Choose A 5 To 10-Minute Instructional Video On An Appropriat

Choose a 5- to 10-minute instructional video on an appropriate subject

As do-it-yourself (DIY) technical communication populates the internet, many amateur technical communicators create instructional videos online using platforms such as YouTube.

But these DIY instructional videos may not be effective. Further, current research in technical editing practice shows that technical editors must have facility in editing and providing commentary on multimodal and multimedia content (videos, social media posts, markup languages, and so on).

Task: Choose a 5- to 10-minute instructional video on an appropriate subject from YouTube or another appropriate platform. Then, compose a 1- to 2-page letter (single spaced) to the creator of the video with editorial commentary about the content, organization, style, and delivery of the instructions.

"Delivery" entails audio and visual components not typical to written content.

Some other specifics about the content and organization are the following: Balance clarity and politeness. Recall previous lessons on word choice and tone, especially sensitive content and levels of directness. Be sure video creators know how to do what you tell them. For example, if you think adding text overlays would improve the video, consider that they may not know how to create text overlays. What might they consult for how to do this?

Ensure paragraphs are unified, cohesive, and developed. Incorporate research from at least two sources on effective videography and instructional videos. Practitioner blogposts are acceptable and are easy to access.

Formatting: Implement professional letter formatting conventions. Follow the guidelines listed in this source: (For the inside address, input the username of the video creator or the real name (if available), and include a short URL to the video in place of the letter recipient's address information.)

Deliverable: Submit the letter as an MS Word file (.docx) for a possible 140 points (see rubric). For an extra 10 points, post the content of your letter as a comment on the YouTube video. Provide proof by taking a whole-window screenshot of your comment alongside the video. Paste the screenshot at the end of your letter.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating effective instructional videos is an essential aspect of modern DIY technical communication, especially on widely used platforms like YouTube. These videos serve as vital resources for learners seeking to develop new skills, but their effectiveness depends heavily on content quality, organization, style, and delivery. When evaluating and providing feedback on such videos, it is important to acknowledge their strengths while offering constructive suggestions for improvement, focusing on practical enhancements rather than criticism.

First, the content of a good instructional video should be accurate, relevant, and engaging. It must deliver clear, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, especially considering the diverse audience that may include beginners and more experienced viewers. For instance, when demonstrating a technical procedure, like assembling or repairing equipment, it is beneficial to include close-up shots, annotations, and practical demonstrations, which enhance understanding. Moreover, addressing potential challenges and common mistakes can help viewers better grasp the process. Incorporating visual aids such as diagrams, overlays, or text annotations can highlight critical points and improve retention. For example, when explaining how to connect wires, labels or arrows can clarify the intended connections.

Second, the organization of the video should be logical and smooth-flowing. A well-structured video typically begins with a brief introduction that states the purpose and prerequisites, followed by sequential steps that are easy to follow. Transition cues between sections help maintain viewer engagement and prevent confusion. For example, using on-screen titles or pauses can emphasize the beginning of new steps. Including summaries or recaps at the end consolidates learning and reinforces key points. For instance, a quick review of the steps involved in a recipe or repair process can enhance viewer comprehension and confidence.

Third, style plays a vital role in maintaining audience engagement. The tone should be approachable and conversational, making the viewer feel comfortable and encouraged. Using clear, simple language avoids confusion, especially for novices. The visual style should be consistent, with a clean background and proper lighting. Text overlays should be legible, with minimal distraction. Utilizing appropriate gestures and facial expressions can add warmth and enthusiasm, encouraging viewers to stay attentive. Effective use of subtitles or captions can also aid hearing-impaired viewers and reinforce key information.

Regarding delivery, audio and visual quality are crucial. Clear narration with good microphone quality ensures that instructions are easily understood without strain. Background music should enhance the mood without overpowering speech. Visual elements, including camera angles, should be varied to keep the viewer engaged and highlight important details. Editing techniques such as zoom-ins, cuts, and overlays can improve the flow and focus attention, making instructions more comprehensible. Including subtitles or closed captions further improves accessibility and facilitates comprehension, especially for non-native speakers. For example, using editing software like Adobe Premiere or free tools such as Kapwing can enable creators to add professional-looking text animations, overlays, and other effects that emphasize critical steps or common errors.

In summary, making the most of instructional videos involves careful attention to content accuracy, logical structuring, engaging style, and high-quality delivery. Providing constructive feedback builds the creator’s capacity to produce more effective educational content, benefiting a wider audience. As online learning continues to grow, the importance of delivering clear, accessible, and engaging instructional videos becomes increasingly vital, requiring ongoing refinement and adaptation to technological advancements and audience needs.

References

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• Kapwing. (2023). Free Video Text Editors & Animations. https://www.kapwing.com