Let’s cut to the chase… There’s a lot of bad training videos out there.
Like, really bad.
The intentions? Usually solid. Deliver the right info to the right people. But when the execution falls flat, good intentions don’t mean much.
Maybe it lacks the energy to grab attention.
Maybe it doesn’t inspire action.
Or maybe… it’s just an absolute snooze-fest.
Whatever the reason, the result is the same. People tune out, and when they do, the learning stops.
Now here’s the kicker. Every minute your people spend watching an ineffective video is a minute of lost growth. The time, the effort, the budget... all wasted.
No judgement if you’ve made content that’s fallen into one of those trapdoors. We’ve been there! Some of your best work stands on the shoulders of what didn’t quite land.
Failure gets you closer to what works. And swinging and missing still beats not swinging at all.
That’s why, in our mission to wipe out boring training videos for good, we’ve learned what separates the ones people love from the ones they forget five seconds later.
Here’s what to look for when you audit the videos you already use.
Because we don’t want people pressing play while checking their inbox… or doomscrolling on their phones.
We want eyes, ears, and minds locked in on every frame.
We want videos that spark learning, drive growth, and create real momentum.
How can you tell if your current training videos are doing the job?
Start with these questions.
Does it hook attention in the first 5 seconds?
The opening matters. Starting with a title card is fine… but they already know what they clicked. Lead with something that grabs them.
Is the tone human, conversational, and relatable?
Just because AI can script and narrate content doesn’t mean it should. People learn best from people.
Is it visually engaging… or just a narrated slideshow?
Static equals snooze. Use movement, dynamic visuals, and energy to hold focus.
Are you telling a story, or just listing information?
People remember stories. They forget bullet points.
Is it designed for your audience… or for internal sign-off?
Was it built to resonate with learners, or just to clear approvals?
Does it guide action, not just share facts?
Great training moves people to do something. If there’s no clear next step, the moment’s lost.
Is it short enough to finish… and strong enough to share?
Length isn't everything… but if it drags, people drop off and find other things to do.
Can someone watch it without multitasking?
If it can play in the background while checking emails or scrolling, it’s not strong enough. Content should demand attention.
Does it make people feel something?
Curiosity, pride, urgency… anything is better than nothing. Emotion is the glue of memory.
Would you watch this if you didn’t have to?
The ultimate test. If you wouldn’t choose to watch it… why expect others to?
Training videos that don’t engage are like gym memberships that never get used.
They exist. They cost money. But they change nothing.
If people don’t want to watch them, no one learns. If people do watch them but nothing sticks… still, no one learns.
So if you’re investing time and budget into learning content, make it count. Make it something people want to watch.
Because engagement isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the whole point.
And here’s the truth most people miss. The difference between a video that trains and a video that transforms isn’t about production cost. It’s about how intentionally it’s made.
Create training videos for people.
Build content that earns attention and respects your audience’s time. Write with clarity. Produce with energy. Design with intent.
Use storytelling to connect. Use visuals to hold focus. Use emotion to make it stick.
Because when people feel something, they remember it.
When they remember it, they can actually use it.
And when they use it, that’s when learning becomes transformation.
That’s exactly why we built Excel Studios, the in-house video team at Excel Communications, on a mission to wipe out boring corporate training for good.
We create on-demand learning content that actually sticks.
From bite-sized skill boosts to full learning series, everything we make is built to grab attention, spark curiosity, and make knowledge easy to revisit.
Whether it’s part of a blended journey, an LMS library, or a campaign launch… our videos make training unforgettable.
Because nobody remembers boring.
Alex & The Excel Team
P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.
About Excel Communications
Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.
Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.
We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.
View our case studies here.