How can you create effective video tutorials for volunteer onboarding?

1 Know your audience

Before you start creating your video tutorials, you need to know who your audience is and what they need to learn. Think about the profile, background, and motivation of your typical volunteer. What are their interests, skills, and goals? What are their challenges, pain points, and expectations? How much time and attention do they have to watch your videos? How will they access and use them? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your content, style, and format to their needs and preferences.

2 Define your objectives

Next, you need to define the objectives of your video tutorials. What are the main messages and outcomes you want to convey and achieve? What are the key skills and knowledge you want your volunteers to acquire and apply? How will you measure and evaluate their learning and performance? Defining your objectives will help you structure your content, prioritize your topics, and align your videos with your overall volunteer onboarding strategy.

3 Choose your tools

Then, you need to choose the tools you will use to create your video tutorials. There are many options available, from simple screen recording software to more advanced video editing and animation platforms. Depending on your budget, time, and skills, you can choose the tools that suit your needs and goals. Some factors to consider are the quality, functionality, ease of use, and compatibility of the tools. You may also need to use additional tools, such as a microphone, a webcam, a script, or a storyboard, to enhance your production and delivery.

4 Plan your content

After you have chosen your tools, you need to plan your content. This involves deciding what you will say, show, and do in your video tutorials. You may want to use a script or a storyboard to outline your content and visualize your scenes. A good rule of thumb is to keep your content clear, concise, and relevant. Avoid unnecessary or complex information that may confuse or bore your audience. Focus on the essential points and examples that illustrate your objectives. Use simple and engaging language that speaks to your audience.

5 Record and edit your videos

Once you have planned your content, it's time to record and edit your videos. To make them effective and appealing, choose a quiet and well-lit location, test your equipment and settings, and speak with confidence, enthusiasm, and clarity. Additionally, use eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions to convey your emotions and personality. Visuals, audio, and text can also support your verbal communication. To create a smooth and coherent flow, incorporate transitions, effects, and captions. Finally, review and revise your videos until you are satisfied with the quality and accuracy.

6 Share and evaluate your videos

Finally, you need to share and evaluate your videos. This involves distributing your videos to your volunteers and collecting their feedback and results. You can use various channels and platforms, such as email, social media, or your volunteer management system, to share your videos. You can also use different methods and tools, such as surveys, quizzes, or analytics, to evaluate your videos. The goal is to assess the impact and effectiveness of your video tutorials and identify areas for improvement.

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?