Why and how to integrate video into your PowerPoint presentations to maximize the impact of your message?

Did you know that we retain 95% of a message when broadcast on video, against only 10% when read as text (SlideGenius, 2018)? A striking difference, which says a lot about the power of this format.

However, the vast majority of business presentations continue to rely solely on static slides. As a result, the audience drops out, and most of the message is lost along the way.

But you still need to know how to use video in a relevant way. Because it is poorly integrated, it can quickly become a gadget that diverts your audience from the main message, or even annoys them.

To talk about it, we had the chance to talk with Jonathan Gual, Communication and CSR Manager at Pierre & Vacances.* Accustomed to using video in his strategic materials, he shares his experience and his expert perspective on how this format can transform a PowerPoint presentation into a real engaging story, both internally and with external partners. *

Why video enhances the impact of your presentations

Your slides are clear, well structured... but after a few minutes, you can see the glances go away. It's normal: our brain is not designed to stay focused in front of a continuous flow of text or graphics. Video, on the other hand, is completely changing the situation. Let's find out how.

Messages heard and retained

A text alone is quickly forgotten. A video, on the other hand, activates both visual and auditory memory: dual channel, double impact. Not only does it facilitate immediate comprehension, but it also strengthens long-term memory.

Cognitive scientists talk about the multimedia learning theory (Mayer, 2001) : the more different sensory channels a message uses, the more likely it is to be retained. In other words, you maximize your chances of staying in the mind of your audience, even several days after the presentation.

That's what confirms Jonathan Gual : “The video forces you to get to the point. In two minutes, you anchor messages that dozens of slides would not have transmitted as effectively.”

Capturing attention is good. Keeping it is better

Let's be honest: after ten minutes of classic PowerPoint, half of your audience is already elsewhere. A video Catches the eye immediately, wake up a tired room and reinvigorate your presentation, and that by breaking the linearity of a series of slides.

Inserted at the right time, it acts like a breath that sets the audience back in motion. Jonathan uses it as a strong point of support in his presentations: “The video broke the monotony of PowerPoint and gave a collective impetus.”

He also recalls that this sequence acts like a rhythm marker : it introduces a visual and audio pause that makes the rest of the presentation easier to follow and more engaging.

Creating an emotional connection

A graph is convincing, but it doesn't touch. A video, she can move, To make you smile, to make you want to act. The combination of image, music, and human voice creates a more immersive and memorable experience than any Excel spreadsheet.

That's exactly what Jonathan saw: his videos didn't just convey an abstract strategy or concept. They have affected its employees and partners far beyond the rational. They knew how to speak “to the heart”, create an emotional resonance that remains in memory.

And that emotional power is not a detail. Communication research shows that emotion is a major driver of memory and persuasion (Heath & Heath, Made to Stick, 2007). By activating the emotional, you give your message much more chances to be remembered... and to influence decisions.

You get it: video can strengthen memory, boost attention, and create a strong emotional connection. But you still have to use it at the right time. Because a video does not have the same effect depending on the setting in which you present: meeting room, major seminar, videoconference... Each context calls for a different strategy.

When and in what contexts should video be integrated

In person: turning a presentation into a highlight

When you speak in front of an audience (happening, internal convention, management committee), video can become your best ally. In this type of context, the challenge is simple: capture attention from the first minutes and create a collective dynamic. However, a classic PowerPoint often struggles to fulfill this role.

The video, on the other hand, acts as a catalyst. It sets a rhythm, gives an embodiment to the discourse and transforms a presentation into a shared experience. You can use it to launch your intervention with energy, clarify a strategic message, or conclude by leaving a strong emotional trail.

That's exactly what did Jonathan Gual at Pierre & Vacances when it presented its new brand platform. Instead of rolling out a static document, he chose to integrate a video showing the locations, the teams and the spirit of the brand. “Where a PowerPoint can stretch, video condenses. [...] In a few minutes, everyone was drawn into the same story.” he explains. Result: the video became a”rally point”.

Moreover, the video was given a second life later. It is regularly reused: “We are asked for it again all the time: to open a seminar, to pass it into a team meeting, to share it with partners”, Jonathan tells us. Proof that well-designed video content goes beyond the framework of a single presentation and becomes a real transversal communication tool.

Remotely: maintaining attention in a dispersed environment

Video is often associated with major seminars or face-to-face strategic meetings. However, it is in remote formats that it can be the most valuable. Because behind a screen, the listening conditions are never ideal: participants juggle their emails, their messages, sometimes even other meetings in parallel. In this context, attention falls much more quickly than in person.

Video then plays a key role. It revives interest, illustrates a message in a more meaningful way and recreates a minimum of human proximity, where simply sharing slides is not enough. Integrated at the right time, it brings the rhythm back to life and keeps your audience connected to what you are talking about.

When asked about this trend, Jonathan confirms: “I think that video has become more and more essential, especially because of the uses of social networks. Where the web was very written, digital consumption is increasingly focused on video. And let's not forget what a good video is: it is at the same time a gateway (it captures attention in a few seconds), a breath (it relaunches the pace of a presentation) and a trace (it stays in memory long after the meeting).”

In a professional environment where digital technology is becoming more and more important, integrating video into your PowerPoint supports therefore becomes an essential tool for maintaining attention and giving strength to your messages, both in person and remotely. But sometimes there is a big step between idea and practice. So, how do you avoid technical pitfalls and ensure smooth integration into your presentations?

How to embed a video in PowerPoint

Choose the right formats and insert your video correctly

The first rule is to favor universal and lightweight formats, such as the .mp4 (H.264). They offer good image quality while remaining compatible with the majority of PowerPoint versions. Avoid formats that are too large or exotic (like.mov or.avi), which may not launch properly on D-Day.

Next up, a key question: Should you insert the video directly into the presentation or link it from an external source (YouTube, website, intranet)?

• External link: practical but risky (unstable internet connection, latency, ads that are displayed).
• Integrated file: safer and more fluid, as long as you optimize the size of the file to avoid a PowerPoint that is too heavy.

And don't forget a point that's often overlooked: The sound. A silent video loses much of its impact. If you are presenting via video conference, consider activating the sharing of sound from your computer. It's a technical detail... but it makes all the difference between a video that captures and a video that discredits.

Set up reading to stay in control

A well-chosen video can enhance your presentation... as long as you don't let chance decide how to trigger it. PowerPoint offers several simple but strategic options to control the reading.

The first question to ask yourself: Should the video be started automatically or when clicked?

• Automatic reading : ideal for a powerful launch at the start of a presentation, or when the video is clearly integrated into your narration.
• Read on click : best if you want to keep control of the pace and introduce the video with a few words before broadcasting it.

Also remember to check the Sound volume. A sound that is too low ruins the experience; a sound that is too loud can on the contrary surprise and disturb the audience. Take two minutes to adjust the levels in PowerPoint and do a broadcast test, whether in a room or by video conference.

Another essential point: thefull screen display. There's nothing worse than a video that starts as a thumbnail in the middle of a slide. Activate the “Enlarge to full screen” option to give your visuals their full power.

Anticipate technical problems to avoid unpleasant surprises

A video can reinforce your message or ruin everything if it doesn't launch properly. Technical issues are often related to simple but overlooked details.

The first rule is to compress your videos. A file that is too large slows down the opening of PowerPoint, can cause stuttering, and may even crash the presentation. PowerPoint includes a compression tool in the tab File > Information > Compress Media. This reduces file size without sacrificing visual quality.

Second reflex: Test reading in real conditions. If you are presenting in a room, connect your computer to the projector or screen provided, and start the video to check the fluidity of the sound and the image. If you are on a videoconference, test the platform used (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet...) to make sure that the image is clear and that the sound is transmitted well.

Third point that is too often forgotten: Make a plan B. Always carry your videos as separate files (USB stick, shared online folder). So, if PowerPoint has a problem, you can launch them directly from a regular video player.

Finally, keep in mind that the video should serve your message, not steal it. Avoid files that are too long or have rough transitions: it's better to have a short, clear, and well-edited video than a heavy piece of content that loses your audience along the way.

With these few technical precautions, you secure your presentations and give your videos every chance of creating the expected impact.

You now have the keys to integrating your videos into PowerPoint without technical stress: choosing the right format, setting up the reading, testing and anticipating the unexpected. But inserting a video is not enough to guarantee its impact. Like any communication tool, its effectiveness depends mainly on how you use it.

Best practices for maximizing the impact of your videos

Choosing the right type of video for the purpose

Not all videos have the same function. Before clicking on Insert > Video, ask yourself what your objective is. Do you want to convince, explain, inspire, unite? The answer determines the format to be preferred.

• A customer testimonial : ideal for inspiring trust and giving credibility to your offer.
• A product demonstration : perfect for making what may seem abstract concrete.
• A message from the manager : powerful for mobilizing teams and giving expression to strategy.
• A brand video : essential for establishing a vision, a universe and a common culture.

It is this last format that Jonathan Gual chose at Pierre & Vacances. When redesigning the brand platform, he didn't want to limit himself to slides full of concepts:”We wanted a collective story. This video is exactly that: it tells what vacations as seen by Pierre & Vacances are — simple, accessible, joyful, but also responsible and rooted in the territories. It shows our teams, our places, our way of transforming a stay into a real break.”

This example illustrates a simple rule: a good video is not chosen for its form, but for its ability to serve your communication intent.

Play on time and at pace

When it comes to video, time is the deciding factor. Too long, it's boring. Too short, it's frustrating. The key is finding the right length of time to maintain attention without diluting the message.

As a general rule, a video embedded in a PowerPoint should not exceed 2 to 3 minutes. Beyond that, you run the risk of losing part of the audience. The objective is not to screen an institutional film, but to bring a breath that reinforces your presentation.

Rhythm matters just as much. A dynamic, well-edited video, with a fluid sequence of images and sound, captures attention from the first seconds. On the other hand, content that is flat or too slow can break the momentum of your intervention.

This is what Jonathan Gual was looking for at Pierre & Vacances: “We worked on our videos the way we edit music, with a precise rhythm and an intensity that increases at the right time. This is what keeps the audience engaged without dropping out.”

A golden rule to remember: in video as well as in presentation, Better the sharp conciseness than the approximate length.

Care for contextualization and transition

A video is only valuable if it is properly introduced and integrated into the flow of your presentation. Too often, it is launched without preparation, as a simple “side-by-side”. As a result, the audience doesn't understand why they're there and they pick up the phone.

To avoid this, consider contextualize : explain in one sentence what your audience is going to see and why you chose this sequence. A simple “Let's look at how this vision is translated into practice” or “This video is a perfect illustration of what I've just explained” sets the stage and gives meaning.

Likewise, the transition after the video is just as important. Bounce immediately on what was just seen. Rephrase the key message, connect it to your speech, and continue the thread. This is what turns a video into a real narrative lever rather than a gadget pause.

Jonathan Gual insists on this point: his videos are never isolated, but always inserted in a logic of collective story. They serve as a relay for his speech, then give way to key messages reformulated to anchor the idea.

Think accessibility and subtitles

A good video should reach your entire audience. However, your interlocutors do not always share the same language, or the same listening conditions. In a large room, some may be away from the speakers. In video conferencing, others may have poor headphones or a noisy environment. And we must not forget people with hearing disabilities either.

The solution is simple: add subtitles. PowerPoint makes it easy to integrate subtitles, either by importing them or by activating the automatic subtitling feature. This ensures that your message is understood, even if the audio is imperfect or muted.

Integrating subtitles is a detail that may seem secondary, but it reflects a high level of professionalism and inclusion. It is this type of care that distinguishes a correct presentation from a truly memorable one.

Do not abuse it

Video is a powerful tool, but like any powerful tool, its effectiveness depends on measurement. Too many videos in the same presentation feel like a patchwork, blur the pace, and end up overwhelming the audience.

Keep in mind that the video should remain one narrative lever, not a crutch. It reinforces your speech, illustrates a key point, creates a breath... but it does not replace the role of the speaker. You are the one who carries the message, the video is only there to support it. Misused, it becomes a gimmick. Well integrated, it becomes a highlight that employees and partners continue to remember long after the presentation.

A good indicator is simple: if you feel that you could remove a video without altering the meaning of your presentation, then it is probably superfluous. Otherwise, if it condenses, illustrates or amplifies a key message, then it has its place.

Surround yourself with the right partners

Creating an effective video cannot be improvised. Writing, editing, storytelling, technical integration... each stage requires specific expertise. Too often, companies are content to recycle an already existing video, designed for another channel (website, social networks, institutional campaign). As a result, the content malfunctions once projected into a PowerPoint, and the effect falls flat.

This is why it is essential to surround yourself with partners who can create adapted videos. to the logic of presentation. Videos designed to support a speech, punctuate an intervention and integrate naturally into a PowerPoint support.

This is the approach chosen by Pierre & Vacances, accompanied by Mprez and Polvo. The union of expertise was decisive:

• Polvo for video production, with accurate narration, compelling images, and rhythmic editing.
• Mprez for integration into the medium, so that the video is part of a fluid, coherent and powerful presentation.

As Jonathan Gual recounts, this collaboration was a real success factor: “We had a small team, tight deadlines, and it created a dynamic that worked. A lot of back and forth, but always to refine, find the right rhythm, the right tone.”

The example of Pierre & Vacances illustrates the value well of a tripartite approach: the client who brings a vision, a video partner to put it into images, and a presentation expert to integrate it into a system and a global story.

The final word

Video is not a gimmick in a PowerPoint presentation: it is a powerful tool for strengthening memory, capturing attention, and creating an emotional connection. You still need to use it at the right time, in the right format and with the right practices to avoid it from undercutting your message.

The experience of Pierre & Vacances, accompanied by Mprez and Polvo, perfectly illustrates this potential. By integrating videos designed to support a strategy and designed to be part of a collective story, the company succeeded in transforming a presentation into a real unifying tool, reused well beyond its initial context.

Tomorrow, videos will be more and more essential in professional presentations. Not to replace speech, but to become the emotional and narrative engine. It is this link between the rational and the emotional that will make the difference between a presentation that can be listened to... and a presentation that is anchored permanently.

If you too want to integrate video into your presentations in a professional and powerful way, call in experts. Chez Mprez, we work hand in hand with Polvo to design materials that combine storytelling, design and video impact.

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