David VanHeel
To Video Message...or Not?

Things are moving at the speed of light in today's office and market place.
Statistics say that by the end of 2025, 75%+ of all traffic on the internet will be video based. That's a lot of video.
Some companies are already beginning the trend of increasing video traffic by foregoing the traditional (gasp...it's only been around for about 25 years) email with a vengeance. But why?
Better communication: It allows for better communication than text-based messaging or even phone calls. You can see and hear the person you are communicating with, which helps to convey emotion and tone in a way that text-based messages simply cannot.
Personal touch: A video message adds a personal touch to your communication. It allows you to share your facial expressions, body language, and surroundings, making the interaction more meaningful and authentic.
Efficiency: It's more efficient than phone calls because it allows you to communicate with multiple people at the same time, even if they are located in different parts of the world.
Engagement: It is more engaging than text-based messaging or emails, making it an effective tool for marketing and customer service. It allows businesses to create a more personalized experience for their customers.
Accessibility: Video messaging can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making it a convenient tool for remote work and virtual meetings.
Quite a few people however are quite camera shy and run in terror with the very idea of leaving a video message. Here are some tips to make it less painful:
Keep it short and sweet: In general, video messages should be brief and to the point. Messages are ideally shorter than a minute. People are more open to watching a quick video of a minute or less than they are to listening to a saga.
Use good lighting: Make sure you are well-lit. Natural light is best. If you're recording at night, make sure you have good artificial lighting.
Pay attention to sound quality: Make sure you record your message in a quiet environment. Use a microphone if necessary.
Be mindful of your background: Avoid recording in cluttered or distracting environments. Keep your background simple and unobtrusive.
Be natural: Try to be yourself and speak naturally when recording your video message. Avoid sounding scripted or rehearsed.
Use body language: Don't be afraid to use hand gestures or body language to emphasize your point. This can help convey emotion and make your message more engaging.
Practice: If you're new to video messaging, it can be helpful to practice before sending your message. Record a few practice messages to get comfortable with the process.
Overall, video messaging is an effective tool for personal and business communication, providing a more engaging, efficient, and personalized experience.