Microlearning Mistakes: Three Tips for Creating a Bad Narration

Bad video narrations are easier to make than you think. Here are three tips to get you started.

• Make the script hard to read. Use a stiff, formal style, words that show off your vast vocabulary, and long sentences. Don’t bother with phonetic spellings of unusual terms or proper names. AND OF COURSE, MAKE IT ALL UPPERCASE.
• Pick an employee with a deep voice to be your narrator. Experience doesn’t matter. Jerry, the HR guy who talks like a deejay, should be fine. After all, people are always telling him he should be in radio.
• Have Jerry work the mic like a karaoke singer. The closer the better. Don’t worry about the crackling and thumping sounds. Software can fix anything.

Just remember, your goal with a bad narration is to draw attention away from the message of the video. Nail the writing, performance, and recording quality and you won’t need to brag about the money you saved. It will be obvious! 

Next time: how to absolutely destroy your video with music.

Rick Lamb is a writer, educator, and media producer who specializes in microlearning video. He makes none of these mistakes. 

Five Tips for Better Microlearning Narration

You can give your microlearning video a bit more pizazz with these simple suggestions:

1. Style. Refer to the viewer as “you.” Use everyday words and short sentences. Read the script out loud. If it feels awkward, change it!
2. Emphasis. If a word is new or extra important, italicize it in the script.
3. Pronunciation. Include phonetic spellings for unfamiliar words. Capitalize the syllable to be emphasized and spell the rest as they sound (e.g., CAP ih tull eyes).
4. Font and case. Use a common font such as Times New Roman 12 point and the normal mix of upper and lower case. NEVER USE ALL CAPS!
5. Performance. Go for a friendly, upbeat performance. Smiling while speaking helps.

If these suggestions sound like common sense, good! Remember, microlearning video is most effective when the learning is easy and natural. A good narration can make all the difference.

Rick Lamb has produced 270 microlearning videos. His experience with narration come from 31 years operating Lambchops Studios in Phoenix. Contact him at ricklambphd@gmail.com.