Member Awards: Video Tips

Thought about entering the SMP’s Member Awards? Not too sure about making a video? Never fear, our Media and Comms Officer, Jackie, is here!

Jackie’s outlined some of her top-tips for video making below to help you get started. Remember, if you’re keen on entering but feel you need more help, just let her know and she’ll be happy to support.

Ask Jackie for help >>

Plan, plan again, and plan some more

Before you’ve even picked up your smart phone or camera, you need to think about the content of your video.

Luckily, the Member Awards have a theme - Partnership Principles - so why not pick one (or maybe even two or three?) and use them to help drive the narrative of your video.

Think about these questions below to get you started:

1. Who is the audience?
2. What does the audience need to know?
3. How will you tell the audience this information?
4. What would you like the audience to remember from your video?

Keep it simple and to the point

75% of people will watch an entire video if it’s no longer that 2 minutes in length.

If your video is 5 minutes long, only 60% of audiences will stick with it until the end.

Therefore: leave out the jargon, and be direct with your messaging. Try not to use three sentences to explain something which could be described using one.

SOUND IS VERY IMPORTANT

I can’t stress this point enough. Do invest in a good microphone but, if you don’t have one, here’s a handy tip for you >> record audio under a duvet.

Sit on your bed or the floor and place a duvet over your head so you’re completely under cover, and use a phone or audio recorder to record your sound. The duvet creates the same conditions as a sound booth would.

You don’t need expensive software to edit a video

Did you know you can edit videos using Youtube? PCs and Macbooks also come with free video editing software that is simple to use – so don’t worry about splashing the cash on expensive software.

There are online tutorials for just about everything these days, so if you’re stuck, why not Google your question/problem and see what comes up.

If you’re having trouble with the edit, you can always contact Jackie for support.

Have fun!

Remember: videos should be fun and engaging, they should inspire and encourage active reflection.

We hope that as well as telling us about your own partnership with Malawi, videos will also share experience and learning relating to one (or more) of the 11 principles.

Find out more about the Member Awards here >>