How to Encourage Your Employees and Leaders to Record (and Do It Well)

Overview

One of the biggest factors in creating engaging video stories is participation. While some employees and leaders are comfortable on camera, others may need a little encouragement before they feel ready to record.

The good news is that most people become much more confident after recording their first clip. With the right approach, you can help contributors feel comfortable, understand the value of participating, and create authentic videos they'll be proud to share.

Help Contributors Get Comfortable on Camera

Start with an Easy Recording

If someone is new to recording video for work, begin with a simple prompt that feels low pressure. Short videos like birthday wishes, work anniversaries, or welcome messages are a great way to build confidence before asking contributors to record longer or more personal stories.

Record a Guide Clip First

When creating a story, consider recording a guide clip yourself before sending invitations.

Invitees will see your example when they open their recording link, giving them a better idea of what to expect and how to respond. You can always remove the guide clip before publishing your final story if you choose, although it won't be visible in your published story if you leave it.

Invite Influential Team Members Early

Encourage leaders, managers, or well-known employees to participate early in the project. Seeing familiar faces contribute often motivates others to join in and helps build momentum for your story.

Make Invitations More Personal

Explain Why You Chose Them

A personalized invitation is much more effective than a generic request.

Let contributors know why their perspective, experience, or expertise would make the story stronger. Helping people understand why they were selected makes them more likely to participate.

Keep Managers in the Loop

If appropriate, let contributors' managers know they've been invited to participate and why their voice is valuable.

Recognizing someone's expertise or contribution can reinforce the importance of the request and encourage participation.

Help Contributors See the Value

People are more likely to record when they understand what's in it for them.

Depending on your story, participating may allow contributors to:

Explaining the purpose behind the recording helps contributors feel that their time and participation matter.

Set Clear Expectations

Many people hesitate because they're unsure what the recording process will be like.

Before inviting contributors, let them know that they can:

It's also helpful to explain how and where the finished video will be shared so contributors understand the audience and purpose.

Take Advantage of Natural Opportunities

Company events often create the perfect opportunity to encourage participation.

Consider creating stories around occasions such as:

These moments already encourage employees to celebrate and share, making it easier to invite them to record.

Best Practices

To encourage more people to participate:

Creating a positive first recording experience helps build confidence and makes contributors more likely to participate again in future stories.