What are the key elements of a compelling live video story for social impact?

1 Know your purpose

Before you start planning your live video, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. What is the problem or issue that you want to address? Who are you trying to reach and influence? How do you want them to feel and act after watching your live video? Having a clear purpose will help you craft a focused and relevant story that aligns with your mission and vision.

2 Choose your format

Depending on your purpose, audience, and resources, you can choose from different formats for your live video story. For example, you can use a live interview, a live Q&A, a live report, a live demonstration, or a live event. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to consider what works best for your story and your goals. For instance, a live interview can showcase the personal stories and perspectives of your beneficiaries, partners, or experts, while a live Q&A can invite direct interaction and feedback from your viewers.

3 Plan your structure

A good live video story has a clear structure that guides your viewers through your message and keeps them engaged. A simple structure consists of three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you need to hook your viewers' attention, introduce yourself and your topic, and explain why they should watch your live video. In the body, you need to deliver the main content of your story, using facts, examples, stories, or testimonials to support your points. In the conclusion, you need to summarize your key takeaways, call your viewers to action, and thank them for watching.

4 Use your voice

One of the most important elements of a live video story is your voice. Your voice is not only the sound of your words, but also the tone, emotion, and personality that you convey through your speech. Your voice can make or break your live video story, so you need to use it effectively to connect with your viewers and convey your message. To use your voice well, you need to practice your speech, vary your tone and pace, use pauses and emphasis, avoid filler words and jargon, and speak with confidence and passion.

5 Engage your audience

Another key element of a live video story is your audience. Your audience is not just a passive recipient of your message, but an active participant in your live video. You need to engage your audience throughout your live video, and make them feel part of your story. To engage your audience, you need to acknowledge them, ask them questions, invite them to comment or share, respond to their feedback, and show appreciation for their support.

6 Optimize your quality

The final element of a live video story is your quality. Your quality is the technical aspect of your live video, such as the sound, lighting, camera, and internet connection. Your quality can affect the perception and reception of your message, so you need to optimize it as much as possible. To optimize your quality, you need to test your equipment and settings, choose a suitable location and background, avoid distractions and interruptions, and monitor your performance and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?