In the fast-paced world of Professional Services, staying on top requires constant learning. And what better way to communicate the most complex of concepts than through the engaging medium of video? Imagine the impact of a tutorial or explainer video on that new service or tool, making your presentation memorable and your company indispensable. But to craft that engaging, educational video, you need a script that’s not just informative but also speaks directly to the heart of your audience. Here’s your guide to scripting a video tutorial that will resonate with your professional audience.

1. Identify the Objective

Before pen hits paper, you must pinpoint the purpose of the video. Are you aiming to introduce a new service, explaining a tool, or maybe even training your team on a recent industry development? The objective is your video’s north star – everything from the words used, to the visuals, should align with this goal.

For instance, if your objective is to introduce a new service, your script needs to highlight its unique value proposition and how it’s a solution to a known problem. If it’s training, the script should break down the process into manageable steps, ensuring clarity and retention.

2. Understand Your Audience

You’re not scripting for just anyone; you’re addressing Marketing Managers in Professional Services. These are individuals who thrive on information that’s both relevant and practical. Your script should directly address their on-the-job challenges and existing knowledge.

Drill down into the specific issues they face daily – maybe it’s understanding the latest SEO algorithm updates or strategising for a service launch. Offer insights that can be implemented immediately. Ensure that the content does more than explain; it empowers your audience.

3. Structured Outline

A clear structure leads to a compelling narrative. Your educational video script should have a logical flow, much like a story, to guide your audience from start to finish.

Begin with a hook – perhaps a case study showing the before-and-after effects of your content, enticing the viewer to learn more. From there, use bullet points or segmented parts to break down complex information into digestible chunks. Recap with a good summary of the key takeaways, reinforcing the learning.

4. Engaging Content

Nothing disengages a professional faster than dry, text-heavy content. Incorporate relatable examples and data to keep the attention of your audience. If you’re introducing a new service, use real client experiences that underline its success. Throughout the script, be conversational in your tone but maintain a professional stance.

Always keep in mind that your main goal is to provide practical knowledge, so stay on track with relevant content.

5. Visual Aids

A picture is worth a thousand words – and in an educational video, it’s indispensable. Collaborate with your design and video production teams to ensure that the visuals support the message of your script.

If you’re discussing statistics, have charts and graphs on the screen. A tool overview? Ensure the video coincides with the features under discussion. This visual reinforcement makes it easier for the audience to understand and remember the material.

6. Conversational Tone

While maintaining professionalism, you should aim for a script that feels like a one-to-one conversation. Using contractions, addressing the viewer as ‘you’, and posing questions can engage your audience on a personal level.

A conversational tone builds trust and rapport, critical in getting professionals to adopt new knowledge or practices.

7. Call to Action

Always end your video with a clear call to action (CTA) that points to the next step. Whether it’s directing them to explore further on your website, sign up for a course, or contact your sales team, the CTA should be a natural progression from the video’s content.

In the case of Super Motion, an example CTA could be to book a free 30-minute strategy call. This equates to a soft pitch, inviting the audience to continue the conversation further.

8. Review and Feedback

An excellent script is a result of iteration and collaboration. Gather feedback from your peers, stakeholders, and even prospective viewers.

Incorporating diverse perspectives can lead to a richer, more effective script. When refining your draft, always consider the clarity of the message, the relevance to the audience, and the action you want them to take after watching the video.

Remember, video scripting is as much an art as it is a science. It’s a continuous process of honing your message to resonate with your audience. Use this guide to script educational videos that won’t just inform but compel your viewers to take action.

Ready to put these steps into action and create a video that educates and engages Marketing Managers in Professional Services? Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Super Motion to start turning your vision into reality.

In a digital age where accessibility and engagement are key in disseminating knowledge, training videos have surged as the go-to method for organisations looking to educate their staff. However, with the rise in popularity comes an often overlooked aspect of training video production: the costs.

HR and Training Managers often find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the imperative to deliver quality educational content within budget.

To address this critical balance, we’ll explore the ins and outs of video production costs, understand what you’re really paying for, and equip you with practical tips to ensure your training videos are cost-effective and impactful.

Understanding the Essentials of Video Production Costs

Before a camera is even switched on, the process of creating a training video involves several stages, each with its own set of costs.

Pre-Production

This is the blueprint phase. Here’s where you’ll plan out the video in detail — from writing the script, to creating storyboards and organising the video shoot.

Production

The production phase includes everything to do with capturing the content, from shooting with cameras and equipment, to paying actors and location rentals.

Post-Production

Once the filming’s wrapped, it’s time to edit, add graphics, music, and any other final touches. This stage brings together all the video elements into a cohesive and engaging piece.

Breaking these phases down allows you to understand the components of a training video’s budget, and how you can manage them effectively.

The Impact of Quality and Complexity on Costs

The decision between a straightforward video and one with complex animations or special effects, can significantly influence your budget. A professional production house will guide you through the trade-offs, showcasing the added value of each element against its cost.

Video Quality

From camera and lighting equipment, to sound production, investing in high quality can enhance the professional appeal of your training videos, increasing viewer retention and understanding.

Complexity Add-ons

Consider your video’s requirements carefully. Will animated infographics drive your message, or is a simple voice-over slide enough? Each addition increases not only production costs, but also the time needed in post-production.

Length and Volume: The Duration and Quantity Dilemma

Video length affects production costs due to the time and resources required, but length isn’t the only consideration; you also need to think about volume.

Length Matters

The longer the video, the more footage you need and, therefore, the longer the editing process. Companies must find the sweet spot between message length and resource investment.

Batch Production

Creating videos in batches can save you both time and money. Filming multiple videos at once can sometimes lead to efficiencies in the production process, reducing the cost per video.

Planning for and Mitigating Unexpected Expenses

Even with the most meticulous planning, unforeseen costs can arise. Having a contingency fund is essential for adapting to these changes without jeopardising the quality of your training video.

Why Contingency?

Changes in script, actor availability, or even challenging weather conditions during an outdoor shoot, can lead to additional costs. Having a financial buffer can mean the difference between a production well-handled and one with a slashed budget and compromised quality.

Strategies for Keeping Your Training Video Budget in Check

With a bit of forethought and creativity, there are plenty of ways to manage video production costs without cutting corners. Adopting these strategies can ensure cost-efficiency without sacrificing the educational value or the watchability of your training videos.

DIY vs. Pro Production

Whilst it’s tempting to keep production in-house, professional services often bring superior quality and streamlined processes. However, it’s possible to find a middle ground where in-house efforts contribute to professional productions, such as providing in-studio talent or location options.

Leveraging Technology

Using technological advancements, like video editing software and online stock media libraries, can significantly reduce costs. Platforms offered by companies like Super Motion can provide access to high-quality resources at a fraction of the price.

Budgeting with the Big Picture in Mind

When creating a budget, look beyond the initial production cost. Factor in distribution and potential follow-up video revisions. Ensure your videos are designed to be timeless, thus stretching the value of your initial investment.

Evaluating Training Video Production Through an ROI Lens

It’s not just about the initial cost; understanding the long-term return on investment is crucial in justifying your spending on video production.

Sustainability and Scalability

By creating videos that can be reused and tailored to various training needs, your long-term costs decrease. Scalable video content grows with your business, offering a consistent message and look across all departments and locations.

Measuring Success

How will you measure the effectiveness of your training videos? Improved test scores, reduced onboarding times, or increased employee engagement? Use these metrics to calculate the true ROI.

Securing Professional Guidance for Your Training Video Needs

Navigating the world of training video production can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding costs, whilst maintaining educational integrity. Professional services, like Super Motion, offer not just video production, but strategic guidance to ensure your training videos are a worthwhile investment.

Super Motion — Your Partner in Video Production

Super Motion is committed to making your training videos not only informative but cost-effective. From the initial concept to the final cut, our team of experts work with you to produce videos that meet your training objectives and your budget.

Plan Your Next Step

Ready to enhance your company’s training with engaging and effective video content? Book a free 30-minute strategy call with Super Motion to explore how training videos can revolutionise your approach to staff development. Your time is now, and so is theirs.

Choosing between engaging videos and detail-rich manuals for educational content is a pivotal decision for Training Managers in the Professional Services sector.

At Super Motion, we’ve seen first hand how each medium shapes learning and influences decision-making.

This blog delves into the advantages and limitations of educational videos versus traditional manuals, covering crucial aspects like engagement, retention, and accessibility, to guide you in selecting the optimal strategy for your needs.

Captivating Your Audience: The Power of Video

Videos stand out in capturing audiences, blending visuals, sound, and storytelling to instantly draw viewers in. This format is particularly effective in Professional Services, making abstract concepts accessible and engaging.

In contrast, manuals, with their in-depth content, may not capture interest as readily. Reading requires a level of focus that not everyone has, especially when seeking quick learning.

Boosting Retention with Videos

Videos significantly enhance memory retention by engaging both sight and sound, making key messages more memorable. Research indicates people retain 95% of a message from a video compared to 10% when reading text, a critical advantage in Professional Services where precision matters.

While manuals offer depth, videos distil complex information into memorable visuals and sound bites, ensuring important messages are not just seen but remembered. This is invaluable in Professional Services, where technical skill and understanding are vital to providing a quality service to your clients.

Widening Reach with Accessible Videos

Videos shine in accessibility, making content approachable for a broader audience, including those facing language or reading barriers. Their visual storytelling, enhanced with subtitles or sign language, can convey Professional Services concepts to any employee.

Convenience: Learning on the Go

Videos offer unmatched convenience, fitting learning into the busiest schedules. They allow viewers to learn anywhere, from commutes to between meetings, via mobile devices.

Manuals, though rich in information, can’t match the portability and instant accessibility of videos. This makes videos a vital tool for Training Managers seeking to ensure their training material is easy and convenient for their employees to access.

Detail and Depth: Where Manuals Shine

Manuals excel in delivering comprehensive details and in-depth explanations, making  them invaluable for complex Professional Services procedures and workflows. Manuals allow for finer details that videos struggle to convey and give readers the opportunity to engage with content at their own pace. This depth allows for thorough understanding and reference, crucial for services where specifics are key.

While videos attract and broadly inform, manuals provide the detailed insights and step-by-step guidance that ensure deep comprehension and practical application.

Keeping Content Current

Updating content keeps it relevant, and modern editing tools have simplified updating videos. Swapping out segments or adding new information allows videos to remain current with less effort than presumed. This flexibility is a boon for keeping video content fresh and engaging.

Manuals offer a different kind of ease in updates, with text changes being straightforward to implement. This makes them reliable for consistently updating detailed content. However, it’s worth considering costs for any reprinting and redistribution required.

Both formats present viable options for updates, catering to the dynamic needs of Professional Services, ensuring materials stay accurate and reflective of the latest best practices and processes.

Tailor Content to Audience Preferences

Choosing between videos and manuals hinges on knowing your audience’s preferences. Videos, with their wide appeal, cater to those who prefer engaging, visually rich content.

Some, however, find value in the depth and pace control offered by manuals, particularly for intricate subjects that demand thorough understanding.

Adopting a strategy that incorporates both formats can address the varied preferences within your audience, ensuring your content is both engaging and informative.

Conclusion

In our journey through Professional Services training, we’ve weighed the benefits of videos against manuals. Videos offer unparalleled engagement, accessibility, and ease of updating, making learning flexible and dynamic. Manuals, on the other hand, provide detailed insights and are easier to update in certain aspects.

The heart of the matter is choosing the right tool to connect with your audience effectively. Whether you’re drawn to the compelling storytelling of videos or the rich detail of manuals, it’s about what works best for your audience.

Ready to explore how videos can enhance training content? Super Motion is here to help. Book your free 30-minute strategy call now. Let’s craft a strategy that engages and resonates with your audience.

In a world with fragmented attention and fierce engagement competition, educational videos are a powerful tool for professional services to convey complex ideas, align teams, and nurture client relationships. Crafting captivating educational videos that resonate with your audience is both an art and a science. As a Marketing Manager for a professional services firm, you have the unique opportunity to use video content for education, information, and inspiration.

Super Motion understands the value of high-quality video in the professional services sector. We’ve refined our skills, built expertise, and mastered the art of creating connecting videos. Here are the recommended practices to ensure your educational videos shine.

Break Down Complex Topics Using Analogies

Video is a medium that allows for inventive simplification. One of the best ways to simplify complex topics is by using analogies that your audience can relate to. Analogies help bridge the gap between your expertise and the viewer’s understanding. Say you’re explaining the intricacies of financial regulations – comparing it to a chess match can make it more relatable and clear.

The goal here is not just to disseminate information, but to make sure it lands. Use analogies sparingly and ensure they are understood by your entire target audience by testing their familiarity beforehand.

Quizzes Enhance Engagement for Active Learning and Retention

Active participation enhances learning. Including quizzes at the end of segments can reinforce concepts and make the audience feel more involved. It’s an engagement booster.

Make the quizzes short and sweet, and ensure the answers are explained, tying the content back to your course objectives. These moments of interaction will improve the video’s overall effectiveness as an educational tool.

Clear Visuals and Audio Support BetterInformation Retention and Understanding

Not all audiences learn the same way, but all can benefit from a well-crafted visual and audio experience. High definition graphics, animations, and clear, professional-grade audio can make a significant difference. They help to break up wall-of-text fatigue, and also reinforce the spoken message with visual memory aids.

Visuals and audio should never be an afterthought. They are integral to conveying meaning and should be just as carefully designed as the content itself.

Short Videos Maintain Attention with Under Three-Minute Lengths Preferred

In a world of short attention spans, brevity rules. Studies show that the ideal video length for maximum engagement is under three minutes. This doesn’t mean skimming on content — it means being concise and focused.

If your topic requires more time, consider breaking it into a series of videos, each covering a specific aspect. This not only maintains attention but also helps the viewer understand the information hierarchy within the content.

Use Storytelling to Connect and Make Content Memorable

The human brain craves stories. Narratives forge emotional ties to content, enhancing recall and shareability. Stories contextualise facts for better comprehension. Whether recounting a project’s success or structuring a video with a clear narrative arc, storytelling transforms educational videos into compelling, informative pieces.

Ensure Professional Audio Quality for Clarity and Focus

Nothing turns off a viewer faster than poor audio quality. If they can’t hear you, they can’t learn from you. Invest in a quality microphone and ensure the audio is clear and at an appropriate volume.

If your videos are subtitled, which is beneficial for accessibility, ensure that the subtitles are timed accurately and don’t overshadow the audio, but rather complement it.

Balanced Pacing Keeps Content Engaging Without Overload

Pacing is key. Speak too slowly, and your audience loses interest; speak too quickly, and they struggle to keep up. Vary the pace in the video to highlight key points or provide breathing space after dense content. Stay mindful of your audience’s familiarity and comfort with the topic. For a basic introduction to a complex subject, slower pacing, detailed explanations, and even storytelling can aid comprehension.

Include Calls to Action for Further Engagement or Learning Application

Every educational video should include a clear next step. What action do you want viewers to take? Use calls to action to guide them to related resources, prompt contact with your experts, or encourage a deeper exploration of the topic. The call to action marks the transition from educating potential clients to engaging them.

Solicit Viewer Feedback to Improve Future Content

Your audience’s feedback is crucial. Ask for feedback at the end of videos to grasp what worked well and what needs enhancing. These insights can guide your future educational content. Monitoring viewer quiz performance is also valuable. If many viewers struggle with a specific question, it could highlight a gap in your teaching or the material’s clarity.

Make Content Accessible to Support Diverse Learning Needs

Accessibility should be at the forefront of your educational video strategy. Subtitles, visual descriptions for the blind or sight impaired, and language simplicity should be considered. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of learning style or ability, can access your valuable educational content.

Accessibility also provides a wider reach for your video content, as it can be shared across different advocacy groups and allies who promote inclusive learning environments.

Flexible Access Benefits Learners Offering Anytime, Anywhere Learning

Today’s professionals are busy, and the opportunity to learn often happens on the go. Offer your educational videos through various platforms such as YouTube and mobile apps for seamless, anytime learning.

When someone wants to refer back to a concept or share the video with a colleague, they’ll appreciate how effortlessly they can do so in all circumstances.

Consistent Messaging Across The Organisation Ensures Standardised Training and Knowledge

Professional services firms rely on the consistent execution of their brand messaging. This extends to the educational videos you produce. Ensure that all content is in line with your company’s voice, values, and goals.

Having a well-communicated content strategy within your organisation can help maintain consistency across all educational materials, regardless of the platform.

Our team at Super Motion is skilled in crafting educational video content that excels in all the areas we’ve highlighted. If you’re ready to take your educational content to the next level, we invite you to book a free strategy call with us. Together, we can create a video marketing plan that will engage your audience, elevate your brand, and bring your educational initiatives to life.

Book your free strategy call now and start your video marketing transformation with Super Motion.

When it comes to the art of onboarding, savvy companies know that a new employee’s first impression is everything.
HR Managers in Professional Services firms wrestle with ensuring new employees not only understand the intricate services offered but also understand and embrace the company culture and values from day one.

Onboarding videos are a powerful tool that use visual storytelling that can help your new employees to start off on the right foot in their new role. Understanding the core components that make an onboarding video effective is essential to make sure it becomes an asset in your onboarding process.

In this guide, we break down the recipe for creating the perfect onboarding video for Professional Services firms. From fostering company culture to navigating policies, we’ll cover key elements for your strategy. Whether you’re an HR Manager diving into video production nuances or an expert shaping culture narratives, this guide will lead you through creating magic with onboarding videos.

Setting the Stage with Company Culture and Values

The Why Behind Your Company

Before jumping into the finer details of roles and responsibilities, an onboarding video should start with the heart of the matter – the reason why your company breathes.

For Professional Services, this often means deeply embedded values and a unique culture that shapes every interaction. Short interviews with leadership and team members can humanise the company. By sharing experiences that reflect organisational values, you’re not just stating who you are, but showing it.

Showcasing Daily Life

From video snippets of team collaboration to a look at your office space or virtual teams, showing rather than telling is key to fostering a rich and effective understanding of your company’s routine. Illustrate how your team comes together to tackle projects and showcase the norm – whether it’s Friday lunches or midweek yoga sessions, these seemingly routine activities foster a strong sense of belonging.

Deep Dives into Your Services

Simplified Service Explanations

Professional Services can often be complex to the uninitiated. This section is about simplifying the complex jargon and laying out services in a manner that’s both educational and engaging. Use case studies and simplified graphics.

If you provide niche legal services, for example, outline big wins for clients with digestible, layman-terms explanations of the process — so your newest team members can understand the processes and use them as examples when they’re dealing with your clients.

Value Propositions

What sets your services apart? Use the video as a platform to highlight your unique value proposition that will resonate with the new starters. Whether it’s a commitment to ethical practice, pioneering technological solutions, or exceptional client relationships, integrate these selling points into every aspect of service explanation.

Key Policies and Procedures

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Maintain professionalism but also ensure your video reflects the warmth and inclusivity of your company. Highlighting the code of conduct is a standard but essential step, where you don’t merely state the rules but also the ‘why’ behind them, and their perception within the company’s framework of values.

Data Privacy and Security

In today’s digital world, the importance of privacy and security cannot be overstated. Address these policies with clarity, illustrating situations your employees will likely encounter. Make the ‘policy’ personal. Portray how each individual is responsible for privacy and security, aligning it with the shared goal of trust-building and client confidence.

Meet the Faces Behind the Company

Team Introductions and Fun Facts

No onboarding video is complete without introducing the people in your company’s story.

Personalise this segment with team members sharing their roles and a sprinkle of fun facts. Make the introductions relatable – who are the sports nuts or the office comedians? This human touch can make the difference between passive viewing and active engagement.

Leader Profiles

Profiling your company leaders instils confidence and provides a sense of direction. Share their professional background, accomplishments, and the strategic vision they bring to the table. This not only humanises the leadership but also allows new members of the team to align their mission with the company’s strategic goals.

Career Development Pathways

Learning and Growth Initiatives

Professional Services is a sector that relies heavily on continuous learning. Outline the learning and development opportunities within your organisation – whether it’s formal training or on-the-job mentoring and development. Use visual timelines or ‘day in the life’ segments to show the progression from a junior team member to the top jobs.

Company Culture of Growth

Stuffing a manual with development programmes is one thing; demonstrating a culture of growth and learning is quite another. Share stories of professional growth within the company that highlight the efforts and support the new employees can expect when reaching for their stars.

Interactivity and Engagement

Quizzes and Reflection Prompts

To ensure the information is digested, add elements of interactivity. Include quizzes or reflection prompts on company values and service highlights. By inviting the new team member to participate actively, you not only gauge their understanding but also reinforce learning.

Gamifying the Experience

Is there a more effective way of embedding memory than through play? Create ‘day in the life’ scenarios where the new hire must choose the best practice, earning points for making the right decisions. Not only does this make for a fun onboarding video, but it also heightens retention of your organisation’s protocols.

Support and Resources

Who To Turn To

Navigate the web of support within your company. Explain who handles HR issues, who’s responsible for technical support, and who are the go-to team members for project-based queries. This section can also include digital pamphlets or directories that new employees can access after watching the video, to find detailed information.

Policies and Manuals

While not the stars of your video, it’s vital to have policies and manuals accessible after onboarding. A quick rundown of where to find these resources online or within the company’s intranet will help new employees to find additional information, when they need it.

The First Step After the Credits Roll

Scheduling Initial Meetings

After the grand presentation, the new employee should already have a tangible next step. This could mean scheduling one-to-ones with managers, team members, or even department heads. Clarity on what comes next after the video is part and parcel of a successful welcome strategy.

Paperwork and Tools Set-Up

From contracts to access to company tools, the logistics need to be addressed swiftly. Clear instructions and support on the sign-up process, usernames and passwords, and any required readings or kits can smoothen the transition from candidate to team player.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Crafting your onboarding video is more than a process; it’s an art of merging corporate narrative with heartfelt reception. If you’re a Professional Services HR Manager ready to revolutionise onboarding, book a free 30-minute strategy call with Super Motion for tailored advice on how video can elevate your practices.

In conclusion, onboarding videos for Professional Services firms must balance the informative with the inspiring. They must drill down the company ethos to the professional while bearing a personal touch that resonates with each new team member. Purposeful, clear content backed by a touch of creativity and empathy illustrates your company’s commitment to success – and sets the tone for a long, fruitful partnership with employees from the get-go.