How to make an effective script with:
1. Intro
2. Body
3. Closing
4. Bonus Footage
Let me tell you, when I started this wild adventure of video blogging (aka vlogging) and I didn’t script a thing. This meant, I would miss things that I would want to say and I would end up with WAAAAY TOO MUCH FOOTAGE! Once I finally decided to make a outline of a script I cut my footage down from 30 min of unscripted talking to a 12 min of scripted video that was in perfect order and was exponentially easier and faster to edit!
Before we get started the the number one thing I want to say is who you are in front of your camera can be the same person you are when you’re off your camera. If you are a slow, methodical clear speaker, do that. If you are a fast paced animated person, be that. Teacher? Jokester? BE THAT. Because the people who are like you, or learn like you will LOVE it and you will feel totally authentic.
1. Intro:
Who are you, what do you do, what is in it for the viewer?
My Intro:
“Hey guys,
(1) my name is Shayla and I've been traveling and YouTubing full time since 2015
(2) and I make these videos every Wednesday
(3) to inspire and encourage you to create the life you want to live . If this is your first time here, WELCOME!
(4) Please consider subscribing and joining the community if you love traveling and getting out there and doing things!”
Above is my intro, now let me break it down for you:
(1) Hey guys, my name is Shayla and I've been traveling and YouTubing full time since 2015
(1) Who am I and why am I a credible authority on the topic, or what experiences do I have for what I'm talking about?
This allows the viewer to say “Uuuu you know what you're talking about” and decide they want to learn from you!
(2)
I make these videos every Wednesday
(2) How often can I commit to showing up?
Ask yourself: How often can I commit to showing up? Ideally you are aiming for at least once a week but pick something for you that you commit to.
Pro tip: instead of saying “Twice a month” BE SPECIFIC for yourself. Instead say “The first and third Tuesday of every month”.
You don't have to publicize that yet, but it's good for you to have a personal deadline! If you've really got things dialed in, commit to a schedule and announce it!
I once heard this referred to as the “Opera Effect”. When people know what time Opera is on they can make sure they're home to watch! Let your audience know that you will be there consistently.
(3) to inspire and encourage you to create the life you want to live .
(3) What kind of videos can my audience can expect?
Ask yourself: What are the categories I will be talking about?
This way YOU know, and you can tell your audience what to expect. The clearer you are on your message, the easier it will be for people to decide if they're in or out.
Word of mouth is HUGE, and if you can clearly explain what you are, and what you do other people can also clearly explain it to their friends (growth).
Another SUPER important thing to keep in mind is telling the audience how THEY will benefit from subscribing.
For me for example it wasn't “I'm awesome, I'm smart and I have a great life.” It was more about the viewer. I want to show you how you can do this, or make it very digestible and entertaining for you to learn!
(4) Please consider subscribing and joining the community if you love traveling and getting out there and doing things!”
(4) Call to action
Close the deal and ask them subscribe, like and comment!
Bonus if you tell them how subscribing will benefit THEM “Subscribe learn travel tips and how you can do it too!”
Awesome! Now you’ve got the intro you will say exactly the same in the beginning of each of your videos. Say it over and over on your drive to work, to make it come out naturally.
Now with each new video (5) will change:
(5) “In this video I want to give you some unconventional tips for traveling solo!”
(5) What is this video about? How does the viewer benefits if they watch the video?
Pro Tip: If you have X number of tips then tell them!
This way when you're on tip 3 they know to keep watching until the end.
Example: “Hello and thank you for joining! My name is Tom and I have just graduated medical school and want to take you along the journey of what I experience if you're also about to graduate and are wondering about the process! I will be making videos 2x a week, if you’re interested in medical stories from a newbie please subscribe and hit the bell so you’re notified every time I post a new video!
In this video I'm going to be talking about how I decided where to apply for Medical School!”
Homework
INTRO:
1. Who am I and why am I credible and an authority on the topic, or what experiences do I have for what I'm talking about?
2. How often can I commit to showing up?
3. What kind of videos can my audience expect?
4. What is my call to action? Do I want people to subscribe? LIke? Get on my email list?
5. What is the video about, how will it benefit the viewer?
2. Body:
What are the points I want to make? And story
I want to tell?
Once you know generally what you're video is going to be about, write down a few points you want to make. There are usually 3-10 for a video…
How do you turn a couple of points into a video?!
One word: Stories
When you start the body of your script
1. Write down the points you want to make.
2. Then add stories under each point. Sharing a story about when you learned it, why it's this a relevant point and any examples to support the point.
Here is an example:
Title:
How to Travel Solo!
The points I want to make:
1. How to stay connected for safety
2. How to avoid becoming a target
**Only two points to make this example easy
1. How to stay connected and safe:
Pocket wifi’s: They are for sooo much more than posting every day on Instagram, they’re for safety!
EXAMPLES:
– Communication: While you’re traveling you will want to make sure that your friends or family at home know you made it to your destination safe.
– Story: When I went to Thailand with my friend it was important that we were able to message our families when we arrived so they knew we were safe!
– Navigation: Knowing where you are is super helpful. This makes sure you don’t end up in an area you shouldn’t be in, it also lets you know that your cab is taking you to the right place.
– Story: When we were in Cuba it was so nice to be able to mark our house on the map and then ask it to direct us home after a day of exploring!
———
2. How to avoid becoming a target
If people don’t know what you have they’re less likely to want to steal something from you. If it's out, or loosely in your hand it makes it very easy for them to steal.
EXAMPLE:
– Phone/Camera/Money: When you're walking around don’t walk with phone in hand, or even in an easy to access outside pocket. Get yourself a fanny pack YEP, THAT'S RIGHT I’m recommending a fanny pack, hip pack, whatever the kids are calling them these days. These are super close your your body and incredibly easy to access! Use it, and put it away.
– STORY:
One time in Greece while I was laying on the beach, I saw a kid walk buy and snag a cellphone right off of someone's towel! They are looking for tourists who have lots of things that they can steal from. .
3. Closing: How to end your videos
Thank you:
Honestly, you're lucky if 50-70% of the people who started watching your video will make it to the end and if they have THANK THEM! Tell them how stoked they are that they watched your video, that you hope that they found it (entertaining, informational, helpful, etc.) and invite them to check out more videos you can even suggesting a couple that are related.
Preview:
If you know what next week’s video tell them about it and invite them back!
“Next week I’ll be talking about how to travel with your significant other!!”
Call to action:
Like, Subscribe Share (give an example of someone who would benefit from the video)
“If you enjoyed this video please like, subscribe and share with someone traveling solo! See you next week!”
4. BONUS FOOTAGE:
A good spot for the bloopers
All of the information I give is a take it or leave it kinda deal.
Decide what works for you. Bonus footage is something that I do to get people to watch more, and the people that know about it and watch it and LOVE it!
It also creates a bit of curiosity. I start my closing “Thank you for watching please subscribe and I’ll see you next week” and there is still a minute left in the video? WHY! People might stay just a little bit longer!
What do you use as bonus footage?:
– IG stories from the week
– Bloopers
– Behind the scenes
– Preview of next week's video (if you’re a rockstar like that)
– Ask them a questions and tell them to answer in the comments
