Breaking your course into videos with the stairstep principle

Once you’ve refined your research and developed a clear structure, it’s time to figure out how to break your content into videos. I like to use what I call the stairstep principle for this process.

This principle helps ensure that your audience feels comfortable and confident as they move through your course. It works on both a micro level (within individual videos) and a macro level (across an entire course).

The concept of the stairstep principle

The idea is simple: take one step at a time. Start from a point your audience understands, introduce one new concept, and land that point before moving on to the next.

The goal is to keep your viewers anchored. Whether you’re introducing a new concept or demonstrating a technique, your audience should always feel like they’re on stable ground.

Applying the stairstep principle to your course

Start from what they know

Each video should begin by grounding your viewers in something familiar. This could be something you’ve already taught them in a previous video or a concept they’re likely to know based on your understanding of your audience.

By starting from a place of confidence, you build momentum. Your viewers will feel capable and ready to tackle the next concept.

Take one step at a time

Once they’re anchored, introduce just one new idea. Resist the urge to pile on additional concepts or optimizations too quickly. Even if you know there’s a better or more advanced way to do something, it’s okay to start with a simpler version.

A clear example of this comes from my MySQL for Developers course. About four minutes into one particular video, I say:

This is not the best we can do. We can keep going.

At that point, I had spent time teaching a foundational concept. The audience understood the basics, so I was able to introduce the optimization with confidence. By layering concepts gradually, the optimization made sense.

Knowing when to land the plane

It’s easy to get ahead of yourself when you’re passionate about your subject. You might be tempted to say, "But you could also do this! And here’s another option!" Resist that urge.

Your job as an instructor is to guide your audience to one clear takeaway at a time. Land the plane before taking off again. Teach one thing well, and then move on.

How this applies across multiple videos

The stairstep principle doesn’t just apply within individual videos — it works across your entire course.

Think of your videos as a series of steps. Each one should build on the previous, helping your audience climb higher in their understanding. When you sequence your videos this way, learners stay engaged and feel a sense of progress.

By the end of your course, they’ll look back and realize how far they’ve come — one step at a time.

Take one step at a time

Breaking your course into videos using the stairstep principle ensures your viewers stay confident and motivated. Start from what they know, introduce one concept at a time, and land each point before moving on.

Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of planning and scripting your videos. For now, think about how you can apply the stairstep principle to your own content.