Key elements of script writing.
When writing a script, there will be key elements that you’ll want to ensure you have to make your video stand out. These key elements may vary from script to script, but having the basics will help when you’re writing.
- Objective. What is the script for? Is this a product launch, or product focus, a case study or behind-the-scenes? Do you want to gain followers, make a sale or get people to your website? Knowing what you want the script to do will go a long way in helping you write it.
- Target audience. Who will watch the video? New customers, prospects, or existing customers looking for a new product. You may have different audiences for different videos so make sure you have this right for each script.
- Intro hook. The first 3-5 seconds of a video are crucial. Make sure you capture the audience’s attention with something that’s interesting or useful to them. Thay way they’re more likely to keep watching.
- Value proposition. What are they going to get out of this video? Based on your objective, you need to write the script to deliver a value proposition that directly speaks to the viewer.
- Storytelling. The video should flow; having a good story will help with that. You want to give the viewer some information, but you don’t want it to seem like you’re talking at them.
- Concise language. As with storytelling, you want to make sure the language is easy to follow and understand. Avoid using technical jargon where possible and keep on point.
- Positioning. Think about where you want your brand to sit in the minds of your target audience. You want to stand out and be noticed, but why is your product better than your competitors?
- Timings. If you’re using your script as a narration over the video, you’ll want to make sure your voiceover matches with the scenes in your video. Having the timings in your script can help, but remember not to overload the script as the voiceover could sound rushed.
- Visual treatments. How will the rest of the video look? Are you going to have a presenter, or will the script be a voiceover for a presentation-style video? Whichever you choose, picking the right visual treatment needs to be added to the script, with direction and information for either the designer or the presenter.
- CTA. Don’t forget your call to action at the end, this is the whole reason for your script. Make sure you’re confident it can inspire the viewer to take the next step, for example visiting your website or getting in touch for further information.
How to write a script.
Now that we have the key elements for your script, you should get your ideas down and start writing. It might sound daunting but our guide will help you with the basics so you can write a script for any video you’re creating.
1. Think of a concept for your script.
The first place to start is the concept and what your script will do. Consider the objectives you decided and think of how meeting these would look. Focus on working out some ideas, doing research and checking out competitor or peer videos. This process will be the basis of your script and video – just like a film script, you need to be aware of what the plot or concept will be. However, you’re not plotting a feature film, so make sure your concept can fit a much shorter video.
2. Decide on key characters.
Next, think about who will be in the video. Do you want it to be the sales team only, or maybe an expert from the business? Whoever it is, you want to make sure the script they’re using allows them to speak naturally and conversationally. In a TV script, for example, you might not know who you’ll be casting so having a neutral voice to start with is probably a good idea.
3. Plan out your narrative.
When looking at a script, you should also look at how to map out the narrative and what this will look like as an overall video. You can use things like a roadmap tool or a flowchart to get you started and work out how the video will look so you can plan your script.
4. Write, write, write.
Now, you have everything you need, you just need to write! Think about those key elements we discussed: your audience, your value proposition, and make sure you have the right language. Everything you’ve got in your concept and narrative will help you to write a winning script for any video you make.
5. Review, refine and share.
You’re not alone in your scriptwriting – get other stakeholders involved and collaborate until the script is exactly as you want. Get it reviewed by those who need to sign it off and discuss any refinements or adjustments. It’s also a good idea to check that it works with existing brand campaigns and uses the same tone of voice and branding as your company.
Why use scripts for your business?
Writing scripts for business, whether it’s for videos, livestreams, podcasts or customer service representatives, can give your business more consistent messaging, especially across departments. Many businesses want to improve communications between customers, sales teams and customer-facing departments, and a script will give those departments the guidance they need to effectively help customers no matter what the issue. This can also lead to improved leads and sales as prospects are hearing the same messaging across all channels and feel secure in that.
Scripts can also be used in training and onboarding modules, allowing new hires to have a better experience when starting a new job, as well as ensuring that all training is consistent across the board.
No matter what you use it for, a script can become a vital part of your marketing assets.
Script examples for film, TV, presentations and more.