When creating a training video, the script serves as the backbone of the production. A well-written script not only communicates key information clearly but also ensures the video flows smoothly, engages the viewer, and achieves its instructional goals. Whether you’re producing an onboarding video for new employees, a product training session, or a technical tutorial, your script will determine the overall effectiveness of your video. In this post, we’ll share simple tips for writing a script for your training videos and how to ensure your production aligns with best practices for corporate content.
1. Define Your Objective Clearly
The first step in writing any training video script is understanding the goal. Are you teaching a new skill? Explaining a process? Or providing an overview of your company’s culture and values? Whatever the purpose, your objective should guide the tone, structure, and content of your script. Start by asking yourself:
- What are the key takeaways for the viewer?
- How will they use the information provided?
- What action do you want them to take after watching the video?
Being clear about your objectives will help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary digressions that may confuse or overwhelm the viewer.
2. Create a Structured Outline
Before diving into the scriptwriting itself, create an outline of your video. This outline should break the content down into manageable sections or scenes, each focused on a single point or concept. Having a structured outline helps ensure your video flows logically and that all essential content is covered. A typical training video outline might look something like this:
- Introduction: A brief overview of what will be covered.
- Main Content: Step-by-step instructions or key points.
- Summary: A recap of the key takeaways.
- Call to Action: What do you want viewers to do next?
3. Write in a Conversational Tone
The best training videos feel like a conversation, not a lecture. Even though you’re delivering important information, it’s essential to keep the language simple and approachable. Writing in a conversational tone makes the content easier to follow and more engaging for the audience. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences—focus on clear, concise explanations that can be easily understood.
4. Incorporate Visual Cues
Remember, training videos are visual by nature. When writing your script, consider what your audience will see on screen during each segment. Will there be diagrams, slides, or charts to complement the spoken content? Make sure your script includes descriptions of visual elements to help the viewer connect the information with what they are seeing. For instance:
- Scene 1: Show a diagram of the product and highlight the key features.
- Scene 2: Cut to a demonstration of the process, narrating each step as it happens on screen.
Using visual cues in your script ensures that the video is well-rounded and reinforces the information through multiple sensory channels.
5. Keep It Short and Focused
Attention spans are short, especially in a corporate setting where employees may be multitasking or viewing the video on their own time. Aim to keep your training video concise, focusing on the key points without overwhelming the viewer. Break up longer videos into shorter segments if necessary, each with its own self-contained message or task.
6. Engage Your Viewers
While training videos are designed to educate, they can also be engaging. Use anecdotes, examples, or even humor to keep the viewer interested and make the learning experience more enjoyable. You want your viewers to stay engaged and retain the information, so ensure your script invites active participation or reflection.
7. Revise and Edit
Once the script is written, it’s important to revise and edit it for clarity, flow, and conciseness. Read the script aloud to check for awkward phrasing, unnecessary repetition, and to ensure it sounds natural. Ask others to review the script as well to get feedback and make improvements before moving forward with production.
8. Prepare for the Recording Process
When you’re ready to record, provide your voice-over artists or on-screen presenters with the finalized script and any additional context about the video. This preparation helps to ensure smooth delivery during filming and recording. If there are specific visual elements that need to align with the script, be sure to share this information with the production crew ahead of time.
9. Don’t Forget the Call to Action
At the end of your training video, include a call to action. This could be a prompt to take further training, apply the learned skills, or access additional resources. Your viewers need to know what to do next, and a clear call to action makes it easy for them to continue their learning journey.
Why Choose St Louis Corporate Photographer for Your Video Production Needs?
At St Louis Corporate Photographer, we understand the importance of a well-executed training video for your business. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we provide everything you need for successful image acquisition. Our experienced team is equipped with the right tools and a creative approach to bring your training videos to life.
We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Whether you need a private custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or equipment to ensure smooth production, we’ve got you covered. Our studio is designed to accommodate both small productions and large setups, with ample space for props to enhance your set.
One of our specialties is repurposing your photography and video branding to help you gain more traction and maximize your content’s potential. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and the accompanying software, ensuring the final product is polished and professional.
Since 1982, St Louis Corporate Photographer has been trusted by businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area. Our creative crew and attention to detail make us a top choice for companies looking to elevate their corporate video production efforts. Let us help you create impactful training videos that resonate with your audience and drive results.
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