Video Script: How to Write a Video Script in 2023

This blog post is all about how to write a video script from scratch.

When you see sales reps closing deals just like that using videos, you know there’s a lot of work that went into them.

But it isn’t just about sitting and talking in front of the camera. It’s about originality, detailed planning, and team efforts.

And above everything, it's about writing a compelling video script - one that hooks your prospect and communicates your message effectively.

Scripting is the soul of video production. The quality of your script will determine how your video turns out.

Even if you have a great product and selling point, without a great script, your video is likely to flop.

However, creating a video script can feel intimidating (especially if you’re a scriptwriting newbie).

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to create a rad video script for your next sales pitch. Plus, we’ll also unpack some best practices, so you can create professional-looking and interesting videos in a jiffy.

Let’s begin!

What is a Video Script?

A video script is a structured plan of what you’re going to say and do in your video.

It is the foundation of your video that helps you organize your message and includes various elements, such as screen descriptions, dialogues, camera cues, directions, etc.

When writing the script, you can jot down the main bullet points and just present them in front of the camera, especially if you’re familiar with the subject matter.

Or, you can script every word and make it as detailed as possible. Doing this will not only keep you organized during the shoot but will also save you a mountain of time later.

How to Write an Excellent Video Script: Step-by-Step

Are you putting off creating an effective video script because you’re not sure how to start? We know the struggle!

And that's why we have simplified it for you! Here are five steps you should take.

Define Your Goals

While you may be tempted to crank out scripts right away, it's a good idea to pause and think about why you are making the video in the first place.

Defining your goals allows you and your team to answer the most important questions so everyone involved in creating the video is on the same page.

Without a crystal clear purpose, your script will lack direction and focus. Or worse, it will likely lose your viewer’s interest.

Here are a few questions you can start with to get the ball rolling:

What is the purpose of your video? Is it to get that first response from the prospect, or make them book a session with you?
What problems are you trying to address?
At what stage of the sales funnel the video will be placed?
What are the key takeaways from the video?
What action should the prospect take after watching the video?

Only when you’ve answered these questions will you be able to write a focused and engaging script that entices your prospect.

You might be tempted to address multiple topics and key takeaways in your video.

Don’t.

Rather, focus on achieving one goal in your video. Too much information can complicate the message and confuse the viewer.

Identify Your Audience

This brings us to the next step: Identifying your target audience to pivot your video efforts in the right direction.

Let’s face it; your target customer is not “everyone”. You can’t please every person in the world. But some people are interested in your product. And once you figure out who they are, you’ve found your target niche.

Narrowing down your audience is essential to free yourself from chasing unprofitable leads. The better you understand, the more you’ll be able to focus and reach the audience most likely to convert into customers.

While defining your audience, ask yourself:

What is their age, location, educational background, occupation, income, marital status, etc.? What language do they speak?
What social media platforms do they prefer?
How do they like to spend their time? What topics do they find interesting?
What are their pain points? How can you solve them?
Why should they watch your videos? How can you mold your video script to make it engaging for them?

Once you know these things, create a video script that not only hooks your audience but also shows how your product helps them.

Remember: You might have a great product ready for the world, but if you can’t convince your audience they need it, then your product is a FAIL.

Write Your First Draft

Now it’s time for the real script-writing work.

Let’s be honest; the first draft of your video script is going to be messy - we mean, really messy. And that’s more than fine!

But you have to start from somewhere.

So, create a detailed outline, including everything that will happen and be said in your video. Feel free to add the points you’re not sure of, as the final editing is yet to be done.

Not only does this help you have a clear understanding of where you want your video to go, but also helps you figure out what equipment you need and what it might look like to your potential customers.

Generally, video scripts are written in the same tried-and-tested structure. However, it’s a good idea to experiment with whichever structure you find interesting.

If you’re stuck, the following framework can help you understand what elements to include for a well-balanced video script:

Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction of yourself and the topic you’ll be covering.
Purpose: Explain why you are reaching out.
Main content: Explain your main points. Arrange them in a way that creates a compelling storyline.
CTA: Insert a call-to-action at the end to encourage your viewers to take some action.
Thank You: Express gratitude by thanking them for watching your video.

Edit to Perfection

When you feel you’ve covered everything in your draft, the hard part begins.

Editing is the most fun yet intense part of writing a video script. It’s where the story comes together.

But how do you edit a video script exactly? Here’s a quick video script editing checklist:

You’ve spent hours preparing your first draft. So before you edit it, take some time to recharge your creative juices. You’ll be surprised to notice how much a world of difference it can make.

Format your script to avoid visual cues from mixing up with the narrative. Create the script such that anybody on the team can read it easily, not just the writers.
Cut out everything unnecessary. Ask yourself: do I need this line or paragraph? If you don’t, remove it. Don’t say “in order to’ when you can say ‘to’ instead.
The more you show, the better. If a concept can be presented visually instead of being described out loud, move it into the ‘video section’ of your script.

Remember: You will have to go through at least two rounds of editing, sometimes more. If at any point you feel tired, take some time off. Because any unnoticed errors and loopholes here will dampen the overall video quality.

Finalize Your Masterpiece

Now that your script is near the finale, it’s time to make sure it is well-proofed.

Read your script out loud to locate any grammatical or tonal issues. Because some words or phrases sound natural on paper than they do out loud, reading can help you better understand the flow and message of your script.

Follow this up with feedback from your team (or anyone willing to). Sometimes a set of fresh eyes can make a lot of difference.

Be open to suggestions. There may be some people who will want to tear your script apart. But, as much as it hurts you, it can make your scripts better.

Lastly, before you finalize your script, check it against the goals you defined in step 1.

Is your script meeting its objectives? Does it resonate with the prospect? Is it personalized enough? Does it include a compelling CTA? Does it communicate the core message?

If the answer to all these questions is YES, then WOW, way to go! But, if it’s NO, edit your script again until it passes on all counts.

And, once you are done writing, it's time to turn it into a video.

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Writing a Video Script: Best Practices

Let’s wrap up this article with a few tips on writing an effective script that can inspire your audience to take action.

Keep It Concise and Simple

When you’re passionate about something, it’s easy to talk about it for hours and in great detail. However, when it comes to writing your script, less is always more.

Keep your video scripts as short and succinct as possible. Cut the fluff and superfluous information. Ditch the complicated jargons, buzzwords, and clichés.

Talking about the video length, it depends on the video you’re planning to produce. For example, a training video can easily be 30 minutes long, while still being precise and interesting.

So, keep the length of your script in tune with the type of video you’re going to do.

In short, keep it as long as necessary and as short as possible.

Write Down Visual and Audio Cues

A video script is not just about text. It’s about visual elements and music too. Think about the visual and audio cues you’ll want to include in your script.

If your video involves complicated visual sequences, developing a storyboard can help. You can do this by using illustrations or pictures for each scene, along with the notes about what’s going on and being said in the script during the shot.

A Few More Tips

Every video should direct its prospect to take some action, this is why including a call-to-action in your script can go a long way.
Keep your tone conversational. Write as if you’re talking to your friend; one who is going to buy your product or service.
Once you know who your customers are, speak directly to them. Avoid vague messages as they are less likely to resonate with your audience than the specific ones.
Who doesn’t love stories, right? Translate your core message in a simple story that not only grabs your audience’s attention but also engagingly communicates your message.
Use a hook, such as attention-grabbing facts, shocking statistics, or exciting visuals, in the first 10 seconds of your video.

And cut...

Congratulations! You finally have a script.