The mention of a training video is generally met with sighs and resistance – but it doesn’t have to be that way. A poorly written, or executed, script has the power to put the audience to sleep before the first sentence is over. However, if done correctly, allows you to bring life to the video if there is none or make an uninteresting topic sound like a new trend that everyone’s in on. Short sentences, humor, and a conversational tone are but some of the tips explained below. A well-structured script paired with a video created by The Michael Group will leave the audience wanting more.
Narrative structure allows you to manipulate the order of key points in an attempt to tell a better story. In other words, you need to look at a training script as a story that has to be told. This will help you define the key points of the video before the script is written. Think of your key points as the elements of plot in a novel. Narrative structure, among many factors, contributes greatly to keeping your audience captivated.
The video you create will need to communicate your key points that you want to be heard. This video is not only about what you want to say to the audience, but rather finding a way to say it that resonates with them. No matter how old we get, everybody loves a good story.
When one sentence is the length of a paragraph, there is bound to be confusion or misinterpretation. Short, to the point, sentences make sure that your message will be heard clearly.
When setting the tone of a video, you need to keep in mind your target audience. A formal tone generally means longer sentences and shorter attention spans. A conversational tone, however, allows you to speak to your audience and not at them. It makes them feel like you are talking directly to them, as opposed to talking to a camera. Using words like “you” instead of “individuals” or “users” creates a rapport with the viewers.
Humor, whether through on-screen animation or the script itself, can be very effective if timed correctly. Humor has the power to make a bland message memorable, but if used incorrectly can distract the viewer from grasping the message all together.
The first 30 seconds are crucial to the success of a video. It needs to grab the attention of the viewer, not giving them an opportunity to lose interest. These first few seconds need to communicate why the video was made and how the audience will benefit from it.
Each video varies but a guideline to keeping a good talking pace, is to stay between 125 to 150 words per minute. Where the dialogue is more technical, correct timing allows the viewers to take in and make sense of what is being said, without losing track.
Don’t make the mistake of repeating to the viewers, what they can already see taking place in the video. Rather provide more information regarding the action or elaborate on the purpose of performing it. This saves time and keeps the audience interested.
Incorporating some good tips on script writing can change the way people view training videos. If you have a script but no video to match, feel free to contact us for a strong creative support. Offering a full range of multimedia services, our team is be happy to help your vision become a reality.
