HICC-N: The Simple Video Recording Strategy That Keeps You Focused and Gets Videos Done Faster
My Simple Strategy to Record Videos ANYWHERE
One of the biggest challenges with creating video content isn't necessarily knowing what to say. It's figuring out how to organize your thoughts, stay on topic, and actually get the video recorded without overcomplicating the process.
I use a simple strategy that allows me to record videos almost anywhere. Whether I'm at the airport, traveling, or batch-recording content, I don't need an elaborate setup or a teleprompter. As long as I have a few notes or know the main points I want to cover, I can get the job done.
That strategy is called HICC-N: Hook, Intro, Core Content, and Call to Action/Next Logical Question.
That's it. Four simple components that give you enough structure to create videos about practically anything without having to script every single word.
Let's break down how it works.
1. Hook: Give People a Reason to Keep Watching
The hook is the first thing you need to get right. Its purpose is simple: capture someone's attention and give them a reason to continue watching.
Your thumbnail and title have already done their job by getting someone to click on your video. Now you need to deliver something that makes them want to stick around.
One of the biggest mistakes creators make is taking too long to get to the point. People shouldn't have to skip two or three minutes into a video to find the information they clicked for.
I've seen comments on some of my older videos where people point out that the actual video doesn't start until a few minutes in. Honestly, they're not wrong!
You don't need to spend the opening minute repeating your thumbnail, restating the title, or talking around the subject. Get to the point.
The hook should immediately introduce the main idea, problem, or question that makes the viewer interested in what comes next.
Remember, getting someone to click is only the beginning. Your job now is to keep their attention.
2. Intro: Confirm They're in the Right Place
Once you've hooked someone's attention, the next step is making sure they know they're watching the right video.
This is where the intro comes in.
Your intro isn't an opportunity to give your entire professional biography, list your credentials, or explain everything about yourself. Unless that information is directly relevant to the topic, save it for another time.
The viewer wants to know whether your video is going to deliver what they expected when they clicked.
For example, I recently recorded a video discussing my experience with DJI microphones versus the RØDE Wireless GO microphones.
I wasn't conducting technical testing or walking a specific distance to see whether the microphones disconnected. I was simply sharing my personal experience with them.
I made that clear upfront.
Why?
Because someone might click on a video about microphones expecting a technical comparison. If they discover several minutes later that I'm only discussing personal experience, they may feel misled.
That damages trust.
Think about it, if someone wastes your time in real life ONCE it makes you assume they have no problem doing it again. The same is true in videos online; faster even.
When you're one of the many videos they're likely watching on the topic of your video, if you waste their time once, they instantly assume you have no problem doing it again.
You don't want to be that guy lol.
I'd rather someone realize within the first few seconds that my video isn't what they're looking for than have them watch several minutes, leave disappointed, and walk away with a negative impression of my channel.
Your intro should be short, typically around 8–15 seconds. (Honestly, even less when you can swing it.)
Just establish what the video covers, what viewers can expect, and whether they're in the right place.
3. Core Content: Deliver the Information People Actually Came For
This is the meat of your video. It's where you deliver the information, share your knowledge, and provide the value your audience expects.
My recommendation is to start with three main bullet points.
You don't need to write an entire script. You already know your subject. You're the expert in your content, so give yourself enough structure to stay focused without feeling like you have to read every sentence.
For most videos, three main points are enough to get you started.
You can support those points with examples, personal experiences, or an occasional pro tip when they genuinely add value.
Pro tip: Think from the perspective of the person that's at their desk, at the keyboard, watching your video for the first time. Consider what they actually want will give you insights into what bits should make the video script and what should be cut from the video script.
However, don't feel obligated to include an example for every single point. Only use them when they help explain something or provide additional insight.
Think of it like adding toppings to an already good dish. Those extras are great, but the main dish needs to be good first.
I also recommend keeping each main bullet point to around two minutes or less whenever possible.
If you discover that one bullet point has three, four, or five additional subtopics, consider turning that information into its own video.
You don't have to squeeze everything you know into one recording.
There's another useful consideration when planning your content: odd numbers tend to work well for list-style videos. One, three, five, or seven points can provide a natural structure for your presentation.
Of course, this isn't a strict rule. If you're creating a Top 10 video, use ten points. The goal is to organize the information in a way that makes sense for your audience.
The biggest takeaway here is to keep your core content focused. Deliver the message, provide useful examples, and avoid unnecessary explanations that make the video longer without making it better.
4. Call to Action/Next Logical Question: Give Viewers Somewhere to Go
The final part of HICC-N is the ending.
This can be a traditional call to action (CTA) or lead them to what I call the next logical question.
For business owners and entrepreneurs, a traditional CTA is often useful. You might want viewers to:
Join your email list.
Purchase your book.
Check out a product or service.
Visit a link in your description.
Watch another video.
The important thing is not to overwhelm people with too many options.
If you give viewers 10 different things to do, you create decision fatigue. Instead of taking action, they may end up doing nothing.
Give them one clear next step.
However, not every video needs a traditional CTA. Sometimes, the better approach is to introduce the next logical question.
For example, if your current video teaches someone how to create a video, you could naturally transition into another video about how to end videos effectively and keep viewers watching.
That makes sense because someone learning how to create videos will probably benefit from understanding how to structure their endings, too.
You're creating a logical progression from one piece of content to another.
This approach also helps connect your videos together. Rather than treating every video as an isolated piece of content, you're creating a viewing experience that encourages people to continue learning from you.
And if there isn't an obvious next logical question, that's fine. You don't have to force one. Sometimes, the best ending is simply encouraging viewers to watch another relevant video.
A Bonus Tip: Record Your Most Exciting Videos First
Here's another strategy I use when planning a batch-recording session.
Take your list of videos and rearrange them based on how excited you are to talk about each topic.
Start with the video you're most excited to record and save the one you're least excited about for later.
Why?
Because getting started is often the hardest part, especially if you've been struggling with procrastination or figuring out what to say.
Once you start recording a topic you're genuinely excited about, you build momentum. As you move through your list, that momentum can make the rest of the recording session feel much easier.
Instead of starting with something you're already dreading, you're putting yourself in a position to build confidence and get into a creative flow.
Final Thoughts
Stop Overcomplicating Your Video Strategy
You don't need a complicated recording process to create valuable video content.
HICC-N gives you a straightforward structure to follow:
Hook: Get the viewer interested and give them a reason to keep watching.
Intro: Confirm they're in the right place and explain what the video covers.
Core Content: Deliver your main points, examples, and useful insights.
Call to Action/Next Logical Question: Give viewers one clear next step or guide them toward another relevant piece of content.
You don't need to read from a teleprompter line by line unless the situation specifically calls for a fully scripted presentation, such as a paid advertisement.
You know your subject. Trust that knowledge.
Have a few bullet points ready, follow the HICC-N structure, and focus on delivering value to your audience.
The simpler you make your recording process, the easier it becomes to create consistently, batch your videos, and spend less time worrying about what to say.
Stop overthinking it.
Get to the point, deliver the value, and keep creating.
Remember, you already KNOW your stuff, intimately. Trust your gut to deliver the goods and your people will come to love you for caring about not wasting their time anytime they click on your videos.
