How To Use Video To Improve Your Leadership Presence

A VIDEO CLIP CAN BE AN EFFECTIVE ADDITION TO YOUR SPEECH–BUT YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT’S RELEVANT TO YOUR AUDIENCE.
BY ANETT GRANT

You probably know the benefits of using video in your presentation–a powerful clip can strengthen an argument because it allows the audience to see that idea in action, even if it’s just on the big screen. But how do you incorporate it so that it enhances your presentation, rather than distracting your attendees from it?

One of my clients commissioned Taylor Swift to produce a video for their big, national meeting. The opening showed Swift with glitz and glamour before she turns into a zombie with ghoulish makeup. It shocked the audience. “Definitely got everyone off their cell phones, into the moment,” he said. “What should I do? I’m up next.” He found himself as the follow-up speaker to a high-gloss, high-glitz, high-intensity video.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that his presentation (and leadership presence) is doomed.

In fact, with intention, there are ways to use a compelling video to boost your credibility as a speaker. If you ever find yourself in this situation, start by taking the following steps:

Step One: Watch The Video, And Take Note Of Your Reaction

When you watch a video, you see something old and new simultaneously (even if it’s one that you’ve never seen). Most of you have probably watched hundreds of videos–so that part is the “old.” But you might not have seen the actual footage. Think about what jumps out at you before you start thinking about how to incorporate it in your presentation. For example, when I first saw Michael Jackson’s video of “Black and White,” I was immediately struck by its multidimensional nature. As one person morphed into another in the same space, I thought, “Wow–what an amazing integration of idea and technology. So many dimensions.”

You’ll be able to capitalize on the video for your speech when you understand your reaction. You’ll identify its relevance to your presentation (and when you should play the clip), and you can also predict how the audience might react. Use your initial impression as a starting point. This allows you to present it in the most authentic way possible.

Step Two: Set The Expectation

Alfred Hitchcock once said in an interview, “To build suspense, you have to tell your audience everything. If your audience is not anticipating, you are not building suspense. You are creating surprise.”

It’s not a bad thing to surprise an audience–but it’s a risky and uncertain strategy.

Without guidance, your listeners might not know what to make of the video. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should tell them how they should feel. Ask questions like, “What are you expecting? What are you getting?” This way, they know what to look for and they won’t forget about you while they watch the video. Your speech will remain at the forefront of their thinking.

Step Three: Bridge Back To Your Message

After the video ends, don’t just move on to your next point. The video created an emotional moment—acknowledge it. Reference what you just watched together and explicitly connect it back to your main message. This is where you reclaim your presence in the room.

Use phrases like “As you just saw…” or “That example perfectly illustrates…” to create a seamless transition. The video should serve your message, not overshadow it. By making that connection explicit, you demonstrate your command of the material and your ability to synthesize different elements into a cohesive narrative.

Step Four: Match Your Energy Appropriately

If you show a high-energy, emotionally charged video and then deliver your content in a flat, monotone voice, the disconnect will be jarring. Conversely, if the video is somber and reflective, bursting onto the stage with excessive enthusiasm will feel tone-deaf.

Pay attention to the emotional arc of your video and adjust your energy to complement it—not compete with it. You want to create a unified experience where the video and your live presence work together to reinforce your leadership message. When done well, the video becomes a powerful tool that amplifies your credibility rather than diminishing it.