Time to change course?
In a world where inboxes are overflowing, strategic projects are buried in rarely reopened PowerPoints, and employee attention is more precious than ever, one truth becomes clear: the format matters just as much as the message.
The observation is widely shared: information circulates, but it no longer transforms. It doesn’t foster ownership, nor does it drive engagement.
That’s why more and more organizations are rethinking their internal communication strategies—embracing formats that are more narrative, visual, and immersive.
PowerPoint Doesn’t Spark Inspiration Anymore
Another PowerPoint file to explain the company’s strategy or boost team motivation?
The predictable outcome: attention lost by slide 10, audience disconnect, and a diluted message.
Some organizations are charting new paths.
Accenture, for example, launched SmartLeaders, an internal video series reaching 10,000 employees.
The concept? Strategic messages delivered by managers themselves, in short, punchy, visually engaging videos. These are released regularly with a tone closer to media storytelling than corporate talk.
The result: a shift from top-down presentations to vibrant, ongoing, and human-centered communication.
Read the case study on Brainsonic
A Strong Message Isn’t Enough — You Need the Right Format
Consider a typical example: a company-wide strategic email. It’s got clear vision, well-meaning intentions, concrete action points… but no one clicks. Fewer still remember.
In many large companies, this kind of content is now repackaged into short videos or motion design clips.
A two-minute animated message, scripted and shared across internal channels, can achieve up to three times the engagement rate of its text-based counterpart.
The numbers speak for themselves: visual messages are six times more memorable than written ones (source: Forrester).
Airbus, for example, uses explainer videos to simplify complex procedures, drive adoption of transformation programs, and convey safety protocols globally.
Storytelling — Even for Numbers
Objectives, KPIs, roadmaps… all the indicators are there.
But without a narrative, it all feels cold and forgettable.
That’s where data storytelling becomes a game-changer.
It transforms dry data into a coherent, memorable, and shareable narrative.
The UN’s Climate Promise campaign nailed this.
To address the complexity of climate issues, the UNDP built an interactive report combining video, animated infographics, visual storytelling, and scripted narration.
The result: a technical subject turned into an engaging digital experience.
See the project at climatepromise.undp.org
Immersion as a Driver of Engagement
Some companies go even further, turning internal communication into immersive experiences.
Not just messages to read—but experiences to live.
A striking example:
“We are Bolt, the Fastest-Growing Tech Company in Europe”
Two minutes of energy, pride, and identity.
Not corporate speech, but a visual manifesto.
Watch the video on YouTube
This type of format can be used to:
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Launch a new strategy
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Share company culture
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Explain organizational changes
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Or simply… rally the team
Whether it’s a tailor-made film, interactive capsule, staged event, or team performance—immersive formats bring meaning, momentum, and emotion to internal communication.
And the Results Speak for Themselves
When done right, immersive formats deliver measurable impact:
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+80% attention
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+70% recall
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+60% engagement
These numbers come from leading studies by Gallup, EY, and Forrester.
This isn’t about style.
It’s about effectiveness.
A well-delivered message is understood.
A well-crafted story is remembered.
A well-embodied message is shared.
Conclusion
The shift in internal communication isn’t just about changing tools.
It’s about changing the mindset.
Moving from transmission to experience.
From information to inspiration.
From attached files to collective momentum.
Sources
EY, Learning & Development Trends Report, 2022
Forrester, The Impact of Video on Business Performance, 2020
Gallup, State of the Global Workplace, 2022
