Instructional Video: Keep it Simple

Time was, corporate video was all about production values. Times change.

Authenticity and simplicity are gaining ground as ways to reach audiences by video.

The style is not for everyone, but the simplicity of Common Craft’s videos on social media topics are worth looking at.Lee and Sachi Lefever use a simple storyboard-style of presentation to walk you through the basics of social networks, RSS subscriptions, and wikis.

Note the low cost of production, the simplicity of the mini-tutorials, and the hand-drawn visuals that break through to a PowerPoint-saturated audience by showing the act of drawing the illustrations.

For some audiences, this home-made look would be all wrong. But for people who aren’t early adopters and want to know more about the logistics of social media, the techniques are perfect.

Take-away: Next time you’re thinking video, PowerPoint or Flash, consider going for a simple, clear presentation style that matches your audience’s level of knowledge.

Tags: video, corporate, business, powerpoint, flash, instruction, learning, communications, training, lee lefever, common craft