Long emails can be overwhelming, and important points often get lost in a sea of text. But what if you could replace that email with a short, clear video that shows exactly what you mean? If you’re using Microsoft 365, you already have the tools to do just that.
Try Microsoft Stream.
Included in your Microsoft 365 subscription, Stream makes it easy to record, share, and store videos right from your browser. And when it comes to giving feedback on a document or presentation, Stream can be a game-changer.
Why Use a Video Instead of an Email?
Clarity: A video lets you show what you’re talking about. Share your screen, walk through a document, highlight specific areas, all while explaining your thoughts out loud.
Speed: It’s often faster to say something in 90 seconds than it is to write it all out, especially if you’re providing detailed feedback.
Engagement: People are more likely to watch a quick video than read a long email. And with facial expressions and tone of voice, your message is more human and easier to understand.
How to Use Microsoft Stream to Share Document Feedback
- Open Microsoft Stream
Head to stream.office.com and sign in with your Microsoft 365 account. - Start a Screen Recording
Click on “Start screen recording.” You can choose to show your full screen or just one window, perfect for focusing on a Word doc, PowerPoint, or Excel file. - Add Your Commentary
Turn on your mic and, if you like, your camera. Walk through the document as if you were explaining it in a meeting. You can pause and re-record sections if needed. - Share the Link
Once you’re happy with the recording, hit “Finish” and upload the video to Stream. Then, just share the link in Teams, Outlook, or wherever your team communicates.
Keep It Short
Aim for 2–3 minutes max. That’s enough time to get your point across without losing your viewer’s attention.
Real-World Example
Imagine you’re reviewing a project proposal. Instead of writing a paragraph explaining why a certain section needs to change, you record a quick video:
“Here’s the section I’m referring to—[highlight text]. I think we need to reframe this part to match the client’s updated priorities.”
Clear, visual, and no room for misinterpretation.
