I’m a huge fan of video scripts. They’re one of the best ways to get your message across and keep viewers engaged, and they help you avoid awkward silences while filming.
The thing is, though I’ve been writing them for years now, I still have trouble coming up with ideas for new ones. So when one of my friends asked me recently how he could write better video scripts himself, here’s what I told him:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Crafting an impactful video script is essential for engaging viewers and driving conversions in video marketing. |
| 2. Incorporating storytelling, humor, or emotional appeal can make your video script more engaging and memorable. |
| 3. A well-structured video script should include a compelling hook, a clear message, a call-to-action, and a strong ending. |
| 4. Keep the video script concise, aiming for around 1 to 2 minutes of content to maintain viewer interest and attention. |
| 5. While some may prefer memorizing the script, using a teleprompter can ensure a precise and consistent delivery of the content. |
Write From The Heart
This is the best advice I ever got about writing, and it’s been confirmed by many writers over the years. If you write what you know, then you have an opportunity to be authentic, since there won’t be any disconnect between what you are trying to say and how you say it.
You can also get really specific about your story or idea because of this authenticity there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind about who or what your script is about.
If you write exactly what you want to write about (or even better, something that has never been written before), then there will never be any question of whether or not people will want to see it!
The only downside here is that many scripts start off as personal projects that end up being dropped by their creators midway through because they just aren’t feasible financially or logistically given current trends in film distribution channels…
But if this doesn’t scare YOU away from starting something off-the-beaten path? Then go ahead and dive right into your next passion project!
Writing video scripts for social media marketing can be both fun and effective. Learn some amazing tips in our comprehensive guide on how to write video scripts for social media marketing that will captivate your audience and drive engagement.
Write For Your Audience
As a writer, you should always be thinking about the audience who they are, what they want to hear and see, and how you can best serve them. If you’re not sure who your target audience is, do some research on them before writing a script.
You’ll also want to make sure that your script resonates with them by being authentic and relatable.
Write What You Would Want To Hear Or See
This might seem obvious but it’s important enough that I’m going to say it twice! When writing any kind of content for any purpose (whether traditional scripts or video scripts).
We must write from our hearts and from an earnest place of wanting people around us our friends, family members, co-workers to have success because we care about their lives too much not to do so.”
Want to boost conversions through your videos? Crafting compelling video scripts is the key. Check out our article on how to write video scripts that will boost conversions and discover the secrets to creating persuasive and impactful video content.
Make It Authentic
What does it mean to be authentic? I’m glad you asked!
Authenticity means that, in your writing and your life, your words and actions reflect who you truly are. When writing a video script, the most authentic way to approach it is by being yourself.
If there’s something unique about who you are as a person or writer (like how quickly you type or the way you laugh), then share those qualities with viewers!
For example, My name is Darcy and I am an author/actor/comedian/entrepreneur who loves coffee and chocolate chip cookies. In my videos on YouTube, I talk about all these things while also trying not to fall off my chair because I’m so clumsy.
Write What You Would Want To Hear Or See
- You are the first person who sees your script and having that first impression be good will make it easier for others to read.
- If you have a strong opinion about something, then write about that. It doesn’t even have to be about video games.
- But if there’s something you feel strongly about and it can fit into your story idea, throw it in there! The more genuine emotion behind your work, the better.
Make It Personal
The best advice I got about writing video scripts can be summed up in two words: make it personal.
You might think that this is obvious. After all, how can you expect to engage viewers with a script that isn’t about something you know or care about?
But don’t forget when we’re talking about being personal, we don’t just mean making videos about ourselves and the things we like (although those are great).
We also mean showing vulnerability and being willing to show your genuine self. This means sharing parts of yourself that aren’t always easy to share but which have value nonetheless, whether they make us look good or not!
It also means being honest with our audience as well as ourselves; if there’s something in your video idea that doesn’t feel authentic or meaningful enough yet, then there’s work left for you before it becomes truly compelling content!
Master the art of video script writing with our comprehensive resource: The Ultimate Complete Guide to Video Script Writing. From structuring your script to delivering powerful messages, this guide covers it all to help you create compelling videos.
Have Fun With It
You can be a boss and still have fun with what you’re writing. If you have ever watched any of my videos, you know that I like to laugh and have fun with my scripts.
And if you’ve ever read one of my books, then you know that I also like to write in an engaging way that makes people want to keep reading.
But don’t take my word for it: here’s some advice on how to do this from the best filmmaking teacher in the world: Steven Spielberg (yes, that guy).
He said: “The key is finding something personal about yourself or your story and bringing it into the film.” So go ahead – try out some ideas!
Don’t Push The Point Too Hard
In a video script, the point must be made subtly. You can’t just throw it out there and say: “So, if you buy this product, then you’ll be better off.” That would come across as too salesy and pushy.
This is why I never use phrases like “Buy this product now.” Instead, I prefer to say something like: “And if you purchase our product today…” It’s subtle enough to get my point across without being overtly pushy or self-righteous.
It’s important not to get caught up in making yourself look good at all costs. This goes for your scripts and those of others who share their advice with the world via blogs or YouTube videos.*
Humor Doesn’t Have To Be Obvious Or Overt
I’ve been writing scripts for a long time, and in that time I’ve learned that humor doesn’t have to be obvious or overt. Some of the most memorable lines can be subtle, dry, sarcastic, or self-deprecating.
For example:
- “I don’t know how you do it.”
- “We don’t need another hero.” (Michael Jackson) * This line is so famous because it’s self-deprecating. It makes fun of Michael Jackson’s status as a celebrity.
- And even though it’s sung by him as an actor in a movie about himself, it still works because he has such charm!
Keep It Short And Sweet
The best advice I ever got about writing video scripts was to keep them short and sweet. You don’t have time to waste on flowery language or elaborate storytelling techniques when you’re writing for the web, so keep your sentences simple.
The easiest way to achieve this is by doing what we call “one point, one sentence.” In other words, each sentence should be about only one subject one topic, or point that can be clearly understood as you read it aloud.
If your script has more than one point in it, then break those points into separate paragraphs or sections of the video script.
Provide Links To More Information If Needed
When you’re writing a script, keep in mind that your video is only one part of the whole experience.
If you want people to take action after watching it, then provide links to additional information in the video description or anywhere else on your site (such as at the end of your blog post).
Consider creating a dedicated page on your website that has all of this information. You can also include an email opt-in form for readers who want to receive updates about new content from you and/or other relevant sources.
Crafting an outstanding video script is essential for making your content stand out. Our guide on how to make your video script the best it can be provides expert tips and tricks to make your videos memorable and impactful.
Don’t Be Afraid To Show Vulnerability; People Respond Well To That Quality In Others
The second thing I learned is, to be honest about my feelings. While I was still working on my first script.
I sent it off to a friend who is an experienced director and has written many scripts himself. He told me that he liked what I had written, but that there were two things he thought could be improved:
First, my main character seemed too perfect and needed some flaws. He said the audience wouldn’t relate if they saw him as being too good in every way; even Superman had Kryptonite!
So I changed this aspect of the story so that now my main character has some weaknesses (like being scared of spiders or having trouble with math).
Second, he also wanted to see more emotion from me in the script itself not just in words but also visually. He suggested showing some scenes where my character is sad or upset so that people could tell what kind of person she was under all those layers of perfection!
Be Consistent With Your Message, Whether It’s Humorous Or Serious
The next piece of advice is to be consistent with your message, whether it’s humorous or serious. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability; people respond well to that quality in others.
The last piece of advice I have for you is to show passion for what you’re talking about. There are so many great things going on in this world, and I love sharing them with my audience!
Be Willing To Show Your Genuine Self In Your Videos
Let people see the real you.
When you’re writing a script, it’s important to be willing to show your genuine self. The best way to do that is by putting your passion into the script and letting yourself shine through on camera.
This will help make the content more relatable for viewers and give them an idea of who you are as a person so they can connect with it more easily.
You should also make sure that whatever scripts or videos you create are honest about who you are as a person. If there’s something about yourself or your business that isn’t perfect, don’t be afraid of showing it in video scripts or other forms of content creation (like blogs).
People enjoy seeing vulnerability in their favorite brands because this makes them feel connected to those businesses in some way and if they feel like they can relate to a brand better than others then chances are good that they’ll buy what’s being sold!
Show Passion For What You’re Talking About
Passion is infectious. It’s the most powerful force in the world, and if you can convey your passion for whatever it is you are talking about, people will be more likely to listen to you.
If you don’t care about what you’re saying, then no one else will either. So show that you care about your topic by making sure that it shows through in your script.
Show that you are knowledgeable about your topic by using facts and data from reputable sources (like books or websites).
Show that you are passionate about your topic by including some personal examples of where this has been beneficial in your own life (or just general things like how much better life would be if everyone did X).
And lastly, show how excited this makes you by being enthusiastic when delivering the information!
Stand out from the crowd with top-notch video scripts. Check out our collection of video script writing tips that will elevate your storytelling and engage your audience on a whole new level.
Conclusion
There are so many ways to make truly engaging video content. But there’s one thing that’s essential to all of them: You have to be yourself. If you can do that, then you’ll find success in every video script you write!
Further Reading
WordStream: 6 Tips to Help You Write a Successful Video Script – Learn six valuable tips to craft an effective video script that resonates with your audience and drives results.
Making a Video Marketer: The Truths About How to Write a Script – Discover the essential truths and insights on writing a compelling script that engages viewers and communicates your message effectively.
HubSpot: How to Write a Video Script – This comprehensive guide from HubSpot covers the step-by-step process of creating a well-structured and impactful video script for your marketing efforts.
FAQs
How important is the quality of a video script for marketing success?
The quality of a video script plays a crucial role in marketing success. A well-crafted script can capture the audience’s attention, communicate the brand’s message effectively, and inspire action.
What are some key elements to include in a video script?
A video script should include a compelling hook, a clear and concise message, a call-to-action, and a strong ending that leaves a lasting impression on the viewers.
How long should a typical video script be?
The length of a video script can vary depending on the content and platform. However, in general, it is recommended to keep the script concise and to the point, aiming for around 1 to 2 minutes of video length.
How can I make my video script more engaging?
To make a video script more engaging, consider incorporating storytelling, humor, or emotional appeal. Including visuals and relevant examples can also enhance viewer engagement.
Should I memorize the script or use a teleprompter?
The approach to delivering the script can vary based on personal preference and the complexity of the content. Some prefer to memorize the script for a more natural delivery, while others use a teleprompter for a precise and consistent presentation. Choose the method that suits your style and content best.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.