Communication video series called, “Better Conversations,” that teaches how to communicate better in everyday life!
Project Purpose:
There is one thing for sure, and that is that communication can be challenging. When conflicts arise, or we feel that someone isn’t listening to what we say or vice versa, tensions rise. Sometimes we don’t know how to properly communicate with others because of it. So, I created Better Conversations, a video series that teaches all about the proper way to communicate. The purpose of this series is to help people learn their confidence in their communication skills, so they can better their relationships and better themselves. The series is informative but also relaxed, so those watching will not feel intimidated but rather in a safe space to learn.
The Project
Challenges Encountered:
There were some challenges that I faced as I was creating this project! It was difficult to manage my time when creating this series. I had to edit and film videos, which was very time-consuming, throughout the semester while balancing projects I had in my other classes. It was also hard to keep people engaged, as I posted the videos onto Facebook I wanted people to comment about what they had learned, so I knew that my videos were truly educational, but I noticed that as the videos went on, less people would comment. I had to try to encourage people to keep letting me know their thoughts.
Project Processes:
I started this project by studying communication skills. I wanted to decide on the ones that I felt were the most difficult for people to show in my videos. Ultimately, I decided on the topics of active listening, empathy, confidence, negotiation, and nonverbal communication.
I then scripted out my videos. This process was tricky because while I wanted them to be educational, I didn’t want them to be boring. So, I decided to implement skits into the videos to display what to and not to do in conversations. These skits keep things lighthearted in between the educational information being shared. I also asked my husband to be an actor with me for these videos, so I could fully make these skits possible.
After scripting, we began the filming and editing process. Throughout the weeks, we would film a video, and then the following week I would edit. The filming actually ran pretty smoothly because I had already done the majority of the planning, so all we needed to do was follow the scripts. The editing was time consuming, but I very much enjoyed it. I love having the ability to create a story on my own terms through my editing. It was a very fun process to clip together all of the footage.
After I had finished a video, I would post it on my Facebook. I would tell those who watched to comment on something they learned. It was great to hear feedback from others and to know if my videos were teaching what I wanted them to. I was also just amazed at how much people were learning from my own videos! I felt very proud, and could tell my purpose was being accomplished.
Experiences I had:
The creation of this video series was an amazing experience for me.
My major is communication, with an emphasis on video production. Having the ability to film and edit my video projects is amazing in itself, but also getting to teach others things that will benefit them in life makes me feel even more fulfilled.
I also learned so much about communication through the creation of this video series. I learned techniques I would have never known before if I had not created the series. I have been able to practice these communication tips that I teach in the videos since making them, and they really do work! I feel so much more educated and confident to take on new conversations.
Takeaways:
The main thing I have gained from this experience is that we can do hard things. Communication is something that I have always struggled with. I am fairly shy when you first meet me and I am not always confident in what I have to say. There are many times I choose not to engage in conversation just because I am simply nervous that I might embarrass myself. But through this project I have learned the even though it can be hard to communicate, you can do it!
There are many ways to help you engage in active listening, feel empathy for others, gain newfound confidence, negotiate in an argument, or use your nonverbal communication skills. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice. I have learned that by watching my videos that I have created, I can have “better conversations!” I’m so grateful I have had the opportunity to learn all this for myself, and share it with others who are struggling as well.