In this lighthearted solo episode, John Azoni takes a humorous dive into common clichés in higher ed video marketing. From the overuse of drone shots to awkward diversity montages, John shares "wrong answers only" tips to spark conversation and reflection on how to elevate video storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences and industry anecdotes, he highlights the balance between creativity, practicality, and avoiding overplayed trends.
John also shares hilarious contributions from LinkedIn commenters, adding a community-driven twist to the discussion. Whether you're a higher ed marketer or just love good video banter, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire!
Key Takeaways:
- Skip the Drone Opener: Sure, drone shots look great, but starting every video with a campus flyover is predictable. Try something creative instead—anything that makes your story stand out.
- Say Goodbye to Dramatic Symphony Music: Adding emotional orchestral music won’t save a boring story. Explore fresh, unique soundtracks that better reflect your institution’s personality.
- Hooks Over Introductions: Instead of starting with “Hi, my name is…,” dive right into the story to capture your audience’s attention from the first second.
- Slow Motion Isn’t Always the Answer: Slow motion can be impactful, but only if it’s used intentionally—no more slow-typing scenes, please.
- Avoid Forced Diversity: Showcase genuine, organic moments of inclusion. Forced, overly staged diversity shots can come across as inauthentic.
- Move Past the “We Are” Montage: The “We are [insert school name]” ending is overdone and adds little value. Find more creative ways to leave a lasting impression.
- Your Logo Doesn’t Hook People: Leading with your logo is a mistake. Start with something that draws your audience in, then reveal the branding.
- Meaningful Taglines Over Played-Out Phrases: Let’s retire taglines like “Your Story Starts Here” and focus on messaging that truly resonates.
Bonus: Listener Contributions from LinkedIn
John shares community-generated “wrong answers only” tips, like:
- Always show students walking awkwardly while holding books they could’ve put in a backpack.
- Highlight “diverse” groups of people who are clearly strangers standing in a semicircle.
- Use vague taglines like, “Dream Big. Start Here.” It’s totally not a cliché.
- And the classic: “Students in a dark lab with a glowing beaker—it’s science!”
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