If your employer ever required that you watch an orientation film, then you have watched a training video. If you needed to know how to change a tire and then watched a tutorial you found online, then you also watched a training video then too.
Training videos are a helpful way to receive clear instructions and information. Here is the ultimate guide to making great training videos.
What Is a Training Video?
A training video is made with the purpose of conveying instructional information to educate the audience about a specific topic. Training videos are a popular way to give instructions or demonstrations because they have both audio and visual elements.
There are many types and formats of training videos:
- Demonstration
- Instructional tutorial
- Role-play
- Screencast
- Presentation capture
- Animated
Training videos can also have different tones depending on who the target audience is. If you are making a training video for your corporate business to go over safety procedures, the tone would likely be formal, informational, and serious yet still approachable. If the training video is an instructional tutorial for your personal YouTube channel, you may be able to add more creativity and personality while still providing information.
How To Make a Training Video
Making a great training video takes practice, but it may be easier than you think as long as you are prepared.
What You Need To Make a Training Video
When preparing to make your video, gather these supplies:
- Camera
- Editing software
- Prepared instructions and training materials
- Audio equipment
- Tripod
- Lighting
Keep in mind that this does not mean you have to go buy expensive equipment. A camera can mean your smartphone. Audio equipment can be your phone's built-in microphone. A tripod can mean a table used to stabilize the camera to reduce distracting camera movements. Use the materials you have on hand.
For lighting, you can buy lighting equipment and learn how to properly set up lights, or you can use natural light to illuminate your subject. Either way, make sure your subject's face is lit without harsh shadows or overexposure.
Training Video Instructions
Every training video is different based on its topic and format, but you can still follow basic steps:
- Decide on the subject for the training video. Specifically, what are you teaching?
- Write a script or at least decide on all steps needed to complete the task. When writing the script, remember to keep your target audience in mind. Considering your target audience will help ensure that you are giving the right amount of instruction and setting the appropriate tone. For example, if you plan on instructing beginners, you should avoid using technical jargon or acronyms without explaining their meaning first.
- Consider what type of training video you want to make. If the task is reliant on a computer screen, consider screen recording.
- Perform pre-production tasks like gathering supplies, assigning production roles, and deciding on a shoot location. The location should be feasible, not distracting, and relevant to the topic. In pre-production, you may also want to create a storyboard or shot-list if you plan on moving the camera around or using multiple cameras.
- On the day of the video shoot, make sure to test audio equipment and perform some practice takes to make sure everything looks and sounds good.
- Record the video. Don't be afraid to re-do takes for clarity.
- Edit the video using editing software. With Pinnacle Studio, you can edit clips together, fine-tune lighting and color, add transitions, fix audio, and much more.
Tips for Using Training Video Software
Comprehensive editing software like Pinnacle Studio lets you fine-tune your footage and assemble your training video into a clear story from beginning to end. Here are a few tips for editing training videos:
- Add upper or lower thirds with on-screen text with a summary of each step. Having an abbreviated explanation of each step written out on the screen is a great way to ensure clarity.
- Keep transitions simple for most training videos. Some training videos do call for more creativity, but most can have straightforward editing. Use simple cuts or minor transitions (like a fade) to keep the focus on the informational material.
- Fix any lighting or audio inconsistencies.
Conclusion
When making a training video, remember to stay focused on providing clear instructions that are appropriate for your target audience. Stay on target, cater to your audience, and edit your video into a cohesive and complete story. With Pinnacle Studio editing software, editing training videos is easy for all levels.