Leading By Video: Create Compelling, Professional Videos to Connect with Your Team

As part of our CEO and Leadership Communications practice, we are advising law firm and other company leaders on creating professional videos recorded right from their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these messages are used for internal and employee communications purposes or for building team morale, and other times, unfortunately, for announcing sensitive news related to the coronavirus’ impact on their businesses.

As part of our three-part consultation process, we help leaders write their script, prepare for video production and then evaluate their final product.

Here are some of our video tips if you’re considering this communications channel:

• Script your message. Don’t wing it. Preparation, in addition to cutting down on your number of takes, helps you establish your calm candor as a leader. Using our Video Script Worksheet, we counsel clients to hone their key message points (usually three to four statements maximum), and this allows them to deliver a clear, concise message every time.
• Find a neutral background. Your home office may not actually be the best space for filming. Find a spot with a backdrop that minimizes distractions. For example, we worked with a leader this week to film a “thank you” video for her team. She virtually walked us through her home, and we found a beautiful piece of art that served as a backdrop. Believe it or not, the piece was in her kitchen! But, once we framed the camera, it served as a great place to deliver the message. In addition, the room was well-lit with natural light and we brought in an additional lamp that we asked her to relocate from her living room.
• Get the lighting right. If videos are going to be part of your new routine when it comes to internal and employee communications, we recommend purchasing an inexpensive ring light kit that adds extra polish. But for quick, one-off videos, we often virtually help you scour additional lighting that fits the bill. And remember, natural light should be used to your advantage: Avoid setting up right with the sun shining in on you. Simply flip the camera around so that the lighting is in front of you instead.
• Shoot from the right angle. Watch the headroom: You don’t want too much space above your head in the shot. Frame yourself in the camera so that you are front and center. Once you hit “record,” look straight into the camera. While the best quality is generally achieved by attaching your smartphone to a tripod, you could also use your laptop and stack it on some books to achieve height.
• Get clean audio. From background noise to fuzzy audio, unsuccessful sound makes for an unsuccessful video. When using your computer or smartphone, invest in a lavalier microphone with a long cord to ensure you’re getting quality audio. If on a deadline and a lavalier microphone isn’t available, headphones will suffice, but we recommend you go with wireless versions or tuck any cords into your clothing for a professional look.

In this time of social distancing, video is your key to connecting with your employees and clients, and we are thrilled to help our clients deliver.