How Video Enhances Leadership Communication and Builds Trust

How Video Transforms Leadership Communication: Building Trust and Connection

With increasingly remote and hybrid workplaces, leadership communication has become more important than ever. Authentic statements are a more engaging way for executives to connect with their teams, delivering messages with clarity, intent, and personality. Many find success by sharing strategic goals, addressing challenges, or celebrating achievements. Leadership video statements help bridge the gap between leaders and their workforce.

We’ve collected a pile of statistics on this subject and wanted to share them with you. Here’s how video can revolutionize leadership communication and some practical tips to get started.

1. The Value of Personal Connection

Effective leadership communication isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about fostering trust and connection along the path. Video allows leaders to deliver messages that feel personal and engaging, building stronger bonds with employees.

Consider:

• 87% of employees feel more connected to leadership when communication is personal and frequent. (Source: Gallup)
• 89% of executives say that clear communication is critical to leading an engaged workforce. (Source: Harvard Business Review)

When employees feel a personal connection with their leaders, they’re more likely to align with company goals and remain engaged in their work.

2. Video vs. Email or Text

While email and text-based communications have their place in the everyday, they often fail to convey tone, emotion, and authenticity. Video solves this problem by delivering nuanced messages that connect with employees on a deeper level. This is most crucial for any message of importance or significant weight. 

What they’ve found is:

• Video messages are 3x more engaging than text-based communication. (Source: Social Media Examiner)
• 95% of viewers retain a message conveyed through video compared to just 10% when reading text. (Source: Forbes)

By using video, leaders can ensure their intent is clearly understood, avoiding the misinterpretations that often occur with written messages.

3. Use Cases for Leadership Videos

Video is a versatile tool that can be used in various ways to enhance leadership communication:

• Strategic Announcements: Share your company’s vision and priorities in a way that inspires and motivates your team.
• Addressing Challenges: Provide reassurance and guidance during times of uncertainty.
• Celebrating Successes: Highlight employee achievements or company milestones to boost morale and build a positive culture.

These uses have found:

• Companies that celebrate employee achievements through video report a 21% increase in employee satisfaction. (Source: Glassdoor)
• Employees who understand their company’s vision are 60% more likely to stay motivated. (Source: Gallup)

4. Impact on Employee Morale and Trust

Leadership videos aren’t just a communication tool—they’re a culture-building strategy. When employees see their leaders communicating openly and authentically, it fosters trust and transparency across the organization.

Video Delivers the Facts:

• 82% of employees say they trust a company more when leadership shares regular video updates. (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer)
• Companies with high levels of trust experience 50% more productivity and 76% more employee engagement. (Source: PwC)

By embracing video, leaders can strengthen relationships with their teams, driving long-term loyalty and performance.

5. Do’s and Don’ts for Leadership Videos

To ensure your video communication is effective, here are some simple guidelines to consider:

Do’s:

• Be Authentic: Speak naturally and show your personality—employees connect with real people, not polished scripts.
• Keep It Concise: Aim for videos under 2 minutes to maintain attention.
• Speak Directly to the Camera: Make eye contact to create a sense of connection.
• Prepare Key Points: Outline your message to stay focused and clear.
• Use Professional Quality: Ensure good lighting, clear audio, and a clean background.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Overproduce: Authenticity is more important than flashy effects.
• Don’t Use Jargon: Keep your message simple and relatable.
• Don’t Skip Practice: Rehearse to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Don’t Forget the Call-to-Action: End with a clear next step or takeaway.
• Don’t Ignore Feedback: Use analytics or employee surveys to refine your approach.

6. How Agencies Like M-1 Studios Help Leadership Shine

Creating impactful leadership videos doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Partnering with an experienced agency allows executives to focus on delivering their message while leveraging professional expertise to ensure a polished, effective final product.

At M-1 Studios, we’ve worked with leaders across industries to create impactful videos tailored to their unique needs. They are some of our favorite projects getting to work with executive leadership teams, C-suite, or even top brass ownership individuals. Whether you need support for a one-time strategic announcement, ongoing updates, or a fully managed video strategy, partnering with an agency ensures your communication is consistent, professional, and effective.

These approaches can also save time—allowing executives to focus on their message and leadership responsibilities while leaving the production work to experts. By working together, we can elevate your communication and strengthen your connection with your team.

Typically Agency Services for Leadership Videos

1. Professional Video Recording
   • On-location or in-studio video recording with high-quality cameras, lighting, and audio equipment.
   • Guided production sessions to ensure your delivery is natural and confident.
   • Support for multiple takes, camera angles, and B-roll footage.
2. Remote Recording Sessions
   • Setup and support for executives recording from home or remote offices.
   • Guidance on lighting, camera placement, and audio for a professional finish.
   • Real-time virtual direction to optimize the recording process.
   • Automatic file transfers to editing teams
3. Editing and Post-Production
   • Editing raw footage into a polished final video with professional transitions, captions, slide decks and graphics.
   • Incorporating company branding elements such as logos, colors, and fonts.
   • Enhancing audio quality and syncing with visuals for a seamless result.
4. Editing-Only Services for DIY Executives
   • For executives who record their own videos, agencies can handle editing and post-production.
   • Add-ons like motion graphics, background music, and text overlays to elevate the video’s impact.
5. Ghostwriting and Script Development
   • Professional scriptwriting tailored to your leadership style and company goals.
   • Collaborative development of key messages to ensure clarity and authenticity.
   • Support for executives who need help organizing their thoughts or creating concise, impactful messaging.
6. Strategic Video Planning
   • Guidance on how to incorporate leadership videos into your broader communication strategy.
   • Assistance in planning a series of videos for recurring updates, announcements, or milestones.
   • Analytics tracking to measure engagement and adjust your approach as needed.

Why Work with an Agency?

Agencies like M-1 Studios streamline the entire process, ensuring your leadership videos are engaging, professional, and aligned with your objectives. Whether it’s a one-off message, a recurring update series, or a major announcement, partnering with an agency saves time and guarantees a higher level of quality.

By leaving the technical and creative aspects to experts, you can focus on what you do best—leading your team. From ghostwriting scripts to managing remote recordings, agencies offer a range of services that make leadership communication easier and more effective.

Interested in learning how we can support your leadership video strategy? Let’s start a conversation today.