tools and skills needed to get to the desired outcome. We then practised, engraining the lesson. Like making a business video, I knew the purpose, the audience, I stayed concise, knew what had to be sold and wrapped it all in an engaging story.

In a few days, the SAR group will be using their new skills at an event where we can make no mistakes. I’ll be on-site, double-checking their proficiency and making notes as to my teaching effectiveness. Your video probably won’t put people’s lives at risk but maybe it’s time to think about it in the same manner.

Have a great day - Allen Agopsowicz, Picture Story Productions.

PS - send me an email and I’ll reply with a wonderful short read, The Seven Pillars of Storytelling - an excellent primer on engaging your audience.