How to choose the right video clip for your presentation

A few months ago I attended a business-networking event that brought together small businesses, corporations, institutions, and individuals seeking to learn, connect, and network. During one of the workshops, the speaker comes up and plays a video to start the presentation. The video had a few swear words.  After the video clip was over, I couldn’t believe that someone would show a clip with swear words to a room filled with corporate executives, small business owners, and professionals. Swear words in a video clip are more than likely not appropriate in a business environment unless it has a distinct purpose and is intended to a specific audience that does not mind the swears. 

Here are two tips to keep in mind when showing a video clip during your presentation 

Purpose
What purpose does your video clip have in your presentation? Does it give the audience an illustration of your topic? Do you want to show audiences your final product? There has to be a purpose as to why you are showing the video clip. Let’s not forget the problem you can run into with the audio and download of video, which can cut off into your presentation unless you are previewing a movie at a movie festival or have tested the video and audio avoid showing video clips during your presentation and leave it for another time. 

Audience
Do not expect every audience member to enjoy your video clip. In today’s society, political correctness is the new norm, and you don’t want to ruffle feathers. A video clip that you believe is providing value can be found offensive to others. Audience members are there to get information that they need for their own needs. Audience members are there to gain knowledge not to be entertained by a video. If you want to show the clip tell audience members to provide their email and you can forward the video afterward. 

Videos are great to show but tricky to select when showing a video make sure to have a purpose and know your audience.