Traditional slideshows can be a snooze-fest. You know, the kind where the people read aloud the text on the slides verbatim while you're also reading the same text yourself.
The flood of information and monotonous narration don’t help their case either.
How will you transform your lackluster, one-way presentations into captivating experiences that leave a stronger impact on your audience?
The answer is simpler than you think: video presentations.
Ready to ditch the dull and embrace the dynamic? Learn five techniques to create video presentations that enthrall your audience and learn how to record them.
The power of video presentations
Video presentations aren’t just a fancy way to show off your tech skills. They’re a powerful way to interact with your audience and leave a lasting impression.
Think about all the times you zoned out during a PowerPoint presentation with endless paragraphs and bullet points. Video presentations serve as an antidote.
So, what really sets video presentations apart?
They grab attention like nothing else. Research shows that presentations with video get 32% more engagement. People are likelier to watch and interact with a video than stare at a static slide.
It’s not just about getting more people to watch your presentations. Videos also boost understanding and retention.
As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” It turns out that a video is worth even more.
The same study revealed that presentations with videos embedded had a 37% longer average reading time. The data shows that video presentations keep people around longer to absorb your message.
How to record a video presentation with audio and video
Video presentations are staples in business and education.
Whether used as video messaging for internal communications, client-facing pitches, tutorials, intros to your webinars, or for onboarding new employees, presentations offer a dynamic way of presenting information.
Luckily, screen recording tools like Loom are now making this process easier than ever before.
You don't need to buy fancy mics or wrestle with clunky presentation slides. You just have to hit record, make some simple edits, and share your video presentation with as many people as you want with a single click. Anyone can create a good video presentation with a bit of practice. Plus, Loom’s video editing tools make it easy to trim and polish your presentation.
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of how to record a video presentation with audio and video using Loom:
Step 1. Prepare your presentation material
Before you sit down to record, be prepared with your notes, script, or any props or visual aids you might need. At the same time, make sure you choose a quiet, well-lit environment to ensure excellent audio and video quality.
Step 2. Launch Loom
To capture your Mac or Windows screen, open the Loom app on your desktop or use the Chrome extension. If you’re using your mobile for screen recording, you can install Loom’s mobile app.
Also, if you plan to capture:
Google Slides: You can use Loom’s Chrome extension.
PowerPoint, Keynote, or Canva slides: Install the desktop app to capture yourself along with the slides.
Whatever device or computer system you use, you can download and install the Loom app within minutes.
Step 3. Select recording mode
Choose whether you want to record your screen, webcam, or both. If you have slides, select screen and webcam to capture both your presentation and your face. Your face will appear on the screen in a cam bubble, as shown here.
You can also choose to record only your screen or the entire desktop.
Step 4. Start recording
Finally, click the “Start Recording” button.
Step 5. Begin your presentation
Deliver your presentation as you would in person, and remember to make eye contact with the camera.
Step 6. Review and edit your presentation video
After stopping the recording, Loom automatically uploads the video file to your Loom account. You can trim the video, add a call to action (CTA), or make other edits directly in Loom’s video editor.
Where some video presentations fall short
Even well-intentioned presentations can sometimes miss the mark. Here are some areas where your video presentations might be falling short:
Lack of engagement: Presentations are a two-way street. If you don’t build in opportunities for audience engagement elements like Q&A, live feedback, polls, and even simple interaction, you’re missing out.
Information overload: Too many key points covered in one presentation can overwhelm viewers.
Technical glitches: Double-check your equipment before the final presentation. Technical glitches like a frozen screen or a microphone cutting out can derail even the best-prepared presentation.
Lack of personalization: What’s the point of the presentation if your tone and message don’t resonate with the audience? Consider your target audience and adjust your presentation style accordingly. For example, a video for new hires might need a different tone and content than one for senior executives.
Considering these nuances and implementing a few interactive elements will help you create an engaging video presentation.
5 techniques for creating great video presentations
Technique 1: Engaging storytelling
Viewers crave something more than just data. They want a story.
Stories resonate powerfully because they tap into your emotions, creating a connection that facts alone can't achieve.
There’s science behind it. When you hear a story, your brain releases oxytocin, which increases trust and positive emotions. Stories also activate multiple brain parts, making them more memorable than isolated facts. In a world where attention is scarce, stories capture and hold it.
So, how do you capture your audience with engaging storytelling? Here are some tips:
Find your narrative arc: Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end. Think of a classic hero facing obstacles, overcoming challenges, and emerging as the victor. Your video presentation can follow a similar arc, even if the hero is your product or service.
Evoke emotions: Identify your target audience to discover what type of content resonates with them. Based on your research, add emotional moments—either funny or thought-provoking—to catch your audience’s attention and create a lasting impact.
Build conflict: Before you start pointing out the solution, introduce the problem that needs solving, the challenge that needs overcoming, or a question that needs answering.
Show, don’t just tell: Talking doesn’t have the same effect as showing the problem your product solves. Use screen recording tools like Loom to demonstrate the problem and its solution firsthand. This helps the viewer appreciate the real value of your product.
Apple’s product launches are an excellent example of engaging storytelling.
They don’t just point out features, they weave a story and paint a picture of how Apple devices will enrich your daily life.
Technique 2: Visual impact and design
Remember those “wall of text” slides? The clipart that looks like it’s from the 90s?
While these types of presentations do the job, it’s worth noting that people process visuals faster than text. A visually appealing video presentation will endear you to your audience and engage them better.
According to research by Robert Horn at Stanford University, actions and visuals make written information 70% more memorable.
Clearly, incorporating visuals into your presentation isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about making your message stick.
Here are some tips to help you create visually stunning presentations:
Use high-quality videos and images. High-resolution visuals make your presentation more appealing and easier to grasp. If you’re recording your screen, invest in a good-quality screen recording tool to create polished and professional presentations.
Incorporate data visualization. Use charts, graphs, GIFs, and infographics to present data in an easily understandable manner.
Leverage color psychology. Pick a color combination that aligns with your brand image and messaging. For example, blue evokes professionalism and trust, while orange conveys energy and excitement.
Choose fonts wisely. Typography also affects how your presentation appears visually. Sans serif fonts like Helvetica and Arial are clean and modern, while serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia add a touch of sophistication.
Incorporating these tips makes your presentations both visually appealing and more effective in getting your point across.
Technique 3: Effective use of audio elements
You’re watching a National Geographic documentary. It features sweeping aerial shots of the sun-drenched plains of the Masai Mara, close-ups of exotic wildlife, and evocative narration.
But it’s not just the visuals that hold you spellbound. It’s the sound of the rustling leaves, the leap of the gazelles, the gentle river flow, and the commanding voice of the narrator. The background music ties it all together, transporting you into the experience.
While visuals and text capture attention, audio completes the experience by evoking emotions and reinforcing your message.
Want to create a similar immersive audio experience for your presentation? Here are some things to consider:
The voice-over should be crisp and clear. There are two ways to record crisp, clear voice-overs. One, you can invest in a good microphone. Or, you can record your screen with audio like Loom.
Add strategic sound elements. Add background music that matches your content and complements your messaging. In between your presentation, add sound effects that emphasize key points and transitions.
Embrace silence at strategic moments. A well-timed pause can help you create anticipation or emphasize a point. A pause before you move forward also allows the previous message to sink in.
Make sure you blend all these audio elements, including a voice-over, background music, sound effects, and even pauses, to create a perfect harmony.
Technique 4: Interactive elements to engage audience
According to a recent survey, 78% of people saw better online sales with interactive video compared to a passive video.
This means that viewers are more likely to stick around if your video has interactive elements, compared to a one-sided monologue.
Here are some interactive elements that can help you turn one-way presentations into two-way conversions:
Knowledge check quizzes: Keep your audience engaged with brief quizzes a few minutes into the presentation. This will reinforce your message while keeping the viewers engaged.
Polls and surveys: These elements work as the proverbial two birds, one stone—they keep viewers from dozing off and provide feedback you can use to tailor your content.
Clickable CTAs: Guide your viewers to take a specific action by adding clickable elements to your presentation.
Gamification elements: Add a touch of fun with animations, points, badges, and leaderboards. These elements also work as incentives and might encourage viewers to stick around to the end.
But how do you add these interactive elements to your videos?
Pro tip: The easiest way is to find a video recording platform that simplifies the process.
For instance, Loom offers a range of built-in interactive features.
Creators can embed clickable CTAs, annotate their screens, and even add tasks to their presentation videos.
At the same time, viewers can react with emojis for instant feedback, leave time-stamped comments to encourage discussions and tag their teammates.
Technique 5: Timing and pace for maximum retention
Ever watched a video that felt like it was dragging on forever? Or one that was so fast-paced you felt like you were missing key information?
The wrong timing and pace can leave your audience mentally exhausted or disengaged.
But how do you strike the right balance for maximum retention?
One approach is to use Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint:
Your presentation should have at most 10 PowerPoint slides, which could be 10 critical points in the case of video presentations.
It shouldn’t be more than 20 minutes long.
The font shouldn’t be smaller than 30 points.
If you can’t contain your message in 20 minutes, break your video presentations into bite-size segments to prevent information overload.
Think of it like chapters in a book. Each segment contributes to the overall narrative while standing alone as a valuable piece of information.
You can use a video presentation tool like Loom to make this process seamless.
Loom automatically creates a video library to organize your video clips. This also allows your audience to revisit specific presentation segments later to access key takeaways.
You can also label your videos by specific topics or categories, making them easily accessible.
Elevate communication with video presentations
The verdict is clear: Video presentations help engage your audience and increase interaction.
So, why rely on traditional slideshows when you can get better outcomes with video presentations, especially with access to advanced video presentation software?
For example, with Loom, you can record, edit, and share high-quality video presentations that captivate your audience. No more technical headaches or pricey equipment.
Ready to turn your presentation ideas into videos? Sign up for free and create polished video presentations in no time with Loom.