People are snoozing
I just know you LOVE going to meetings where people show slide after slide of BORING data. First it’s an upwardly sloping line graph and then, OOO, be still my heart it’s a table! More often than not, these slides have such engaging titles as “2014 Sales Forecast” and put flies to sleep as they buzz around the screen.
If you ever wonder why your proposals don’t ever get accepted or why your web sites bounce rate is so high — take a look at how you’re presenting your data and your information. 
Consider using an explainer video to boost audience attention, understanding and engagement.
What Is an Explainer Video?
Explainer videos are exactly what you might expect — videos that explain a product, service or offer. They vary in length from about 30 seconds to somewhere under 5 minutes with 90 seconds to 3 minutes being about average.
Why you need to use explainer videos
Letting people know what your business is and how it works, in an engaging way; one that will keep their interest, can be difficult. By using an explainer video, anytime, you can convey your message in a more appealing and entertaining way.
Data shows that nearly 80 percent of adults will watch or either download an online video. With great percentages such as this, creating an explainer video for your site is a sure-bet.
Describing your business is one obvious way to use explainer videos, but a more powerful way is to use them inside your business, or to describe your survey data. If you’re already creating infographics and sharing them, an explainer video is a great opportunity to repurpose those graphics, animate them and use them in a video.
How to Create an Explainer Video.
Now you know the benefits of an explainer video, follow along and learn how to create one.
Your story needs to be simple and straightforward. Let your viewers know what their need or issue is, and then show them how you have the solution.
One common way to facilitate empathy is to introduce a plot in which a character may face a similar issue as your potential customers my face. From the start, show the viewer relevance; tap into their feelings and emotions to ensure that they continue to watch the video.
After you have defined the issues your audience is facing, suggest a solution. Deliver your product or service as the answer to any of their relating problems.
Bring your insights to life
Instead of just throwing up boring charts and graphs, take the opportunity to help your audience digest the information by personalizing it. For example, instead of saying something like “There are 10,0000 taxi cabs in New Orleans” personalize the data and say that “The average wait time for a taxi in New Orleans is 10 minutes” — this gives you the opportunity to give your audience a personal experience with the information you’re sharing — and it makes for a better visual — for example, you can use a person waiting at the curb and a clock ticking for four minutes.
Make the Video
If you choose to use animation for your explainer video, try websites like Powtoon, which provide easy instructions on how to develop the animated video. Interested more in a live video? You can shoot the scenes using your iPhone. Utilizing tools that you already have can save you money, and a smart phone will produce decent results.
Record a Voiceover
Bad audio choices can ruin your video. Implementing a professional voice over from places like Voice Bunny or Voices.com will provide your video with a professional sound and more credibility. Or, if you have a friend or member of your family with a great voice, ask them to record for you using a smart phone recording app.
Finish with a call-to-action.
At the conclusion of your explainer video, recap on all of the facts and offer your viewers a call-to-action. Make sure to make clear how your business will help and how your viewers can reach you with questions about your product.
Keep your script short and simple.
Typically, you will have around 100 to 200 words to convey your message to your viewers. Keep the details of the message precise, but short and to the point. Make sure that the visuals are simplified so that your audience can easily retain what they see in the video.
