How to Use Animation for Corporate Training Videos

1 July

Corporate training has evolved from dry slide decks and monotonous lectures to dynamic, engaging experiences. At the forefront of this shift is animation—a versatile tool that transforms complex concepts into digestible, entertaining content. If you’re looking to level up your training materials, animation might just be your secret weapon.

Why Animation Works for Corporate Training

Animation engages audiences in a way that static visuals and live-action video sometimes can’t. Here’s why it’s so effective:

Simplifies Complex Topics: Animation can break down intricate processes into easy-to-follow visuals.
Captures Attention: Vibrant colours, motion, and creative visuals hold learners’ attention longer.
Appeals to All Learning Styles: Whether your audience is visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic learners, animation ticks all the boxes.
Removes Distractions: Unlike live-action, animation eliminates unnecessary visual clutter, focusing solely on the message.

1. Start with a Clear Objective

Before diving into animated content, define the purpose of your training video. What specific skills, knowledge, or behaviours do you want your team to take away?

Examples of Objectives:

Demonstrating a step-by-step process (e.g., using new software).
Reinforcing company values or policies.
Simplifying technical or compliance-related information.

Pro Tip: Keep objectives concise to avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information.

2. Use Animation to Visualise the Abstract

One of animation’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring intangible concepts to life. Use it to visualise things that are hard to demonstrate in real life, like processes, systems, or data.

Examples:

Create motion graphics to explain how a supply chain operates.
Use character animation to illustrate customer interactions or sales techniques.
Employ infographic-style animations to show metrics and analytics.

Pro Tip: Pair visuals with a clear voiceover to guide the audience through the story.

3. Add Storytelling for Emotional Impact

Even in a corporate setting, storytelling remains a powerful tool. Use animation to craft relatable scenarios that resonate with your team. For example:

Scenario-Based Learning: Show animated characters solving problems they might face on the job.
Real-Life Simulations: Create a virtual workplace environment for safety or HR training.
Case Studies: Animate real customer success stories or internal wins.

Pro Tip: Keep stories concise but impactful—focus on the key learning point.

4. Leverage Different Animation Styles

Not all animations are created equal. Depending on your objectives, certain styles might suit your training better than others.

Whiteboard Animation: Perfect for explaining processes or concepts step by step.
2D Motion Graphics: Great for sleek, professional overviews.
Character Animation: Ideal for role-playing scenarios or engaging storytelling.
3D Animation: Excellent for product demonstrations or technical training.

Pro Tip: Match the animation style to your brand’s tone and the complexity of your content.

5. Keep It Engaging and Interactive

Interactive elements can transform passive viewers into active participants. Integrate these ideas into your animated training videos:

Quizzes: Insert short quizzes throughout the video to reinforce learning.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Paths: Let viewers navigate different scenarios based on their decisions.
Call-to-Actions: Encourage learners to reflect on how they’ll apply what they’ve learned.

Pro Tip: Tools like interactive hotspots or gamified elements can further increase engagement.

6. Optimise for Mobile Viewing

Your team might access training materials on the go, so ensure your animations are mobile-friendly. Use:

Large, clear fonts.
Simple visuals that display well on small screens.
Subtitles for sound-off viewing.

Pro Tip: Test your videos on multiple devices to guarantee a seamless experience.

7. Add Professional Voiceovers

The best animation in the world can fall flat without the right voiceover. Choose a voice that aligns with your brand and is easy to understand.

Considerations for Voiceovers:

Tone: Should it be formal, friendly, or conversational?
Clarity: Is the pacing appropriate for the animation?
Language: Does it match the audience’s preferred dialect (e.g., Australian English)?

Pro Tip: Work with experienced voiceover artists to ensure high-quality narration.

8. Measure the Impact

The success of your training videos lies in their impact. Use surveys, assessments, or analytics to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Metrics to Track:

Viewer completion rates.
Post-training assessment scores.
Employee feedback on the training’s clarity and usefulness.

Pro Tip: Use this feedback to tweak future animations, keeping your training program relevant and effective.

Why Work with NINJA video house?

At NINJA video house, we specialise in creating professional animations that bring your corporate training to life. From storyboarding to final edits, we handle the heavy lifting while ensuring your videos align with your goals and brand. Plus, with our dynamic toolkit, we can seamlessly blend animation with live-action, voiceovers, and more for a complete training package.

Ready to Elevate Your Training?

Let’s transform your corporate training materials into an unforgettable learning experience. Whether it’s compliance, onboarding, or professional development, animation is the way forward—and we’re here to help.

Reach out to NINJA video house today and let’s get started!

Peter Walsh