Killer Explainer Video Script Writing

Writing an explainer video script can be challenging, but once you get the process down pat, you’ll be able to churn out high-quality, engaging videos in no time. This article aims to give you a step-by-step guide to writing an effective explainer video script.

You are probably wondering how we know how to write a killer script. TruExplainers is one of the top animated video studios in the industry. We have experience working with small businesses, big corporations, non-profit organizations, and everything in between. 

Check out our portfolio for inspiration and reach out to find out how we can help.

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of scriptwriting, let’s take a look at some of the key elements that make up a great explainer video:

A clear and concise message

This is the most crucial element of any animated explainer video production. The point of an animated video is to communicate a company’s value proposition clearly or to explain a complex concept in a simple and easy-to-understand way. To do this, you need to clearly understand what you want to communicate before you start writing the script.

An engaging and visually stimulating video

The best explainer videos are not only informative but also visually engaging. This means that the video should be aesthetically pleasing and include eye-catching visuals that help drive home the script’s key points.

A strong call to action

The purpose of an explainer video is to get viewers to take action, whether that means signing up for a product or service, making a purchase, or simply learning more about a company or concept. To get viewers to take action, you need to include a strong call to action at the end of the video.

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s dive into how to write an effective animated video script.

Let’s break it down into five easy steps

Step 1: Outline the key points you want to communicate in the video.

Before you start writing the script, it’s essential to take some time to outline the key points you want to communicate in the video. This will help keep you focused and on track as you write the script.

Some things to consider when outlining the key points of your video include:

Why are all of these points important? The answer is simple: each one will help inform your script’s content. The video’s main message will dictate the script’s overall tone and direction, while the key points will provide the structure and foundation for the video. Knowing your target audience will help you to write a script that appeals to them, and understanding what action you want viewers to take will ensure that your call to action is effective.

Step 2: Write a draft of the script.

Once you clearly understand what you want to communicate in the video, it’s time to start writing the script. The best way to do this is to start with a draft simply. Write down all the key points you want to make in the order you want to make them, and don’t worry too much about making the language perfect. The goal at this stage is simply to get all of your ideas down on paper (or in a Google Doc).

Here are some things that you should include in your draft script:

An introduction: The introduction should be short and to the point. It should introduce the viewer to the topic of the video and give them a brief overview of what they can expect to learn.

The body: The body of the script should be where you flesh out the key points you outlined in the first step. Each point should be its own section, and each section should include supporting information and examples.

A conclusion: The conclusion should be a brief summary of the key points that you covered in the video. It should also include a strong call to action, telling the viewer what you want them to do after watching the video.

Step 3: Edit the script.

Once you have a draft of the script, it’s time to start editing. At this stage, you should focus on making the language of the script clear and concise. This means cutting out any unnecessary words or phrases and rephrasing anything unclear. You should also pay attention to the overall flow and structure of the script, making sure that it is easy to follow.

If you’re not sure how to edit your script, there are a few resources that can help:

The Hemingway Editor: The Hemingway Editor is a free online tool that can help you to edit your writing. It highlights any areas that need improvement and suggests how to fix them.

The Readability Test Tool: The Readability Test Tool is another free online tool that assesses the readability of your writing. It rates your writing on a scale of 1 to 100 and provides suggestions for improving it.

Step 4: Have someone else read the script.

Once you have edited the script, it’s essential to have someone else read it. This will help to ensure that the script makes sense and is easy to follow. It’s also a good idea to get feedback on the script’s content to ensure that you are clearly communicating your message.

If you don’t have anyone else to read the script, there are a few options:

• You can post it in a relevant forum or online community and ask for feedback.
• You can hire a professional editor or copywriter to review the script.
• You can post it on a site like Reddit or Quora and ask for feedback.

Step 5: Finalize the script.

Once you have received feedback on the script, it’s time to finalize it. This means making any necessary changes to the content or structure of the script. Once you are happy with the script, you can start to think about recording the video.

When recording the video, it’s important to keep the following things in mind:

• Speak slowly and clearly: When speaking in the microphone, it’s important to speak slowly and clearly. This will help to ensure that your message is communicated clearly.
• Don’t add unnecessary fluff: Keep the script focused on the key points that you want to make. Don’t add any unnecessary fluff or filler material.
• Be natural: When speaking, try to be natural and relaxed. This will help to ensure that the video comes across as genuine and authentic.
• Show your sense of humor: If the topic of the video is lighthearted, don’t be afraid to show your sense of humor. This can help engage the viewer and make the video more enjoyable.

The top five common mistakes people make

1. Not knowing the purpose of the video: The first step in creating a successful animated video is to know what the purpose of the video is. What are you trying to achieve with the video? Are you trying to sell a product? Are you trying to raise awareness for a cause? Are you trying to educate your audience about something? Once you know the purpose of the video, you can start to create a script that will help you to achieve your goal.

2. Not knowing the audience: Another common mistake people make when creating animated videos is not knowing the audience. Who are you trying to reach with the video? What are their needs and wants? What kind of language will they respond to? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to create a video that resonates with your audience.

3. Trying to do too much: When creating an animated video, it’s essential to focus on one key message. Trying to cram too much information into the video will only confuse and overwhelm your audience. Keep the video focused on one key point, and make sure that everything in the video supports that point.

4. Making it too long: People have short attention spans, so it’s essential to keep your animated video as short as possible. The ideal length for an explainer video is 1-2 minutes. Any longer than that, you risk losing your audience’s attention.

5. Not having a call to action: The whole point of the animation explainer videos is to get your audience to take action. Whether you want them to buy your product, sign up for your newsletter, or donate to your cause, you need to include a call to action at the end of the video. Without a call to action, your video will be ineffective.

Conclusion

Creating an animated video isn’t brain surgery, but it requires careful planning and thought. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create an explainer video to help you achieve your business goals.

The most important thing to remember is to keep the video focused on one key message. Don’t try to cram too much information into the video. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. And most importantly, include a call to action so that your audience knows what you want them to do after watching the video.

Don’t worry if your first attempt at creating an explainer video isn’t perfect. Just like with anything else, practice makes perfect. The more videos you create, the better you’ll get at it. So get out there and start creating!