The Power of Video in Internal Communications: Insights from Pat Taggart
In this episode of the Engaging Internal Comms podcast, host Craig Smith sits down with Pat Taggart, a documentary filmmaker renowned for his work in helping companies and individuals tell their stories through video. The conversation delves into the transformative role of video in internal communications, drawing from Pat’s extensive experience, including his innovative work with Terracycle. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for leveraging video to enhance internal communications.
The Evolution of Video in Internal Communications
From Scripted to Authentic Storytelling
Pat reflects on his early days creating corporate videos, where the content was often overly scripted and delivered in a stiff manner. This approach, he notes, failed to engage employees effectively. The shift towards authenticity and storytelling has been a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Authenticity Resonates: Employees are more likely to engage with content that feels genuine and relatable. Authentic storytelling helps in building trust and fostering a deeper connection.
- Storytelling Captivates: Stories have a unique power to captivate and inspire. By weaving narratives into internal communications, companies can make their messages more memorable and impactful.
Actionable Tips for Authentic Video Content
- Embrace Unscripted Content: While preparation is crucial, avoid rigid scripts. Instead, outline key points and allow room for spontaneity. This approach ensures the content remains natural and engaging.
- Focus on the Goal: Every video should have a clear objective. Whether it’s to inform, inspire, or engage, defining the goal helps in crafting a focused and effective message.
- Leverage Smartphone Technology: The accessibility and quality of smartphone cameras have democratized video production. Encourage employees to create homegrown content, adding a personal touch to internal communications.
The Role of Employee Engagement
Enabling Comments and Open Dialogue
One of the standout practices discussed is enabling comments on internal videos. Pat shares his positive experience with Terracycle, where allowing comments fostered a sense of community and engagement among employees. Here’s how this can be beneficial:
- Giving Employees a Voice: Allowing comments empowers employees to share their thoughts and feedback, fostering a culture of open dialogue.
- Enhancing Engagement: Interactive content encourages employees to participate actively, increasing their engagement with the material.
Best Practices for Managing Comments
- Moderation is Key: While open dialogue is encouraged, it’s essential to moderate comments to ensure they remain constructive and respectful.
- Respond Promptly: Acknowledge and respond to comments to show that employee feedback is valued and taken seriously.
Balancing Control and Spontaneity
The Sweet Spot Between Scripted and Unscripted
Finding the right balance between controlling the narrative and allowing spontaneity is crucial. Pat emphasises that unscripted does not mean unprepared. Here’s how to strike that balance:
- Structured Flexibility: Have a clear structure and key points to cover, but leave room for natural conversation and spontaneity.
- Preparation Without Over-Scripting: Prepare thoroughly by understanding the topic and the audience, but avoid reading from a script. This approach ensures the content remains engaging and authentic.
Practical Steps for Balanced Video Content
- Pre-Call Preparation: Just like Craig and Pat’s pre-call before the podcast, have a preparatory discussion to outline the key points and flow of the video.
- Conversational Tone: Aim for a conversational tone rather than a formal presentation. This makes the content more relatable and engaging.
- Trust Your Partner: If working with an external video producer, trust their expertise and allow them to guide the process. Their experience in creating engaging content can be invaluable.
Managing Stakeholders and Content Sensitivity
Involving Stakeholders Wisely
Involving too many stakeholders in the video planning process can lead to overly scripted and rigid content. Pat advises involving key stakeholders but maintaining a streamlined decision-making process. Here’s why:
- Maintaining Authenticity: Too many inputs can dilute the authenticity of the content. A streamlined process helps in preserving the original message and tone.
- Efficient Decision-Making: Fewer decision-makers lead to quicker and more efficient content creation.
Handling Sensitive Content
Pat highlights the importance of being cautious with sensitive or proprietary information. Here’s how to manage this effectively:
- Designate a Responsible Person: Have one person with the authority to upload and manage video content. This ensures that sensitive information is handled responsibly.
- Avoid Overly Sensitive Content: If the content is too sensitive, consider alternative communication methods. Remember, nothing is entirely safe from being shared outside the intended audience.
Conclusion: The Future of Video in Internal Communications
The conversation between Craig and Pat underscores the transformative potential of video in internal communications. By embracing authenticity, fostering engagement, and balancing control with spontaneity, companies can create compelling and effective video content. As technology continues to evolve, the accessibility and impact of video will only grow, making it an indispensable tool in the internal communications arsenal.
For those looking to get started, Pat’s advice is simple: just start. Perfection is not the goal; continuous improvement and genuine engagement are what truly matter. By leveraging the insights and tips shared in this episode, companies can harness the power of video to win hearts and drive business success.
Guest profile
Pat Taggart started creating “corporate videos” in Philadelphia. As a 22-year-old kid with limited equipment and a whole lot to learn, he’d walk into an organisation and meet plenty of smart, charismatic people. Then he’d put them in front of the camera, and everything changed. Those smart, charismatic people looked terrified, sweating and stumbling over a stiff, heartless script that they worked on for endless hours leading up to production day. Pat didn’t know much, but one thing he was certain of was this – there had to be a better way! Fast forward to today and Pat is a documentary filmmaker who helps companies and individuals win hearts and business by sharing their story with video.
Useful links:
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-taggart-1a25a595/
Website: https://www.skybluecreative.com
Episode links:
Link to a relevant episode of the podcast: https://thebigpicturepeople.co.uk/blog/podcast/podcasting-as-an-internal-comms-channel-s2-e20/