How I Write & Use SCRIPTS for YouTube Videos

Introduction

Creating YouTube videos can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to scripting. Over time, I have developed my own techniques for writing and using scripts for my videos, allowing me to communicate more effectively and with less pressure. In this article, I’ll share my personal approach to scripting and how it has evolved.

The Role of Teleprompters

First off, I've chosen not to use a teleprompter for my videos. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with using one, I've grown comfortable recording without it. This has helped me create a more spontaneous feel in my videos, although it's a choice that each person must make based on what works for them.

Writing Scripts

When I began my YouTube journey, I meticulously wrote a script for every video, capturing every word and sentence. I crafted these scripts in a way that mimicked spoken language, including all the natural pauses and filler words like "ums" and "uhs." I would keep my laptop open in front of me, memorize a sentence or two, and then deliver those lines in front of the camera.

Initially, I reproduced my lines exactly as written. However, I found that I often felt pressured to maintain my position and minimize jump cuts, which detracted from my comfort while recording.

Evolving My Script Techniques

Over time, I decided to make things easier for myself. Here are some adjustments I've made:

Simplifying Scripts: I don't write full scripts for every video anymore. For more casual content, I now rely on keywords that highlight the main topics I want to cover. This allows for a more spontaneous delivery and less pressure to memorize every word.
Detailed Scripts for Technical Topics: For more complex topics, such as technical subjects, I still write everything in detail. However, I now focus on the parts of the script where I plan to incorporate B-roll. This means that when I finish a section of speaking, I can slide into a B-roll segment without worrying about jump cuts.
B-roll Planning: When I write these detailed scripts, I highlight sections for B-roll in yellow. This gives me peace of mind. I can memorize one small segment for filming, and after I finish that part, a B-roll transition allows me to break the video into more digestible pieces. This significantly reduces the pressure I've felt in previous recording sessions.

In conclusion, these adjustments have greatly improved my scripting process, allowing me to be more at ease in front of the camera and produce videos that feel more genuine and engaging.

Thank you for reading, and I hope these insights help you in your journey of creating YouTube videos!

Keywords

YouTube
Scripts
Teleprompter
Keywords
B-roll
Pressure
Recording

FAQ

1. Do you use a teleprompter for your videos?
No, I do not use a teleprompter; I prefer to record without it for a more spontaneous feel.

2. How did your scripting technique evolve over time?
Initially, I wrote detailed scripts for every video but later transitioned to using keywords for casual videos and maintained detailed scripts for technical subjects.

3. How do you incorporate B-roll in your videos?
I plan the B-roll sections in advance by highlighting them in yellow within the script, which allows me to manage jump cuts better.

4. Do you still feel pressure when recording?
While there was significant pressure in the beginning, planning my scripts with B-roll segments has alleviated much of that stress.