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Write, Shoot, Share: How to Build an Engaging Video Script

Sep 13 / Dr. Janice R. Love

We have already established that in today’s digital world, video has emerged as one of the most powerful mediums for storytelling. Whether you're a business professional, entrepreneur, or content creator, sharing your story through video can elevate your brand, connect with your audience, and inspire action. But how do you go from having a great idea to creating a compelling video that resonates with viewers? In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps to effectively share your story from script to screen.

 

Recording a video without a script is like trying to navigate without a map—you may eventually reach your destination, but the journey will likely be scattered and inefficient. How many of you can just turn on the camera and start talking? If you can, congratulations! That’s a skill not everyone has, and I admire the ability to be so spontaneous. I hardly ever record a video without creating a script because it ensures that my message is clear, concise, and intentional.

 

Having a script or at least some notes has been my lifeline. It provides structure, helps me organize my thoughts, and ensures that I stay on track with the message I want to deliver. Without it, I’d risk forgetting important points, rambling off-topic, or not connecting as well with my audience. A script helps me feel prepared, confident, and able to deliver a message that resonates with clarity and purpose. It also saves time during editing because I’ve already mapped out the flow, visuals, and transitions.


Top 10 Tips for Creating Scripts

Over the years, I’ve improved my scriptwriting skills, and now I want to share my top tips for creating scripts that will help you produce high-quality videos to share with your clients. Writing an effective script isn’t just about putting words on paper—it’s about crafting a narrative that engages your audience, clearly communicates your message, and leads them to take action. From defining your purpose to structuring the flow and refining the dialogue, I’ve learned techniques that make the process smoother and the final product more polished. Whether you’re new to video creation or looking to improve your approach, these tips will help you create scripts that not only look professional but also connect with your clients on a deeper level.

 

1. Start with Purpose: Know Your Why

Before you begin writing, it’s essential to ask yourself: what’s the goal of this video? Are you trying to educate, inspire, entertain, or sell? Understanding your purpose helps frame everything from your tone to the call to action. Without a clear purpose, it’s easy for your message to get lost. Whether you’re trying to reach a specific audience or share valuable insights, always start with why.

 

 2. Define Your Audience: Who’s Watching?

Just like any good piece of communication, a video script should be written with the audience in mind. Who are they? What do they care about? What tone will resonate with them? If you’re speaking to professionals, your script may need a more formal tone. On the other hand, if you’re targeting a younger audience, keeping the language casual and fun may be more appropriate. The better you understand your audience, the more likely your video will connect with them.

 

3. Outline the Key Message

What’s the main takeaway from your video? After watching, what do you want the audience to remember? Before diving into the script, take time to outline the key message and supporting points. This will keep you on track and ensure the script stays focused on the essential elements. A strong message makes your video memorable and gives your viewers something to hold onto.

 

 4. Structure is Key: Beginning, Middle, End

Every great video has a clear structure. Your script should be no different. Start with a strong hook—something that grabs attention right away. This could be an intriguing question, a bold statement, or an interesting fact. Once you’ve caught their attention, lead them through the core content of your message, breaking down key points logically. Finally, end with a conclusion that reinforces the message and offers a call to action (CTA), such as visiting your website, subscribing, or sharing the video.

 

 5. Keep It Concise

One of the biggest challenges in scriptwriting is keeping it short and to the point. Viewers’ attention spans are limited, especially online. Avoid overloading your audience with too much information. Instead, focus on delivering your message in the clearest, most concise way possible. Stick to the essentials, and remember that less is often more.

 

 6. Make It Visual

Videos are a visual medium, so your script should include cues for what the audience will see as well as hear. Visual cues can include anything from images, graphics, or text overlays to specific shots or transitions. These elements work together to reinforce the message and keep the video visually engaging. For example, if you’re explaining a complex process, consider using graphics to simplify the concept for your audience.

 

7. Write for the Ear

Writing a video script is different from writing for the page. People won’t be reading your script; they’ll be hearing it. This means your language should sound natural when spoken. Avoid complex sentences, jargon, or overly formal language. Instead, use conversational language, short sentences, and an active voice to keep the script engaging and easy to follow.

 

8. End with a Call to Action

Every video should have a purpose, and your conclusion should guide the audience toward the next step. What action do you want them to take after watching? Whether it’s subscribing, visiting your website, or engaging with your content in some other way, your CTA should be clear, direct, and easy to follow.

 

 9. Refine and Revise

No script is perfect on the first draft. After writing your initial version, take time to review and revise. Read the script out loud to see how it flows. Does it sound natural? Does it stay on point? Are there areas where the message could be clearer or more engaging? Don’t be afraid to trim unnecessary parts to keep the script tight and focused.

 

10. Collaborate for Feedback

Finally, share your script with a colleague or trusted friend for feedback. A fresh set of eyes can spot things you may have missed or suggest ways to improve clarity and engagement. Collaboration often leads to a stronger final product, especially when it comes to storytelling.

 

Writing an engaging video script requires thought, creativity, and an understanding of your audience. By following these steps—starting with a clear purpose, focusing on your message, keeping it concise, and thinking visually—you’ll be able to create a script that not only resonates with your viewers but also drives them to take action. So, next time you’re preparing to hit “record,” make sure your script is locked in and ready to guide your video to success.




Don't try to wing it!

Looking back over my video production journey, some of the worst videos I have ever recorded are, without a doubt, the ones where I thought, “I’ve got this—I don’t need a script!” Spoiler alert: I did NOT have this. What started as a simple idea quickly turned into a rambling monologue that even I’m not sure I couldn’t follow. I’m talking awkward pauses, a whole bucket full of “ums” and “uhs”, and constantly forgetting my key points. At one point, I think I even asked myself out loud, “Where am I going with this?” Moral of the story? Scripts save lives—and videos.

 

Are you ready to learn more about how you can create a script for a video?  Click HERE to access your FREE Guidebook for Writing Engaging Video Scripts.

You can do it!

Dr. Janice R. Love