6 Steps to Crafting Captivating Whiteboard Explainer Videos
Use personal and authentic whiteboard videos to explain how your product works
Generation X learned from chalkboards. Millennials from whiteboards. And Gen Z with slideshows. But have our youngest colleagues truly benefitted from increasingly flashy and animated presentations? When I was a teacher, a tech failure forced me to resort to traditional board-style teaching without the aid of slideshows. To my astonishment, the kids were more engaged than ever.
While slideshows have become the standard nowadays, there’s a resurgence of traditional board-style teaching in the education sector. The same trend can be seen in the corporate and academic worlds. This is because using movement to deliver a message plays a big role in how well we engage with the material and retain information. The simplicity, authenticity, and personal touch of a hand-delivered explanation can captivate and hold our attention in ways sophisticated technology cannot. A whiteboard explainer video demands nothing more than a touchscreen device and basic drawing skills. Below, I’ll show you how to create a powerful whiteboard video in just 6 steps and common tools like Microsoft PowerPoint.
Step 1: Plan ahead
Before diving into the whiteboard video creation process, it’s essential to start with a solid plan. This initial step ensures that you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead. Here are the key elements to consider during this planning phase:
Materials and tools: Gather the necessary materials: a touchscreen device equipped with a smart pen and software for drawing and recording your screen and audio. There are many software products you can use, but Microsoft PowerPoint covers everything. Make sure you’re comfortable with your chosen tools before proceeding.
Research: Begin by conducting basic research to identify the knowledge gaps or concepts you want to explain in your whiteboard video. This research forms the foundation of your content. You could also try to hunt down a good real-life story that will hook your viewers.
Collaboration and iteration: Understand that the whiteboard video creation process is collaborative and iterative. You’ll seek feedback and input from others, which will help refine your approach. This collaborative aspect is an important part of the creative process.
Step 2: Set parameters
Once you’ve completed the initial planning, it’s time to establish some key parameters for your whiteboard video. These parameters will guide your creative process and help keep your project on track:
Time limit and length: Determine the ideal duration for your video. Consider how long your audience’s attention span is and aim to keep the video concise and engaging. Set a specific time limit for your video.
Deadline: Set a realistic deadline for the final production of your whiteboard video. This deadline will help you stay on track and manage your time effectively.
Time allocation: Decide on the maximum amount of time you’ll dedicate to creating the video. This includes time for research, scripting, recording, and editing.
Script and subtitles: If necessary, plan for scriptwriting and the addition of subtitles to make your video accessible to a broader audience. Determine whether you’ll provide narration or rely on text within the video.
Step 3: Develop your storyline
Now that you’ve set your parameters, connect with subject matter experts to define the scope of your explanation and brainstorm ideas.
Your script is the heart of your video. It’s not just about the doodles; it’s about turning facts into a clear and engaging narrative. Lee LeFever, the co-founder of Common Craft, defines “explanations” in his book The Art of Explanation as “[…] a creative act that turns facts into useful, informative, and memorable ideas.” He talks about some important elements that can be used to effectively package an explanation:
Agreement: Ensure that your audience can relate to and agree with the content.
Context: Frame your explanation within a relatable context that the audience can understand.
Story: Engage your viewers with a compelling narrative that frames your explanation.
Connection: Create links between new concepts and familiar ones to enhance understanding.
Description: Progressively detail the subject matter, starting with “why” and then moving on to “how.”
Conclusion: Deliver a satisfying “aha” moment that reveals the unique aspects of your topic.
You can see how all these elements are used in the following video that explains the automotive value chain:
Agreement: The video relates to everyone’s experience by explaining how cars are designed, built, and sold.
Context: It engages viewers by following Alex’s journey through the automotive value chain.
Story: The historical example of Karl Benz illustrates the evolution of car production.
Connection: The video uses the analogy of mixing ingredients to explain car assembly. The analogy helps viewers relate to the complex car manufacturing process in just 4.5 minutes.
Description: The video delves into car assembly, starting with “why” and proceeding to “how.”
Conclusion: The “Perlenkette” delivers a satisfying moment of realization about the unique car production process.
It’s important to note that while this example is aimed at a general audience, whiteboard videos can also be tailored for specific audiences, like those in supply chain management. In such cases, the focus may shift more towards the “how” rather than the “why.”
Step 4: Get drawing
Your sketches play a crucial role in directing your audience’s attention to your script, making your whiteboard video more engaging. Even if you’re not a skilled artist, there’s no need to worry. Suppose you’re discussing human resources. You can easily find icons or images related to your topic. Just perform a quick web search for “human resources icon,” select an image that suits your needs, copy-paste it into your preferred drawing software, and then trace it. It’s as easy as something you could do at the age of five, and it’s just as achievable now. I personally like to use thenounproject.com to discover useful icons.
So, grab your Apple Pencil, your Surface Pen, or whichever smart pen you prefer, and get drawing! After you’ve done your drawings, you can add timings to the replay animation on Microsoft PowerPoint to get everything ready for your voiceover. I love this video for practical tips and tricks on making whiteboard animations.
Step 5: Seek feedback
The initial draft should offer enough to convey your vision to subject matter experts. In fact, it’s better to keep it somewhat rough. The more effort you invest in a draft, the less likely you’ll be inclined to make changes. Keep it rough, flexible, and open to substantial alterations.
Try to gather input from at least one person who represents your target audience at an early stage. They can inform you if you’re using unfamiliar language, or if you’re either oversimplifying or overcomplicating matters. By involving your audience early in the process and staying open to feedback, you’ll enhance the quality and relevance of your whiteboard video.
Step 6: Rinse and repeat
The more perspectives and feedback, the better. Start with the most knowledgeable person concerning the core topic. They might know the most about the product or the technical details, ensuring the foundations are accurate. After addressing technical accuracy, reach out to the most effective communicators you know. They can help you refine your message and ensure it’s clear and engaging. Don’t forget to maintain the timeline you established during the planning phase. Adhering to your schedule helps keep your project on track and ensures timely completion.
In summary, creating captivating whiteboard videos involves careful planning, effective storytelling, visual aids, and feedback from both experts and target audiences. Continuous refinement and iteration throughout the process are essential for delivering engaging and informative content.
Feel free to share some inspiration! Please post links to your favorite whiteboarding explainer videos in the comments below. Here are some of mine.
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