Script Writing Process

Learning Development is responsible for helping the media team create training videos. We write the scripts for them to work from.

To Begin

The media team has a list of priority training topics. They will communicate with Learning Development regarding which topics they need next. A writer and editor will be assigned to a script topic.

Research

We will have a full-size online training course on the topic. Read through that to get a general understanding of the topic. Following that, you will want to continue researching the topic. A complete understanding of the topic will help you as you write the full-size script. It will also help you see more clearly which sub-topics could be beneficial as one-principle scripts.

Coordinate with the Media Team

Before writing your script, coordinate with the media team regarding whether the script will be a  voice-over or talking-head.

You will eventually coordinate and decide the topic for the one-principle script. If the topic is heavy machinery, then you will likely write the principle script on the pre-shift inspection. If the script topic is about something else, then you may need to research and write the full-size to know the appropriate topic to cover for the principle script. Coordinate and approve a topic with the media team.

Writing Scripts

After the research process is completed, you can begin the actual writing process. The general format of a script will be:

• Intro
  • Hook (Statistic)
• Procedural-based information
• Conclusion

The flow and general organization of the script will likely be similar to the original Online Training. However, because there is a visual element to a video without the written text, you need to consider the visual organization as well. This means that you may need to reorganize some ideas from the original training. For example, this means that you can include bulleted lists because those are easy to read for the narrator, easy to understand by the end-user, and can add a visual element or graphic to the video.

To begin writing, save a new copy of the script template found here: "K:\5__Writing\2-Templates\Script Templates"

Then save that script in the appropriate folder here: "K:\6__Scripts"

Tone

The tone of full-size scripts and micros will be less formal than our online courses. The scripts will be said aloud, so write the script accordingly. Write in a natural, conversational tone. Avoid sarcasm or snarkiness.

Some online trainings dive into legal procedures and how they pertain to the topic at hand. However, this kind of speech is not very engaging and is difficult to make into a video. Simplify concepts where possible and focus more on actions the end-user can take to be compliant; this will help with end-user engagement.

Remember, in full-size scripts, you need to include all the essential information. These include all the must and imperative statements and so forth. Best practices are not necessary to include in a full-size; use your best judgment about what should be included in the full script. Consider whether the best practice will add to the video visually or better explain a difficult concept; if it will, then take that into higher consideration. Coordinate with your editor and the media team to know what’s best.

Style and Narration

You will need to write these scripts exactly as they will be spoken. Stick to short, simple sentences that easily convey safety principles. Follow the formatting given in the script template

Break up the sections of the script appropriately. Having very long paragraphs makes it more difficult for the narrator to read through the entire section. Split up the rows as needed to help with easier readability. Typically, sections longer than 6 or 7 lines is harder for the narrator to read. (Bulleted lists are an exception as they are already visually broken up in the script)

Make other adjustments to writing as necessary that will aid the narrator in reading out loud.

Example: Three thousand seven hundred twenty four is often more difficult to read out loud than 3,724

Visual Elements

You are free to use your own creativity and research to come up with a script that will teach the safety principle properly and thoroughly. Most of the time, we are creating scripts that may not be videoed for a few months. However, keep the visual in mind as you write the script. Use the template and add in video cues when needed.

If you are unsure if a visual idea would be feasible, ask the media team! They can decide if a video or graphic would be possible. If they decide your concept wouldn't be possible, don't be discouraged, and don't stop coming up with creative ideas!

Editing

After you have a video outline, discuss it with your editor to make sure the ideas in the script will flow well. Then, after writing your script, send it to your editor.

The editor will compare the script with the original online training and additional research to ensure that all essential elements are included.

Once you and your editor have finished with the draft of the script, send it to the media team. They will read it over and make suggestions regarding visual elements or general flow for video capabilities. Make those edits accordingly and save the script for the media team to use.