The Second Step Toward Making Learning Videos: Writing The Script

Write the Script is the “Video for Learning” course’s second module. In this blog post, I discuss the importance of storytelling in video, and explain how to structure a script in a way that engages and captivates viewers to help them learn! This module is packed with tips and templates.

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Before Writing the Script

1. Mindset

The Four Parts of the Scriptwriter’s Mindset

Let it go…It’s not yours
Be consistent
Share error-free
Simple and concise makes everything nice

You are writing for others. Let go of your fixation on being right and having it your way. The power of your writing will come through as you give your client and their audience what they need. Firmly present your ideas, but be willing to change how they want it. Be consistent in tone, voice, and style throughout your writing and published drafts. Sharing error-free writing versions will legitimize your authority as a good writer. Finally, a good writer is concise. Omit needless words. Mastering the scriptwriter’s mindset will set you up to write your own scripts.

2. Reverse Scriptwriting

Reverse scriptwriting is studying a finished video to discover how experts produce interesting and useful videos. You will learn how to recognize the audio, visuals, and editing methods used in a professional video by using a three-column script template in this lesson. You can gain an understanding of the components that go into creating a successful video by watching the video in brief segments and pausing to take notes on what you see and hear. Through this process, you can create a mental picture of what a video should sound like and how it should look, which you can use to develop your own script. You will discover your scriptwriting strengths and weaknesses by reviewing your work and comparing it to the final product. Knowing how to reverse write a script will help you craft a compelling narrative script of your own. .

3. Process

To become a video script writer, you need The Writing Process for Learning Videos! The three phases of creating a learning video script are research/pre-write, drafting, and revising. You organize your ideas, ponder questions to help shape the script, and find inspiration from related works during the research/pre-write stage. As the writer, you will write the initial draft of the script during the draft stage. It is important to ensure the dialogue and narration are succinct and to the point. Once you have completed the initial draft, you will enter the revision phase. During this phase, you will polish the script and seek input from your peers. You will repeat this process until you are content with the final script.

3. The Formulas

The quest to write better video scripts for learning requires practice. Using templates and formulas to speed up the process will help you. The five common storytelling formulas (lecture, how-to, explainer, screencast, and micro) for learning video will help you build upon proven forms that your learning audiences will expect. As you craft your scripts using these formulas, always keep sight of the purpose of the learning video: to improve the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the learner. By using the formulas, you will rapidly harness your ability to craft a compelling story.

Step 2: Write the Script

Now that you learned about the four sections: Mindset, Reverse Writing, Process, and Formulas, you are ready to write the script.

Writing a script is easier if you use my three-column script template and one of the five formulas.

The VFL course offers you in-depth lessons on each of the four topics above as well as a bonus section aptly named, Learn More module that includes these topics

How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs to Write Faster
Must-Have Scriptwriting Skills

Summary

Writing a script that engages and informs can be a compelling story, if you master the Scriptwriter’s Mindset, Reverse Writing, Process, and Formulas. To learn more about these key concepts and write a VFL script, consider signing up for the “Video for Learning” course or subscribing to the newsletter. With in-depth lessons on these topics, you’ll be on your way to mastering video production for learning purposes.

Helpful Links

Share Error-free Drafts – Part 3 of the Scriptwriter’s Mindset
The Mindset for Writing Learning Videos
Writing Scripts for Learning Videos – Ultimate Guide
The Writing Process for Learning Videos
Scriptwriting for Learning Video
Shhh! Scriptwriter’s Secret: Use these Formulas to Write your Training Video Scripts – VIDEO
Two of the Best Training Video Formulas
Three Learning Video Storytelling Formulas

Do you want to learn how to make your own videos like a pro?

Contact me today if you want to learn more about how to make your own or look for the link down below to sign up for the online course. And I can’t wait to help you on your journey.