I’m going to be honest with you: when I first started working on the Spry video scripts, I had no idea what I was doing. In fact, if someone had told me that a video script even existed back then, I probably would have thought they were crazy.
But over time especially after dealing with some of our more creative writers I’ve learned that writing for video is different from writing in any other medium.
And if you’re thinking about making your videos or just want to learn how to write better (which can always come in handy), here are 15 things I’ve learned about writing video scripts over my last few years here at Spry:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Video scripts are essential for engaging and impactful content. |
| 2. Writing an effective script involves clear messaging and CTA. |
| 3. Engage your audience with compelling storytelling techniques. |
| 4. Tailor video scripts to suit the platform and target audience. |
| 5. Utilize tools and templates to streamline the scriptwriting process. |
Write For The Ear, Not The Eye
One of the most important things you can do when writing a script is to tailor it to how the video will be consumed. For example, if your video is going to be viewed on mobile devices, then it’s best if you use short sentences and simple words that are easy for the eye to follow.
If you want viewers to watch your video all the way through without clicking away from it or fast-forwarding through sections (or worse yet, scrolling past without watching), then make sure your script reads like something you’d hear in person.
You don’t want to write like a novelist that would only frustrate people who are just trying to get information quickly. Instead, strive for clarity and brevity while maintaining an engaging voice throughout each sentence of dialogue or narration.
To achieve this goal:
Use short sentences instead of long ones; avoid compound sentences altogether unless absolutely necessary (e.g., when conveying complex ideas).
Writing a compelling video script is essential for engaging your audience. Learn the fundamentals of video script writing and create captivating videos that leave a lasting impact.
Break The Fourth Wall
A fourth wall break is a technique where the characters acknowledge the audience’s presence and/or discuss the filming process. This can help to make your video more engaging and connect with viewers.
For example, if you’re creating a cooking video about how to boil eggs, you could have an imaginary conversation between yourself and someone watching your video.
You could say something like: “Yes, I know that it’s hard to get eggshells out of boiled eggs without breaking them. That’s why I use this secret trick! Now let me show you…”
Another way to break the fourth wall is by having one of your characters speak directly to their audience during the script. For example: “Hi everyone! This is my friend Jane Smith who created this awesome blog post about how she built her online business.”
Keep It Short And Sweet
Keep it short and sweet. When it comes to writing video scripts, less is more. You don’t need to write a novel or an epic poem. If you can get your point across in fewer words, all the better!
And yes, this means deleting any sentences that add nothing valuable to your script and even some of them that do add something but could be cut down further. Don’t be afraid of getting rid of the fluff; nobody wants a boring video when they could have one that’s exciting!
If someone else is going to be reading your script aloud while filming their own video (which is often how these things work), then keep this person in mind when writing out your script as well.
Think about whether or not their voice will match up well with yours if it were read aloud if not, consider changing things around so that it does fit better.
Also, think about whether there are any words or phrases in your scripts that might distract from the message being conveyed by these videos if so.
Consider removing those parts entirely until you’re ready for them again later on down the line when editing time comes around again soon after completion shot time has ended up happening either way before moving forward again forever onwards never stopping forever onwards ever onward without stopping.
Since none exists anyway since no one knows where anything ends up once they stop their day jobs long enough during breaks between shifts at work which happens.
Only rarely nowadays due to times lack thereof availability lack thereof resources needed to make sure everything stays on schedule before starting preproduction phase
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Mix It Up With Text
One of the best ways to get more creative with your writing is not just to write sound-alike scripts, but also to use text in an interesting way. Text can be used to support audio, tell a story, add visuals and communicate with your audience.
Use text to add support for audio. Sometimes you’ll want to introduce or explain something that’s not directly being said on camera.
This could be anything from where they are or why they’re there, to what’s happening in the background at any given moment (such as people holding up signs). You can also use this tactic when you have timecode in mind such as “on screen” or “as we go along.”
Use text when telling a story visually through scriptwriting rather than verbally speaking it out loud yourself. By using this approach, you can keep things interesting while still staying true to the content of what needs explaining without having them read aloud by themselves off camera!
Focus On Your Story
Now that you’ve done your research and have a better idea about what you want to say, it’s time to figure out how your video script should look.
When writing a script for any type of video content, it’s important to focus on the story you’re telling. This means that every scene in your script needs to move the story forward. If there’s no reason for what’s being said or shown on screen, then it needs to be cut from the final product.
Another thing that’s important when writing scripts is staying focused on the message or emotion or inspiration that you want to convey throughout each scene.
Why? Because this is what will keep viewers engaged until they’ve finished watching their favorite videos and hopefully long after they’ve watched them!
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Write Like A Human(Being)
You may have heard the advice “write like you talk,” but that doesn’t mean you should write as if you’re talking to yourself.
Don’t come off as overly formal or overly casual either. Instead, aim for a conversational tone that’s appropriate for your audience and the subject matter of your video script.
If you’ve ever argued with someone about something mundane maybe about whether or not it’s okay to use a plastic bag at the grocery store you know how emotions can run high when it comes to things like this (and let’s face it: most things).
That’s why it’s important to think about what kind of person you are communicating with in writing before sitting down at your computer screen or grabbing pen and paper (or fingers and keyboard). If they were real people standing right in front of you, how would they respond?
If they were strangers who didn’t know anything about your topic or situation, what would they want to know? How could I explain this topic in such a way that anyone else could easily learn from my experience?
Make It Easy To Digest (And Share!)
If you’re creating a video that will live on the internet, make sure the title and description are short and memorable. Something like: “Animated gifs of dogs being cute.”
This way, someone who sees your post in their Facebook feed will be able to remember it later when they’re looking for something funny or cute.
Plus, with a short URL like “animated-gifs-of-dogs” or “cute-animated-gifs,” people will be able to easily pass along your video link via email or text message.
Use Simple Language That Everyone Understands
If you’re writing content for an audience that doesn’t speak English as their first language (or even if they do), consider adding closed captions so listeners can read along with what’s being said during important moments in the video script.
This will help them follow along more easily than if they relied solely on sound alone plus anyone who wants access extra info about whatever topic is being discussed will have access regardless of whether they understand spoken words!
Don’t Forget About Context!
To make your video script as mobile-friendly as possible, avoid using words with long and complicated pronunciations. For example, the word “renter” is much easier to read than its cousin “renter.” It’s also important to make sure that your script is easy to understand.
Before you begin writing out your script in full, create an outline of what points need to be covered in each section and how they’re organized. It’s generally easier to write a good outline than it is to write a good draft of something (especially if it’s technical).
If you don’t know how things will go together yet, just jot down some bullet points or short phrases that describe what will happen in each section of the video these can serve as reminders when you start writing more details later on!
Mastering the art of YouTube video script writing can take your channel to new heights. Explore these 10 expert tips on YouTube video script writing and create videos that resonate with your audience.
Embrace The Silent Film
You can’t have a great video without good sound. Just like in theater, the audience needs to hear what’s going on. Of course, you can’t just put a mic in front of your actors and expect that you’ll get stellar results. It takes preparation, talent and patience.
Your music also needs to be perfect for your video script if you want it to be effective at telling a story or evoking emotion. If there isn’t enough music or it doesn’t fit with the mood of the scene, then there’s no way that it’ll work out well for your film project!
And editing is an important part of making sure that everything else goes smoothly from splicing together footage from different sources (or even just filming new stuff) into one cohesive piece.
So that none other parts feel out-of-place when viewed together later on down through this article about how editing affects everything else like cinematography and writing/directing etcetera…
Don’t Get Lost In Production Value
One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is getting caught up in all of the little details of video production.
Whether it’s the perfect font for your titles, or a killer track that sets just the right mood for your intro, you’ll want to avoid getting so wrapped up in these details that you lose sight of what really matters: telling your story!
Keep in mind that the story is more important than the production value.
The goal with any scriptwriting is to tell a compelling story while also demonstrating an understanding of basic narrative structure and character development and if you have trouble doing this on paper, then it will be even more difficult when speaking off-the-cuff and on camera!
So don’t worry about how good (or bad) your video looks just focus on delivering an engaging performance as best as possible…and then let us take care of everything else!
Bounce Around Your Script Before Shooting Anything
As a writer, you want to make sure that whoever is reading your material understands what’s going on. In order to do this, it’s important for them to be able to follow along with the storyline.
The best way to do this is by making sure that your script has been edited and rewritten several times before filming anything. This will allow you more time for rewrites and editing during production so that everything goes smoothly once filming starts.
If you’re working in an office environment with other people who have written scripts before.
Then they can help provide feedback when it comes time for editing or rewriting those scripts so that they are better understood by others who read them later on down the road (such as bosses or clients).
Listen To The Professionals
The pros are a great resource for learning how to write better scripts. We highly encourage you to listen to them!
But wait, what if you don’t know any professional writers? Not to worry: there’s no shortage of information out there.
You can find scripts written by pros in the writing section at your local library or bookstore. Or, if you’re feeling particularly inspired today (and have time on your hands), just Google “script.” You’ll find plenty of examples online.
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Allow Room For Improvisation
Improvisation is a key element of filmmaking. It helps the actors get into character and develop their own ideas, while also providing the director with fresh footage that can be used in editing.
The most famous improv-heavy movies are The Blues Brothers and Clerks, but there are plenty of others too: Airplane!, The Producers, Lost In Translation (which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay).
In order to write for improvisation you’ll need to know how much script is needed before filming starts so that actors have enough context to play off each other effectively;
Whether there will be multiple cameras rolling simultaneously or not; and whether the scenes need pre-planning or not.
Conclusion
You can use these tips to make your videos better, but if you’re a beginner or just getting started with video scripts, don’t worry!
As long as you have a passion for your subject matter and a willingness to listen to constructive criticism from others (like us), then we’re sure that even if this is the first time you’ve written one, it won’t be the last.
Further Reading
WordStream: Video Script Writing Guide Learn the essentials of video script writing from WordStream’s comprehensive guide, perfect for improving your video marketing strategies.
Animoto: How to Write a Video Script Animoto’s blog offers valuable insights and tips on writing video scripts that captivate audiences and boost engagement.
Synthesia: Tips for Crafting a Compelling Video Script Enhance your video scripting skills with Synthesia’s expert tips and techniques for creating compelling and impactful video content.
FAQs
What are the key elements of an effective video script?
An effective video script should have a clear and concise message, a compelling story or narrative, a strong call-to-action, and engaging visuals.
How can I make my video script more engaging?
To make your video script more engaging, use conversational language, incorporate humor or emotional appeal, and tailor it to your target audience’s interests.
What’s the ideal length for a video script?
The ideal length of a video script varies depending on the platform and content. In general, keep it concise and focused to maintain viewer interest.
How do I structure a video script for storytelling?
A video script for storytelling should have a well-defined beginning, middle, and end, with a clear conflict and resolution that captivates the audience.
Are there any tools to help me write a video script?
Yes, there are various tools available, such as scriptwriting software and online templates, that can assist in crafting a well-structured video script.
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.