Good Storytelling in a Video
Communicating through video remains a go-to method to tell stories, entertain or share a message. Now, with short attention spans and the digital age, marketers continue to rely on video storytelling as a compelling and creative way to connect with their followers.
Videos are a fantastic way to highlight your mission or the work your organization is doing. My time as a TV journalist taught me the elements of quality storytelling through video.
A compelling story goes beyond the scripted “talking head” videos. Sometimes that style fits a circumstance, but don’t underestimate the power of good storytelling. Humans are hardwired for stories. We have told, listened to, and connected over stories since the beginning of time.
Get personal!
A great story will capture emotions, create an experience and connect your viewer emotionally to the character. As we learned in journalism school, a great storyteller will give a look into the life of a “real” person, AKA the “character” of the story. We, as consumers, want to know the “character’s” personality and emotions.
Remember the basics.
Amid an ever-changing technology landscape, storytelling basics have never changed. Whether you realize it or not, we all know Storytelling 101. You see it in your favorite movies and TV shows. What makes a good story is the initial buildup to the climax, conflict, heartbreak, or victory. We’re not talking about making a big movie production, but the principles remain because they hold the viewers’ attention and draw them in.
Capture people in their element.
The visuals deserve as much attention as the interviews. Interviews and voiceovers should be accompanied by images. Visual storytellers are looking for opportunities to capture characters in their element. We want candid, transparent moments to open the viewer to their world. A good videographer/storyteller will make it feel as if the viewer is in the room.
Capture a narrative that helps tell a bigger story.
Remember, everyone has a story waiting to be told. The good news? You can have a cheerleader in your corner, who is ready to hear your story and craft it into compelling messaging that resonates with the community.
Curious about how we can better market your brand? Let’s chat about it!
