Why humanize leadership communication?
In a digital workplace, traditional corporate communication often creates distance between leadership and employees. Emails, newsletters, and formal presentations can feel impersonal and fail to engage people on a human level. When leadership communication lacks a human touch, it creates a connection gap that affects trust, engagement, and ultimately, organizational performance.
Humanizing leadership communication matters because people respond to people, not just information. When employees can see and hear their leaders speaking naturally about important topics, they’re more likely to understand the message, believe in its authenticity, and feel personally invested in the company’s direction.
The shift to remote and hybrid work models has made humanizing communication even more important. With fewer face-to-face interactions, leaders need effective ways to maintain personal connections with their teams across distances and time zones.
How does video make leadership communication more human?
Video captures the full spectrum of human communication that gets lost in text. Unlike written messages, video conveys facial expressions, vocal tone, emphasis, pauses, and body language. These non-verbal cues help employees understand not just what leaders are saying, but how they feel about it.
Key benefits of video communication:
- Authenticity – Leaders can show genuine enthusiasm and conviction behind messages in ways impossible through email or written updates
- Trust building – Transparency in expression and emotion creates stronger connections
- Proximity – Creates a feeling of presence and accessibility even across physical distances
- Relationship maintenance – Visual connection helps sustain relationships in global or hybrid organizations
What makes a leadership video feel authentic?
Authentic leadership videos prioritize genuine communication over perfect production. The most effective videos feature leaders speaking conversationally rather than reciting scripted content. While preparation is important, memorized speeches often come across as stilted and corporate.
| Authenticity Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural settings | Recording in a leader’s actual office or familiar company space rather than a formal studio helps viewers connect with the real working environment |
| Personal touches | Books, awards, or even family photos in the background add humanity without oversharing |
| Unscripted moments | Brief personal anecdotes, impromptu explanations, or acknowledging when something goes slightly off-plan shows vulnerability and honesty |
| Production quality | Balance professional quality with authenticity – avoid overly polished videos that feel corporate while ensuring good audio and video quality |
How can leaders overcome camera anxiety?
Many leaders feel uncomfortable on camera, which is completely normal. The most effective approach is to practice regularly rather than avoid video altogether.
- Start small – Begin with shorter, informal videos before attempting longer presentations
- Prepare effectively – Use clear talking points (not verbatim scripts) to provide structure while allowing natural delivery
- Practice out loud – Run through talking points several times before recording, focusing on conversational delivery
- Create a comfortable environment:
- Choose a quiet, familiar space without distractions
- Position the camera at eye level for direct connection
- Ensure good lighting facing you (not behind you)
- Embrace imperfection – Remember that small verbal stumbles or natural pauses actually make communication more authentic and relatable
What are the best formats for leadership video communication?
Different communication needs call for different video formats:
| Format | Best Used For | Recommended Length |
|---|---|---|
| Brief video messages | Regular updates, company news, achievements, context on changes | 2-3 minutes |
| Interview-style | Complex topics, addressing employee perspectives in a conversational format | 5-10 minutes |
| Town hall recordings | Organization-wide important messages, capturing live event energy | 30-60 minutes (with timestamps) |
| Personal storytelling | Sharing experiences that shaped values, creating deeper connections | 3-5 minutes |
Making video part of your leadership communication strategy
Implementing video consistently in leadership communication requires a sustainable approach.
Steps to develop an effective video strategy:
- Identify opportunities – Determine which regular communications could be enhanced through video
- Create a realistic schedule – Develop a cadence that leaders can maintain alongside other responsibilities
- Consider co-creation – Balance where leaders focus on delivering authentic messages while technical aspects are handled by specialists
- Build internal capability – Train leaders on basic filming techniques and storytelling principles
- Start small and grow – Begin with one leader or communication type, then expand based on what works
- Measure engagement – Track metrics to refine your approach over time for increasingly effective communication
Video can significantly make leadership communication more human by allowing leaders to express themselves with facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language that written communication cannot convey. Video brings authenticity, builds trust, and creates stronger connections with employees by showcasing personality and emotion. Through video, leaders can share their message in a more relatable way, making complex topics easier to understand and creating a sense of proximity even in remote work settings.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact our team today
