17 Mar
Video is the content to create more than ever. But here's the thing, you may not know where to start. Luckily for you, Capté is here to help you. Every good video will start with a video script to captivate your audience. The script will allow you to structure your thoughts, to be efficient during the shooting and editing but also to keep your audience throughout the video. In addition, the video script can make it easier for you to transcript. So, in this article we will reveal you all the secrets to write a good video script.
Why write a video script in the first place?
Still not convinced of the usefulness of a video script? Don't worry, read on and you'll understand why we insist you start with a script.
Designing a good video script will to make your life easier and allow you to effectively define :
- the different vocal passages : dialogues, voice over, music...
- the different scenes with the actions of each person and what happens
- the instructions for spinning planes (e.g.: diving, counter diving, general shot, American shot, lights to use...)
- the instructions for the assembly : sound design, subtitlingspecial effects...
In fact, the video script goes a little serve as your roadmap. And it will allow you to plan more easily and especially not to forget anything. Thanks to this tool, your message will be more structured and clear. With a good script, you ensure that your audience's attention is kept throughout your video. To create a good video script for a captivating video, there are 9 rules to follow and we'll share them with you.
The benefits of a video script for a compelling video
As seen above, a video script is very useful but it also has many other advantages!
Activates the imagination
The video script is theequivalent of a storyboard in textual version. However, you can add notes, sketches... when you read it again you will probably make adjustments or add ideas. The script allows you to have an overview of the video you want to make, it is there to help you create your video to make it even more impactful.
Allows an efficient transmission of your message, information
We repeat ourselves but the video script will really help you structure your information for a clear and concise message. As a result, your video will be more effective. The message is the main thread of your video.
Create a video of your own
Thanks to the script, you will be able to reflect your brand image or personality in the video. Include taglines, keywords that match you will become a child's play and you will have a video that looks like you.
Save time on the shoot
With the script, you'll know everything you need during the shoot. The script is a bit of a the roadmap of your shooting. Lighting, shots, scenes, dialogues... everything is written, all you have to do is shoot. And since you know exactly what to expect, you'll save time.
Save time in assembly
Everything is in the script. The voice-overs, special effects... are written, already integrated into the script and delivered with it. The editor will have all the elements in hand, which will save him time. The script can also be used as a transcription of the video and be used for subtitling. But to save even more time, the editor can use a tool like Capté for automatic subtitling once the video is edited
Facilitate your interviews
The script is also a way to effective way to structure your interviews You write your questions and send them to your speaker, who can prepare and structure his answers. This upstream work can also save you time when editing since your speaker may have fewer hesitations and therefore there will be fewer moments to cut.
Controlling the length and budget of the video
Finally, the script will allow you to avoid having a video that is too long or too short or even too expensive. With a video script, you know where you stand and you can say bye-bye to the scenes filmed unnecessarily and that will not be integrated into the editing. Save time and moneyThe script is a tool you won't be able to do without.
5 things to do before you start writing a video script
Chop chop, before you start writing your script, you need to ask yourself 5 questions. The answers will allow you to know what to include in your script. Yes, because an impactful and engaging video is going to be a video that resonates with your target audience.
Who is your target?
Who do you want to send a message to? Who do you want to address? Knowing your target is one of the most important things in marketing or communication. So don't lose sight of who you're talking to. Your video content will be adapted to your target. By knowing your target, you will know the tone to use, the dose of friendliness or formality that is appropriate ... You will also know on which platform to share your video and depending on that you should also adapt the format and / or tone appropriate.
What does your target need?
Once your target is well identified and in mind, put yourself in his place to meet his needs in your video. Identify the needs of your target audience and address them in your script.
What message, what information do you want to convey?
You have identified your target and its need, it is now time to clearly define the message you want to convey. You probably already have your idea in mind but you need to refine it because it will be the main thread of your script and therefore of your video. Your message is the solution you will bring to your target's problem. What is your proposal? How is your solution unique?
What emotion do you want to convey?
Once you have defined your strong message, you need to think by what emotional means to transmit it. A video that provides emotion always has more impact and chances to go viral.
What action do you want your audience to take at the end of the video?
Here is the last question you need to ask yourself. Your video is intended to generate an action from your target, what is it? Your script must include a CTA (Call to action) so make sure you know it before you start writing it.
Your CTA can be about :
- Making contact
- Sharing your video
- Making an appointment
- Downloading the application
- The transition to purchase
- Newsletter registration
- …
The 9 rules for writing a (very) good video script
Once all the preliminary steps are over, it's finally time to write the script! Ready to go?
1. Structure your thoughts
As we have seen, the goal of the script is to make your message clear while keeping your audience until the end of your video. For this you need structure your script in a logical way and it's okay because you probably learned it in school: introduction, development and solution.
The introduction
You start your script by showing that you know and understand your target. You expose the problem she is facing or show the needs she has.
The development
You exhibit your product or service. You show how you are the solution and how you can help your target. This is the time to convince your target, to highlight your expertise and to show how you are unique.
The conclusion
This is where you will place your CTA, as seen above. You have to make it clear to your community what to do. On YouTube, for example, this is when the YouTuber asks for a like or a subscription. You, here, can ask for a contact or a subscription to the newsletter, depending on what you have defined.
2. Pay attention to your catchphrase
In a video, the first 3 seconds are decisive. It is thanks to them that you will attract the attention of your audience. So don't miss out.
Here are some suggested openings:
- Excerpts from your video
- An open question
- An exclamation
- Impactful figures
- ….
It's up to you and don't hesitate to be innovative.
3. Focus on storytelling
We have already written several articles on it but storytelling is really a good method. And yes, everyone likes stories and it brings emotions and is easy to remember. And most importantly, it holds the attention throughout your video. Whatever you want for your video.
So we'll have to perfect your storytelling. Here are some tips:
- Keep the suspense alive don't go into details from the start, it keeps your audience's attention
- Amplifies emotions a little exaggeration will intrigue your audience and help them remember better (like in a LinkedIn post "I am extremely pleased..." for example)
- Humanize your message It is important that your audience can easily identify with you, take concrete examples, if you talk about someone give him a first name
- Stimulates the imagination Make reference to movies or books, use metaphors, transpose situations, your audience must be able to imagine what you say
4. Uses simple and precise language
The larger your audience, the more you should avoid using technical language, and if you do, be sure to specify the terms.
Be clear and concise in your choice of words and sentences :
- Avoid overly technical language, acronyms, complex words
- Uses simple and accessible words
- Explain any complex terms if you use them
- Use the present tense
Use a simple language allows your audience to better understand and remember your video.
5. Be brief
It is estimated that the attention span of Internet users is about 8 secondsYou can see why it is important to be concise. So avoid disgressions. Your script should be as simple as possible to be effective. In addition, depending on the destination platform you choose, a maximum duration is defined.
To be brief, keep in mind:
- One script = one idea. You have a problem to which you bring a solution. If you have several problems then write a script for each one.
- Keep your sentences short15 to 20 words. Beyond that, the message becomes more difficult to understand and retain.
- Avoids repetition : it doesn't bring anything and it annoys the audience.
6. Visualize your script and picture it
Of course your script is mostly text but nothing prevents you from adding images of what you imagine (e.g.: moodboard, sketch...). After all, the script is meant to become your video, so it's a visual element. as much as to project.
If you rely on data or want to integrate documents into your video, this is also an opportunity to add them.
Adding visual content to your script will save you time when shooting and also when editing.
7. End your video with clear CTA
CTA = Call to action.
As seen above, your script and video should end with a CTA to be effective and engaging. A CTA can be to ask to visit your site to bring traffic, to download the white paper to highlight your expertise, to give his email to send your newsletter ...
Here, you need to remind your audience why they are watching the videoWhat is the final action to be taken.
8. Refine the script and optimize the duration
Take your script and a stopwatch, read your script out loud. Why? To fine-tune the script and optimize the duration. By reading it, you will have a rough idea of the length of your video. To give you an idea, as of now, one minute of video is usually 160 to 220 words.
If your text is too long, remove unnecessary words and rework your sentences and script. You can also change the wording for shortcuts.
9. Get someone to proofread your script
By dint of having our heads in the script, we know it by heart and it becomes complicated to have some distance. To solve this problem, a review by someone outside the project can be very helpful. This allows :
- Ensure that the script is easily understandable
- To correct any errors
- Ensure that the tone and message are in line with your objectives
And once you get past that stage, that's it, you're ready to shoot!!!
Now it's your turn!
And that's it!
You have all the keys in hand to write the perfect video script for an engaging and impactful video! So grab your pen and start writing your script
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