How to Use Video in a Presentation

As you probably know, online video has become quite a hot medium. People are creating and consuming video at an ever-increasing rate. It’s no surprise that people are also clamoring to incorporate video into their professional presentations. In fact, I’ve noticed a crop of how-to information articles that explains the technical aspects of embedding video into a presentation. Of course that’s helpful information, however, what seems to be missing are tips to on how to effectively use video to enhance a presentation. That is, how do you use video to make a presentation more engaging and interactive (without turning the speaker into a movie projectionist).>

I am big proponent of the “show, don’t tell” school of presentations. This means that my presentations are full of rich images and, when it makes sense, I also like to incorporate video clips to make my presentations even more compelling. Strong, high-impact, high-energy video can be entertaining and engaging.  

And although video can enhance a presentation, I want to be clear, I am not suggesting using video just for the sake of using video.  In presentations, it’s important to follow a few simple rules, otherwise you run the risk of letting the video steal your show.

Tip #1: You’re the Star (Not the Video)

Don’t let the video become the star of the show, otherwise your audience will not be able to connect with you as the speaker and they will not be as open to your content.

How to avoid this? When making a live presentation, remember that video should never deliver your primary message. That important job is always left to you, as the speaker. Video should be viewed as just another option to provide support and strengthen the main points you are making. 

What Not to Do

For example, I once saw a presentation go horribly wrong when a sales professional introduced himself and then proceeded to put on a 15 minute video introducing his company and his products. It was as if the presenter wasn’t even there! By doing this, he lost his opportunity to position himself as a credible expert. He also missed the mark by not customizing the presentation for that particular audience. Instead, he could have accomplished all of his goals by only using short 30-second video clips that helped support what he was saying. For instance, he could have excerpted appropriate customer testimonials or showed brief product demonstrations. 

The main point I am making is that you should only use video when it is the best choice of support your point. That is, choose video when it adds extra value that cannot be achieved without using video.  

Tip #2: Use Video Customer Testimonials

As I mentioned earlier, in a sales presentation, customer testimonial videos can be a powerful tool. By showing real customers (better yet, real customers that your prospect knows) talking about how your product or service solved a problem for them, gives you a much higher level of credibility than simply talking about the customer story yourself.  Of course, a live testimonial during a presentation is strongest, but from a practical standpoint, a video of a live testimonial can be used over and over again. 

For example, when I deliver webinars on public speaking for scientists, I often show a video clip of scientists talking about some specific issues they were facing and then tell a story about their success after coaching. By using video testimonials that closely match the audience, I am increasing the persuasive power of the presentation.

Tip #3: Use Video Demonstrations of Behavior

Another great use of video is for demonstrating behaviors—showing people doing whatever it is that you are talking about. These examples could be positive or negative, or before and after examples. The contrast helps your audience to quickly categorize and understand the behaviors you’re trying to show. For example, in one of my conflict management seminars I show videos of two people in conflict—handling the situation poorly. 

Video demonstrations of behavior are also a good way to launch discussions. In my conflict seminar, I ask the audience to work in teams of two to discuss how they would have handled the conflict they just saw on the video. I follow this audience discussion with evidence-based techniques and strategies for handling conflict in a constructive manner. Then I use video again; this time showing the same people handling the same conflict only this time following my suggested tips.  

The idea is that video demonstrations can capture the real life experiences of your audiences. It allows the audience to view the behaviors more objectively, discuss them, and then visualize how their experiences could be better if they take the prescribed action.   

Tip #4: Use Video to Show Complex Processes

Another good way to incorporate video is to explain a technical or complex process. Let’s say you’re dentist and you’re explaining a complex dental implant procedure to your audience. Video showing steps of the process would allow the viewers to see details that might not otherwise be possible. Anytime a process can’t be shown in a still image—that is, if something is too big, too small, includes motion, or is too complicated or difficult to grasp—that process is a good candidate for video.

Tip #5: Use Video from Experts to Boost Credibility

When making a controversial point in your presentation, consider using video to show another expert that your audience already knows and trusts making the same point. This type of expert interview video breaks up the presentation, gives the audience a moment of rest, and reduces their resistance to the new idea you’re suggesting.

A word of caution: Remember that you, as the speaker, must remain the primary expert. Don’t let the other expert steal your thunder.

Tip #6: Short and Sweet

Finally, in all of these cases, the video needs to be short relative to the overall presentation. So if the total presentation is less than hour, then I recommend a few short 30-second or less clips. However, if you are presenting over an entire day, then the length of each clip can expand possibly up to 5 minutes or so. However, in general, the clips should be as short as possible, no matter how much time you have to present so that your audience doesn’t drift off and most importantly that you don’t lose the connection you’ve established.

Will you be adding video to your presentations? Let me know in comments. This is Lisa B. Marshall, passionate about communication; the more you learn, the more you earn.

Announcements

Connect with me for discounts, exclusive tips, and other freebies. Who says you can’t get something for nothing?

Join my newsletter

Join my professional network LinkedIn

Join my social networks: Twitter or Facebook

Send questions to publicspeaker@quickanddirtytips.com

Want to learn more?

Audiobook: You can listen to excerpts of my audiobook at Audible, and iTunes

Ebook: You can view excerpts of the ebook at Smashwords

Extra Free Stuff: Check out Interview Extras, for freebies and extras

Info: Visit lisabmarshall.com to hire Lisa

Communication Success: Tips For Busy People
(Free tips delivered to your printer 3 times a week!)