How To Create A Video Introduction For Your Participant Profile

Our database of researchers are looking for people just like you to give them insights into their market, products, and services. We give you many opportunities to showcase your best self with a detailed profile outline to attract the right opportunities. 

Although not required, a video introduction should be part of building a successful Respondent profile. The video introduction is your chance to stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of being chosen. And with the Respondent video maker, guided by prompts, there is nothing stopping all of our participants from having a professional and attractive profile video.

How to make a great video introduction on Respondent

Regardless of what you have envisioned for your video introduction, there are a few key things to keep in mind as you move forward. Like when interviewing for an important position or promotion, it is important to prepare what you want to say ahead of time. You only have a maximum of 60 seconds to make that important first impression.

It is best to think of preparing your video introduction as an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is typically between 30 and 60 seconds, and it is designed to make someone want to learn more based on that very small amount of information. 

What should you include in your Respondent video introduction?

Your video introduction should focus on what makes you a good candidate for the types of opportunities in which you are interested. Remember, you have a very limited amount of time to make your case, and you don’t want to be rushed. It is important that you speak clearly at a conversational pace, tone, and enunciation. 

Common items to include are:

• First name and location
• Where you work and what you do there
• Skills you have mastered
• Relevant natural talents
• What you’re most passionate about 

In the video above, we go over a scripted example of a good and bad video introduction. You will see right away that it meets all of the checkpoints we have covered up to this point.

What you should avoid

Just as there are some things you should never say in a job interview, there are things you should not include in a professional video of any kind. While it can be tempting to be more casual in our new relaxed global communities, it is important to make a professional first impression. You cannot do that if you do not make the effort to show your oral communication skills.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Don’t talk about hobbies or fun facts unless they directly relate to what makes you a good candidate for their research.
• Don’t mention hot topics like political or religious beliefs in your video introduction. While it is understandable that you might choose or turn down opportunities based on these factors, you should not mention them when introducing yourself.
• Don’t give away any personal data beyond your name and general location (state, country). 

The same webinar mentioned above offers an example of a truly horrible introduction profile for Respondent. The video was made specifically to show a little bit of each mistake people tend to make in their profile videos. Watching the video (7:12 to 10:03) in the webinar mentioned above is memorable enough to know you will never make those mistakes.

In the end, practice makes perfect. You should go through your video script at least 8 to 10 times to make sure you can repeat it naturally without thought. The good news is that you should be able to use this “elevator pitch” for quite a few other purposes as well. 

Preparing the set

Like any other marketing video, you need to have the right background setting for your profile video. Choose a neutral and clean background, such as the simple backdrop used in the good video example from the webinar. Make sure that there is no distracting movement in the frame, such as a moving ceiling fan. 

If you don’t have a professional backdrop, you can make a plain backdrop for the video fairly easily. Hang a few solid color sheets behind where you will sit to make the video, giving you a complete blank slate. Alternatively, you could use a green screen and choose your own background like the individual in the example of a bad video. The green screen isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but you should use it tastefully. 

You will also need to make sure you don’t have any background noise. If you have a separate room in which you can record your profile video, you may not need to worry about background noise. However, if the walls are thin and you can hear the murmur of voices from outside the room, you’re going to need to come up with a different solution.

Other than arranging to have everyone out of the house for a specified period of time so you can record without interruption or distractions, there are a few things you can do to minimize background noise. Hanging a heavy quilt or comforter over a door can act as a great muffler of sound. Heavy hangings on the windows will also help block background sounds from outside. 

Setting up and testing your equipment 

Make sure everything is working before you begin recording the first full take. Test your microphone, webcam, and internet connection. Even if everything seems to be working correctly, do a test run with the video recording. Your mic might be picking up background sounds that you didn’t notice while recording. 

You should have a separate mic, either a stand-alone or built-in webcam, and a solid internet connection so you will not have any issues with lags. Don’t try to use a headset, especially a gaming headset. A separate, out-of-sight microphone makes your profile video seem more like an interview and less like the elevator pitch it is. 

Making your profile video introduction

When you’re ready, making your profile video introduction on Respondent is easy to do. Plus, you have the option to retake it as many times as you need to. Go to your dashboard, click on My Account, click Edit Profile, and select Video Introduction. Prompts will lead you through the rest of the process. 

Recommend Resources:

• How to Recruit Participants for Qualitative Research (2022 Edition)
• 6 Ways to Strengthen Your Participant Profile
• How To Get Survey Participants
• How To Create A Video Introduction For Your Participant Profile