“The reason one writes isn’t the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say.”
~Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald
So, what do you have to say? What is so important that you need a video and an audience to pay attention to you? What do you want your audience to understand and take away from your explanatory video?
Once you have answered these questions, you can begin to write your script. We have put together a few script writing tips to help get you started.
Focus on your opening statement
The first line is what is going to hook your viewer. Introductions may bore the audience, so perhaps start out with stating a problem (hint: you are the solution). Just remember, you want people to want to watch your video, so what is interesting to you, may not be the average person.
Remember the concept of your story
Each line matters; there is no room for error when writing a script for a minute-long video. Under certain circumstances there is often room for the opportunity to use humor as we see in the Dollar Shave Club video, but take care not to overdo it. A simple misinterpretation of humor can be disastrous.
Once you have answered this question, you can move onto concepts and web video styles.
Pay attention to transitions
When you are watching your web video post-production, be sure to pay attention to the transitions. While it seems perfectly normal to you to cut to the picture of a man tripping up the stairs, the rest of us are left scratching our heads. Why did he trip? Is that part of the product? And why is he orange?
Consult a friend
Sometimes having an unbiased friend watch the final product can help…just to be sure. Your online video is more likely to have positive results if it begins with a good script. So make sure every line counts and adds something important to your overall goal.
