“Mobile devices have the distinct advantage of being an all-in-one video tool,” writes Matthew Pierce in “And Action: Start Rolling With Mobile Video.” If you have the right apps, you can shoot, edit, and share from that one device.
As an L&D professional, you know that video engages learners. It has benefits to organizations as well, reducing training costs and the need for travel. But if you’re just starting out, developing mobile videos can be daunting.
As with other training projects and practices, undertaking a video project requires good planning. You need to understand what it is you want to present to learners via video: “Be mindful of the video’s flow and make sure it keeps viewers focused on the key points of what you want them to learn,” writes Pierce. That will be the foundation of your script.
With that top of mind, a talent development professional can craft their storyboard. This helps visualize the project prior to getting into production. The storyboard is not only beneficial to the one creating the project, but it can help others visualize the project and provide feedback.
Pierce advises that you next create a plan for the b-roll, the supplemental footage that will intercut the main shots. B-roll helps convey the information you need participants to learn in a more engaging way. B-roll may consist of photos, animations, charts, infographics, and so forth—in other words, think more broadly than simply additional video.
At this point, a designer should develop a workflow plan. Ask questions such as:
- Will your mobile device have enough memory for the shoot?
- Do you have a way to capture the audio, such as an external mic?
- Where will you store the files so you can work with them?
- What tools do you need to edit the video, if you plan to do so?
- How are the acoustics in the environment you’re shooting? How about the lighting?
As a talent development professional, you understand very well that relevancy to the learner is of utmost importance. Keep that in mind as you progress through your video project.
- Who is my audience? What is the information they need most urgently? What information isn’t as urgent and might be cut?
- How can I incorporate what the video is really about in the title and description so that learners decide to watch?
- Is the topic focused? Generally, it’s better to have multiple videos than risk diluting relevancy of the topic that is most important to viewers.
One additional item to think about throughout is your organization’s brand: Be authentic, as “Trust is a critical component of learning,” Pierce reminds.
