7 Quick Script Writing Tips
This infographic provides insights on how to write a script for a video. Specifically, it hits on seven main points that will guide you through the process. Fun fact: The sample depicted in the infographic is a real life script for a medical client’s educational video. Look over the tips, then scroll down to watch the final resulting video!
Watch the finished “Diabetes: High Blood Sugar” video from the sample script below. It goes to show the difference a solid script has of the final product!
If you need assistance with script writing—or any aspect of your video for that matter—Silverback can help. Contact us or call 866.828.8384.
When it comes to video, a script is always in place before anyone ever yells “Action!”. The script is your game plan for the whole video from start to finish. Use these tips to write your own!
1. BEGIN WITH YOUR VIDEO GOAL
Take the time to do a little pre-writing. Consider your audience, the type of video, where your viewer will see your video, and what questions it aims to answer.
2. GET TO KNOW SCRIPT STRUCTURE
List important video details at the top: title, version number, and date. Below that are two columns: Video and Audio. The video column describes what the viewer will see. The Audio column includes the actual voiceover (VO) text and/or dialogue. It will also cue music and sound effects. Our team finds it helpful to number each scene in a third column to enable quick scene references and to better organize audio, video, and animation clips.
3. TELLING YOUR STORY
The flow of your video should lead the viewer through your concept logically with a call to action at the end.
4. USE ACTIVE LANGUAGE
Bland language can cut the impact of a video. Entice the viewer with descriptive action words.
5. THINK ABOUT VOICE TALENT
Envision the voice while you write. Is it a strong female lead? Maybe it calls for an intellectual british accent.
If your talent will be reading from this script directly while recording, try using pronunciation breakdowns on difficult words and writing out large numbers. Make it an easy read.
6. SPOKEN VS. WRITTEN WORD
You’re not writing a novel, so there’s no reason to use overly formal language. As a rule of thumb, keep the dialogue and voiceover conversational. There are words you would write, but probably not say in conversation. Do consider your audience. If your target viewers are sophisticated, for instance, speak in a manner that is appropriate. Read your script out loud to a colleague. Chances are you’ll notice any words and phrases that feel awkward.
7. KEEP IT SHORT & SIMPLE
It’s best to keep your message to the point. One or two pages should do the trick. Revise your script a few times, reading it out loud, to find passages that can be eliminated or cut down. For complex messages, consider breaking it out into a series of short videos.
READY, SET, WRITE!
Now you should be able to write a script like a pro! Well, it may take a little practice. If you have questions or need assistance with your video script, give us a call at 866.828.8384 or reach out here.
