Behind the Lens with Lloyd Media Group

Imagine having your most passionate employees share their genuine stories on camera.

Employee video testimonials are highly valuable because they are an authentic look inside your organization from those who know it best. These firsthand accounts help build trust and credibility with potential employees, clients, and stakeholders by showcasing genuine experiences and personal stories.

Video testimonials convey recruitment and onboarding experiences, opportunities for career growth, work-life balance, and any specific projects or achievements your people are proud of. They’re also good for illustrating company culture and values.

Personal stories about how the organization supports their professional development or how they make a meaningful impact through their work is very powerful. Testimonials humanize your brand, making it easier for others to connect with and understand the unique benefits of being part of your organization.

But how do you find the right employees to star in these videos? Here are seven steps to help you identify and select employees who will authentically represent your organization:

1. Identify Enthusiastic Volunteers

Start by reaching out to your workforce and expressing your interest in creating testimonial videos. Encourage employees to volunteer if they feel comfortable sharing their experiences. You might be surprised at how many employees are vocal advocates for your organization and would willingly participate.

2. Conduct Interviews or Surveys

To assess potential participants, conduct interviews or surveys to gauge their suitability for the testimonial videos. Ask open-ended questions to understand their experiences, enthusiasm, and alignment with the organization’s values. This will help you identify the employees who can effectively represent your organization’s culture and values.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives

Aim for a diverse range of employees to represent different roles, departments, and levels within your business. This diversity will provide a broader perspective and appeal to a wider audience, showcasing the variety of experiences within your company.

4. Consider Performance and Engagement

Look for employees who have demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and engagement. These individuals are likely to have positive experiences to share and can effectively communicate their enthusiasm for their work and the organization.

5. Evaluate Storytelling Skills

Choose employees with strong communication skills and the ability to articulate their experiences and emotions effectively. Look for individuals who can tell their stories in a compelling and relatable manner, capturing the attention of viewers. Here are some ways to do that.

Observe Communication in Meetings: Pay attention to how employees express themselves during meetings or presentations. Look for those who convey their ideas clearly and engagingly.

Review Written Communications: Assess their emails, reports, or any written communications. Employees who write well often have the ability to speak well, as both require clear and organized thought processes.

Conduct Mock Interviews: Set up informal mock interviews where you ask them to talk about their experiences. This allows you to see them in action when telling their stories.

Seek Recommendations: Ask managers and team leaders for recommendations on employees who are known for their strong communication skills.

Check for Enthusiasm: Ensure the employees not only communicate well but also demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their work. This makes their testimonials more compelling and relatable.

6. Focus on Genuine Experiences

Prioritize employees with genuine and authentic stories to share. Seek out those who have experienced personal growth, overcome challenges, or have been positively impacted by the organization. These narratives will resonate with the audience and add credibility to the testimonials.

7. Provide Training and Support

Once you’ve selected employees for the testimonial videos, provide them with the necessary training and support. Offer guidance on storytelling techniques, video presentation, and key messaging. Help them feel comfortable in front of the camera and ensure they understand the purpose and impact of their testimonials.

By following these steps, you can identify and engage the right employees who will authentically represent your organization in testimonial videos. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness and impact of your videos but also strengthens trust and connection with your audience. Additionally, participating in testimonial videos can boost the selected employees’ confidence, provide them with a platform to showcase their achievements, and give them a sense of pride and recognition within the company.