Whether we're creating or requesting training content for the User Community, a JMP Tutorial, eLearning path, or a Zoom presentation, there are specific branding and design opportunities to help deliver content effectively, increase retention and continually connect the audience with the JMP brand. This article covers the process of requesting JMP demo videos, preparing your outlines and narration scripts, producing top shelf clear videos, using supportive animations, keeping thins simple, interactive content, and presenting live training.
All media, templates, tools and resources will be linked and kept current below.
- Let's start with project folder organization. All internal and external deliverable content should be organized master folder and files named accordingly. This folder needs subfolders: Archive, Graphics, Script, License, Fonts, Title-Description, Sounds, Renders, and Final. The Video file and .mp3 Narration audio script can be kept in the root folder. Archive all un-used content. Reserve the Final folder for the very end of production after stakeholder sign-off and final approval. The files of all of the media assets should be named according i.e. (graphic-icon-module-01.png)
- Now let's write the video narration script. Start with the three Column script (Word .doc) Template, and share it with stakeholders via OneDrive. The columns are Topic Title, Narration, and Visuals, and good news, the Template is linked. After initial review, edit, share, then finalize after approval. It's best to utilize a writing app such as app.Grammarly.com if you're not a writer. You may need to speak out loud about the script to ensure it reads well. And to maintain even more audience retention, even though the topic may be technical, the conversation needs to read colloquial, like an ordinary or familiar conversation; the transition words and setup need NOT be too formal or literary. There's a big difference; I usually write my video scripts, speaking them out loud and re-editing them, then repeating, if necessary, tell sounds and "flows and with some energy." Then start audio production.
- It's time to record your professional (as possible) audio of the approved Narration Script. It's best to stand up while recording and keep and maintain the same distance from your mouth to the Mic using a pop filter. You can perform vocal warmups if you want to level your mastery up. Just google vocal warmups for voice-over. If you have a cold or are sick, it's best to wait to record until your sinuses clear up. Using headphones to listen to yourself is ideal, especially if you have hearing issues. Run through the script a couple of times at a slow pace. The Audience can speed up the video, but it's harder for them to slow down. Speaking calmly with energy makes the Audience feel confident you know what you're talking about and will listen better.
- Now it's time for Video Production. As an organization, we support Zoom, Camtasia or Screenflow to produce demo videos at JMP. These are both supported with corporate templates, and your colleagues can assist you if you get stuck. As you create a new video document, produce the videos in x2 resolution as 3840 x 2160 vs. 1920x1080. This allows for better software scaling and clarity. For every tutorial video, please include the current linked *Logo Sting (.mp4) at the start and end of the video. Start the narration audio immediately at 0:01. Music is not required in Tutorials however, if used, use Copyrighted purchased music should be no more than 5% of the max volume, barely noticeable. Include the music file license in the Source project folder. Place the linked Bumpers at the Start and End of your video. These are short branded video clips attached to both ends of video content with CTAs (Calls to Actions) (i.e., jmp.com/try) (i.e., community.jmp.com). These have already been created and linked to this article. However, they may need to be adjusted or customized depending on the event.
- Let's talk about using copyrighted stock graphics, sounds, Music, and video. All stock assets must have an accompanying license file stored in the Project folder for due diligence and legal protection. Avoid faces in stock media where possible.
- We also need to write a video title that makes people click the content. Write a short comprehensive sentence to set and grab the Audience's expectations, no more, no less; then write a matching description that uses the exact keywords. Always use the word JMP in the title. Put the title and description in the Project folder.
- Creating video thumbnails will help views and manage expectations. Use the current branding template or ask for assistance, use Avenir type when adding the title to the video thumbnail on the bottom to the right of the logo, and carefully select contextual imagery that captures the takeaway they'll learn in the video. (the still image representing the content).
- Adding lower-third title graphics helps power up your content. Let the Audience know who's speaking, their titles, and why they may be respected. These are the graphic names shown with background graphics in the lower portion of the video, seen for the first 5-10 seconds when a speaker starts to speak during both recorded and live sessions.
- Why not add a few innocent video advertisements in video and live performances? You can use animated branded advertisements when possible. Place these strategically, not blocking or hindering the educational aspect or messaging of the content and resources linked.
- Start Live events at least prior with branded animated countdowns customizing the title. The host will share a Powerpoint template with a pre-designed PPT countdown. It is Ten (10) min PPT and MP4 video versions are linked.
- What if you have multiple presenters on screen? You'll need to create Multi-presenter video graphic frames. Use branded background graphics to the area around speaker frames in Video, Zoom, and Teams.
- Recording Non-Scripted Video Demo. It's critical to create a clean video computer demo space. The best practice is to create a separate user identity on your computer or minimally some desktop housekeeping, remove other non-related application icons and backdrops, and create presenter OS identities while presenting and recording.
- Video Thumbnail Best Practices A video thumbnail is a static image representing the video before the user selects it to play. It is a critical component for communicating the video's context and an opportunity to emphasize our JMP brand and associated learning quality.
- Conduct a proper content review before Go Live. Once a video or interactive is produced, and the writing and structure is already approved, there are some communication best practices with the video interactive editing team that will make the final edit go smoothly. Share the final content over Email, not in chat. Communicate sufficient detail of what needs to be examined; ask the reviewer to be precise about what needs to be changed. i.e. the exact time codes or wrong- "move the arrow to the left" vs. right "change the arrow at timecode 1:23 up to not overlap graphic. Provide a deadline to keep on schedule after final editing put the video in the Final folder, and share it with stakeholders. The shared Word file will handle monitoring the edits and history.
- Time to Go Live. When finished, the video will be either uploaded to the community, Brightcove, or YouTube. Contact me @ryandewitt for YouTube or Community or @rogerallfrod for Brightcove. You will receive a short link or embed code to share on social channels.
Training, Digital Tools and Resources
- Virtual Live Presenter Course
- Camtasia for Software Demos Course
- JMP Statistical Discovery LLC Brand Kit - Powerpoint Templates
- Video narration script template 3 Column script ( .doc)
- Video Bumper for Software Demo Tutorials .mp4
- Video Bumper for Customer Testimonials (.mp4)
- Video Bumper for Marketing Events (.mp4)
- 10-Minute Pre-show Countdown (JMP Branded .mp4 and PPT)
- Graphics -Lower Third (Name/Title) Thirds (PPT, Camtasia, Screenflow)
- Camtasia JMP Tutorial Video Template
- Screen JMP Tutorial Video Template
- Educational Course Templates - Storyline Educational Template (960x540)
- Branded Assets i.e. PPT templates (Community TKB)
- Customizable PPT Customer (User )Certificate for events
- Pre Event Slideshow (looped Updated PPT) (.zip)
- Background Ambient Music Package (.zip)
- Avenir Font Package (.zip)
- JMP Stat LLC Logos (PNG) Package (.zip)
- Multi-presenter video frames Package (.zip)
Thanks @chuck_boiler! I've updated it. Sorry about that!
The second bullet point seems to be a dead link:
@ryandewitt thanks for the guidance.
