How Do I Choose the Best Training Video?

Choosing the best training video depends on the topic being learned and the audience the video is for. Different subjects must be taught in different ways, and sometimes training regulations must be obeyed as well. Many training videos are outdated and are therefore humorous, and although these videos may convey the correct information, their style and dialogue may distract from the information learned. In part, having a trainer who can work with the video is the key to making a training video into an effective teaching tool. Even so, choosing the best video does involve thinking about whether the skills needed are passed on effectively by the video.

The first step when choosing the best training video is to consider what the training is for. Some productions are highly specific and may be created for workers within a specific company. This means that you may not have much choice in terms of video varieties. Safety videos must often be approved by regulatory agencies that protect workers, and thus there is not often much variety among these videos either. Business training videos and other vocational training tools may have more variety, so in these cases it is best to review the video and make sure the appropriate skills are being addressed.

Next, thinking about whether the information is conveyed effectively is important. Two very different videos may hold the same information but may not explain that information in the same way. There is not necessarily a best way to explain any given topic, but a video with coherent and concise explanations is often the best choice. Humorous or otherwise entertaining videos are typically better suited to less serious subjects unrelated to professional activities.

One of the biggest problems with training videos is that, although the skills needed for a job may not change, the styles in which the video was produced can change rapidly. What was once a cutting-edge production can quickly become comically outdated both in terms of language and video style. This may not seem like a major problem from the perspective of the employer, particularly when money can be saved, but outdated videos can be distracting and ineffective. It is best to choose a video that is made in a style that is highly neutral, which increases the chances of the video being useful for many years.

A training video may give new employees an initial impression of the company they work for. Representing the company in the best possible light is important when shaping employee attitudes toward work. One way to convey a tailored message to employees through training videos is to commission custom videos directly related to the company. This can be very effective when researched properly and can make training new employees much easier, reducing the amount of instruction needed on the job.