In today’s unpredictable world, companies need to have the ability to quickly adapt to new situations—and the same goes for leader communication.

But not all channels allow senior leaders to quickly create and send messages.

What’s one solution? Have leaders shoot their own short (<60 seconds) selfie videos.

Why? These videos can be shot quickly using a mobile device or web platform, such as Zoom, at any time and from any location so leaders can provide timely updates to employees. Plus, DIY videos feel authentic—not staged or overproduced.

When do you use them? You can use these videos to communicate a variety of messages—from a simple hello to a quick recap of recent organizational changes.

How do you share them? Simply post videos on your intranet and provide a link via email from senior leaders.

Now I bet the last BIG question on your mind is: How can I help senior leaders feel confident shooting their own videos?

Don’t panic! We’ve got your covered.

via GIPHY

Here are four tips to set leaders up for success and so they can shoot a great video:

1. Answer “one” question

Leaders don’t have much time to get their message across, so they need to stay focused.

Schedule a quick brainstorm to come up with one compelling question that employees want answered. For example, a leader may start with: “Someone recently asked me what we’re doing to improve the customer experience, and I’d like to share one way we’ll achieve this.”

This approach makes the message relevant and easy for employees to grasp.

2. Ditch the script

When I watch a video, I can tell right away if the person is struggling to recite a script or worse, read from a teleprompter.

Encourage leaders to put down the paper and practice answering the question, as if they were having a casual conversation with someone in the elevator.

After a little practice, leaders will feel more confident talking on camera (and look less like a robot.)

3. Do multiple takes

Leaders often feel they need to deliver their entire message in one take. But this approach leaves little room for mistakes, and leaders get frustrated when they have to shoot the entire video over and over again!

Tell leaders break their message into a few 10–15 second soundbites and shoot as many takes as they need to get it right.

This takes pressure off leaders to give a flawless performance in one take and gives you more footage to work with during the editing process.

4. Encourage feedback

Video is often considered a one-way communication channel, but there is a great opportunity for leaders to start a meaningful dialogue with employees.

Have leaders end their message by inviting employees to share their feedback or post questions on Yammer.

Employees will appreciate the opportunity to be heard, and they will feel more connected to leaders.