How to Convey Remarkable Emotion in Video

Watch this new video by Adele.  How does it make you feel?  Why?  What part of it moves you?

Okay, you’re not likely producing music videos, but you can learn a lot from this example.  For one thing, the writing — the lyrics — pack an emotional punch.

  • Adele tells a story.
  • The video illustrates it.
  • Her voice remarkable voice conveys feeling.
  • The music sweeps you along.
  • No surprise that in one month this video alone has been viewed hundreds of millions of times.  Yes, that’s hundred of millions.

Briefly, some background as described by the New York Times:

That heart-on-sleeve emotion, conveyed by a gorgeous voice, has made Adele, now 27, one of the most universally beloved singers and songwriters of the 21st century. Adele, whose last name is Adkins, won the Grammy as Best New Artist with her 2008 debut album, “19.” She multiplied her audience with “21,” her 2011 album full of breakup songs — angry, regretful, lonely, righteous — that used modern production touches around vocals filled with old-fashioned soul.

It has sold 30 million albums worldwide, 11 million in the United States. Beyond the power of Adele’s voice and the craftsmanship of the music, “21” communicated a palpable sincerity and urgency, the feeling that its wounds were still fresh.

Imagine conveying sincerity, urgency, and the feeling that woulds were still fresh.  Okay, you can’t sing like Adele, but you can be a great storyteller.  So here are takeaways that you can apply.

How to Convey Remarkable Emotion in Video:  Takeaways

  • Let your guard down when appropriate, sharing a personal story that supports a main point of your video.
  • Allow your voice to convey emotion.  In short, less announcing and public speaking.  More of you confiding.
  • Capture video conveying the feeling — the emotion — in the stories you’re sharing.  This can bring facts and stats to life.
  • To make that happen, put a face on your story.  Find a person who best illustrates it.

Of course, it’s almost impossible to achieve the impact of Adele and other talented artists.  But because so many presentations are death by PowerPoint or ho-hum average, you have an opportunity to break out from the pack.

Contact me at bob@kaplitz.tv so we can fine tune your video marketing strategy.  Let’s turn video into customers.  And, yes, we can apply some of the excellent production techniques to your presentation — from black and white effects to the in-and-out of focus, which engages and moves the story along.



Bob Kaplitz

Bob coaches executives and managers on developing their leadership skills, which improves the morale and efficiency of their companies. He mentors individuals through Everwise, which optimizes the way companies develop their people by connecting professionals with the experts and resources they need to be successful.

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