Audio by Fiona H. using WellSaid Labs

Imagine a world where training videos were as fun as binge-watching your favorite Netflix series. A world where training doesn’t evoke groans but grins. 

Sounds like a stretch? Well, let's dive in.

You see, "personality" is an amalgamation of traits, interests, drives, values, self-concept, abilities, and emotional patterns that make us uniquely us. Whether it's an employee training video or customer training, the key purpose is to educate viewers and enhance their knowledge, all the while keeping them engaged and entertained.

Learn more about standout L&D videos here. 

Here's a shocking stat: 65% of employees forget the content of a training video just a week after watching it, and after 6 months, this figure shoots up to 90%. But there's a silver lining. A whopping 87% of people turn to YouTube for learning a new skill. The potential is vast, the demand is high, we just need to nail the execution.

Businesses, in essence, are a reflection of us. It's not about reinventing the wheel but rather giving that wheel a unique, personal spin. It's about infusing personality into your training videos, making them relatable and interactive. 

So, let's explore how to put the "train" in entertaining!

Tip 1: Pinpoint the right personality

Why does brand personality matter, you ask? Much like you wouldn't walk into a black-tie gala wearing cargo shorts and flip-flops, your brand personality sets the sartorial tone for your brand’s communication. It acts as the velvety voice of your brand, whispering sweet nothings into your employees’ and customers’ ears, forming an emotional bond. It communicates your brand's positive traits and serves as your unique fingerprint in a world of look-alikes.

Discover more about branded sonic identity here. 

Where to start on shaping your personality? We have a few ideas… 

• Start by setting your core values as the foundation. It’s best to choose 3 big ones here. 
• Identify your audience’s needs and preferences.
  • Ex: Do they enjoy humor or prefer a more formal tone?
• Figure out your unique selling proposition (your differentiation).
  • Ex: If your competitors are all going for a blunt tone, why not soften things up a bit?
• Put your best offerings in the spotlight, let them shine.
• Borrow inspiration from big brands. No, we don't mean plagiarize, but find elements that could be incorporated into your brand persona.
• Keep it simple. Too many cooks do indeed spoil the broth.
• Once set, stick to the defined personality! Consistency is key in all communication, both internal and external.

Tip 2: Incorporate branded elements

You might have already developed a logo, color schemes, or even a catchy tagline. While these aren't your brand, they make up parts of it. And, at the very least, they form sentimental connections. Incorporate these elements into your training videos for that sweet kiss of consistency. What about the voices you use? The imagery? Create a visual, audio, and text narrative that strengthens your brand association.

Tip 3: Incorporate interactivity

Let's face it, we've all snoozed through monotonous training videos. Why not shake things up with a dash of interactivity? Toss in some humor, ask rhetorical questions, or pose brain teasers. You can even include mini assignments or create Zoom breakout rooms. Trust us, your audience will thank you for it.

Tip 4: Bring in the culture

This is your chance to show off your company’s culture and core values. Create a video version of MTV Cribs showcasing the fun activities, your team, and how you engage with your staff. It's like taking your audience on a VIP tour of your brand's soul. 

By giving them a behind-the-scenes glimpse, you're showing the authenticity of your brand and weaving a story. Don't forget to elevate voices from different teams and seniority levels—everyone's an expert in their own niche. 

Tip 5: Choose your mascot/main character

Think about the YouTube personalities that tend to stand out. These archetypes include The Interviewer, The Expert, The Educator, The Comedian. You can leverage these roles for a familiar format. However, you’ll also need a main character at the center of it all. 

Your character is a physical embodiment of your brand personality. Take the Duolingo owl, Duo. Started as a joke, Duo has become the face of the brand, symbolizing knowledge and engagement. Over time, Duo’s enduring recognizability has validated its payoff. 

Tip 6: Inject Variety

Just like a refreshing vacation enhances productivity, your training video should be a refreshing journey too. In fact, 86% of respondents agree in one survey that taking a break increases their productivity.

Add variety with different angles, locations, and editing styles. Mix up the format depending on the subject matter and audience. Use screen recordings for software training, webcam recordings for existing staff, and don't forget transitions, intros, outros, and stock music. 

Tip 7: Put naturalness at the forefront

No one likes a stiff, scripted video. Loosen up the scripts, let your characters rehearse, and let their personalities shine. Also, use tools that maintain this natural tone. For example, WellSaid Labs offers realistic AI voice-overs that sound like they’re coming from a human, not a robot.

You can make custom ta boot! Learn more about WellSaid Labs’ custom voice here. 

Tip 8: Keep it short and sweet

Shorter videos are like shortbread cookies: small, delightful, and you can't stop at one. They're easier to remember and rewatch. Plus, short-form videos are 2.5X more engaging than their long-winded cousins. So keep it brief, and keep it interesting.

Tip 9: Leverage supporting materials

Text is a powerful ally to video. It can be used to summarize, emphasize transitions, or create closed captions. Make your training videos accessible to your team at any time and supplement with screenshots, links, and additional resources. A well-equipped team is a well-prepared team.

Conclusion: Creating “reel” connections 

As we circle back to the beginning of this piece, we see that while the essence of personality might be universal, its application is incredibly diverse. Different personalities warrant different approaches. The key is to always remember who your audience is and let your company's unique character shine through. After all, a company is not just a logo and a name, it's made up of people. Let their personalities, their stories, and their voices resonate in your training videos.

Ready to take your training videos from bland to grand? WellSaid Labs can help you with that. With our realistic AI voices, we can bring your scripts to life in a way that resonates with your audience. 

Reach out to us here to start the conversation.

And remember, training videos should not be a chore, but a charm. An exciting journey of learning, rather than a dull mandatory task. Now, isn't that a notion worth pondering? 🤔