How To Film Patient Video Testimonials
Here is a strategy you can use to obtain patient testimonials to post on your YouTube Channel. It's simple and can easily be adapted for your own requirements.
Assuming both your client and yourself are 100% happy with the course of dental treatments I recommend learning this short script.
You start by simply saying to your patient: "Mrs Brown, could I ask for your help?".
Assuming your patient replies with "Yes, how can I help?" you reply back with "could you take a minute or two to comment on how you feel about your treatment for our collection of happy patient videos?"
4 Reasons Why This Opening Line Works!
This opening line works well due to the following 4 factors:
1. The majority of people are more than willing to give you a minute or two of their time. You can experiment with variations such as "60 seconds" or "less than a minute". Ultimately you must feel comfortable in what you, and convey the fact that you won't be using up too much of their time.
Have you ever been stopped in the high street and asked whether you would like to take part in a survey? I personally feel I would give a minute of my time but unfortunately, they take well over 5 minutes and thus the next time I'm hesitant about taking part and helping. Hence it is important to stress that they won't be delayed for too long.
2. The majority of people are keen to share their thoughts and feelings about something they are pleased about. This is similar to how we recommend TV shows, YouTube videos, podcasts and films to others. We are wired to share the good news.
3. By using the word "collection", it immediately makes the patient feel like they are about to become part of a larger group of people. Internally they say to themselves it must be alright to do it if patients have done it before.
4. Finally by emphasising "happy patient" you are reaffirming that they are happy.
The Patient Has Said "YES" And Now It's Time To Start Shooting ...
Next, you hold up the camera and say "it's really simple, all I do is press the button and ask you 2 simple questions. I always edit out the bloopers and if you're not happy with the result I simply hit the delete button, how does that sound?"
Around 7 out of 10 patients will say let's go for it. If the patient says "I'm not sure" then you should answer "it isn't a problem, I'd would never want you to do something you are not totally comfortable with".
The Only 2 Questions You Need To Ask On Camera!
The key is to ask the following two open-ended questions and let the patient talk with only a minimum of prompting. Your voice will be edited out in the final version.
The video testimonial should be no more than 90 seconds, most will be around 60 seconds. This is easily long enough for a testimonial
The first question should be focused on how the patient felt about their specific concern or pain before treatment.
Here is an example of the first question:
"Mrs Brown when you first came to our clinic you had a problem with your teeth could you tell me more about it? Were you in pain?"
The second question is:
"Mrs Brown, now that you have had a course of treatment, how do you feel?"
Once they have answered, you turn off the camera and say "that was great Mrs Brown, we will edit it and send you a copy via email".
You can send them the video using an unlisted YouTube link. This ensures no one can see it apart from you and the patient until they are happy with the final result.
If they are happy, you then change the setting from unlisted to the public within your YouTube settings. Furthermore, once they have confirmed they are happy with the video you then have the opportunity to ask whether you can use their first name or full name.
3 Stress-Free Ways To Ensure Everything Runs Smoothly
Here are 3 tips for making the whole process run smoothly.
1. Use a small camcorder or smartphone, as it's less intimidating for the patient.
2. Be prepared and know what wall you would like the patient to stand in front of.
3. Stand around 1-2 metres away so as you can easily frame the patient's face and upper torso.