In today’s episode A Video Isn’t a Video – we discuss some of the creative approaches to Ethics & Compliance training and communication videos. We break down some of the different types of videos and the benefits of each creative technique.
Scenario-Based Videos, Narrative (Live Action)
These are the most common and are great for showing real life situations. They can show a slice of life. However, it may be hard to represent your whole company, i.e. hard to show diversity of different environments, different people. Also, they can require context – you may well need to add the lesson. They are the most expensive and the hardest to pull off well and the hardest to successfully enact.
Animation – Scenario-based
The tend to be less real and unfortunately can be cheesy. However, they can be better for diversity and environment. They are usually the same per video, but you can do them one at a time.
Character Monologues (falls in the “real” category
They are a great way to show real people. They are also great for showing different types of personalities or different job functions. There is more telling than showing. Finally, they are less expensive and easier to produce.
Talking Head Videos
These are great for making a personal connection and for highlighting real people. They are best if you add some creativity usually by having an engaging host/personality. Make it a dialogue such as an interview or talk show. You have to work as this format can be boring.
Involve Your Employee Videos
This format is the best for going viral and for showing “who we are”. At times scenes can be hard to do well and there is the risk of employee embarrassment. The best results tend to be seen when you give employees something simple to do and let them be themselves. Once again it is best if you add some an engaging host/personality to lead interviews. Finally, this format can be an efficient way to generate a lot of content.
Storytelling Videos
This can be a great way to share interesting, real stories. It tends to be more telling than showing. It can easily involve real people or actors and can cover more nuance to share lots of context.
The bottom line is that a video isn’t a video. There are different creative devices that are better for different things. Typical Ethics & Compliance training doesn’t work, because it’s preachy and boring. Education = training and communication and serve two different purposes.
Ronnie Feldman
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60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, quick-hitter “commercials” including songs & jingles, video shorts, newsletter graphics & Gifs, and more. Promote integrity, compliance, the Code, the helpline and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches.
Workplace Tonight Show! Micro-learning – a library of 1-10-minute trainings and communications wrapped in the style of a late-night variety show, that explains corporate risk topics and why employees should care.
Custom Live & Digital Programing – We’ll develop programming that fits your culture and balances the seriousness of the subject matter with a more engaging delivery.