Creating Video Scripts

I recently attended Connie Malamed’s How to Write Short Video Scripts Workshops for Learning Professionals, and the prompt was to write a short script that contained a hook, main content, and a closing. This structure is not all that different from that of a learning module, which could hypothetically be broken down like this:

1. 1. Hook- wiifm- why engage
    - Tell a story
    - Introduce a character
    - Position a statistic, scenario, or research
    - SME video
  2. Objectives- what the person will get (informal)
    - Can be merged with the hook
    - Short informal statement
    - A short piece of video or audio talking about what was learned from the asset
    - Get learners to self-assess themselves
  3. Navigation
  4. Toolkit
  5. Activation
    - Engage learners with content- mini hook
    - Ask the learner to self-assess with a quiz
    - Continue to tell a story-consistent narrative thread
    - position a statistic, scenario, or research that highlights the importance of upcoming content
  6. Transitions- overview of the module sections (agenda screen) gives structure and guidance- no more than 4 sections
    - Simple visual with images (1 -2 words) or why, who, and how
    - Changes in color and completion ticks
  7. Content- knowledge of information-text, audio, visuals, infographics, video (chunk into digestible pieces)
    - Learner explores on own
    - Learners can dive deep with the toolkit
  8. Practice- Challenge learners with an activity based on the content from this section
    - Make decisions
    - Answer questions
    - Practice
    - 3Cs: Challenge, Choice, Consequences
      - Video, display visual, specific text or audio, reward learner by allowing them to progress
  9. Assessment- formally test comprehension
    - Provide clear info:
      - Reason for assessment
      - Pass rate
      - Number of attempts
      - Number of questions
    - Types
      - Multiple choice
      - True or false
      - Drag and drop
  10. Summary- key takeaways from the whole module
    - Essential at end
    - Principles
      - Short key takeaway statements supported by images and audio
      - Merging the summary with the next steps by positioning options for the learner to learn more through learning aids or toolkits
  11. Next Steps- position next steps in the learning journey, such as on-the-job or classroom session

Below you will find my short script and video that I created on April 5, 2025.

There was a bit of a learning curve. You might notice that the video does not quite match the script. This is the case because it was my first time working with Vyond, a cloud-based platform that enables you to create animated videos, and I didn’t write my script with the platform in mind. When I wrote the script, I didn’t know how I would make the video, but there was talk in the workshop of Vyond, so after logging off I signed on.

After a little exploring, I jumped in. The platform is pretty intuitive. The only awkwardness I found was navigating the timeline, which I thought would be like Flash but wasn’t. The platform’s AI suggested the inclusion of the statistics, which I liked. I got rid of the mirror scene because it seemed weird once I was working with the characters, and I couldn’t quite figure out how to do fire.

Overall, I think that, with more practice, my videos will get closer to my scripts.

BEFORE YOU PRESS SEND

Timing	Visuals	Audio
0:00 – 0:07	Medium shot Speaker looks directly at camera with office background.	“Before you hit send on that email… ask yourself:
0:08 – 0:10	Flash cut Empty office desk	Do I want to keep my job?
0:11 – 0:13	Flash cut Empty chair at table	My friendships?
0:14 – 0:17	Flash cut A mirror with no reflection	My dignity?
0:18 – 0:30	Over-the-shoulder Sitting at desk goes up in flames. Flames stop, character looks inquisitively at camera	“If you ever sent an email and instantly wished you hadn’t, before you press send, go through these 4 important checks.”
0:31 – 0:40	Medium close-up Subject reading the initial email draft. This framing captures the subject’s facial expressions and upper body, conveying their realization of the email’s harshness or vagueness.	“Is your message clear and professional? Read it out loud. If it sounds too harsh, cold, or vague
0:41 – 0:45	Medium close-up Subject after revising the email. This parallel framing highlights the changes made and the subject’s more confident demeanor.	—revise it. Tone matters more than you think.”
0:46 – 1:00	Close-up Screen showing red underlines beneath misspelled words. Click ‘Spell Check’ and correct the errors. Dead Steve, I just heard back from our Publc Relations Department. We are conducting training next week to keep our kills up, and they informed me that they will send you a massage later today. Retards, Bob	Sloppy writing sends the wrong message. Always proofread.
1:01 – 1:10	Medium Close-Up The person hesitates before attaching a confidential document, then decides to use encryption or a secure sharing method.	Does your message contain something confidential that shouldn’t be shared? Make sure that whatever you’re sending can be seen by the person you’re sending it to.
1:11 – 1:15	Over-the-Shoulder The sender’s hands as they navigate to attach a confidential document.
1:16 – 1:30	Close-up To: field, showing multiple recipients. The sender notices an incorrect address, deletes it, and adds the correct one. Message: Romantic Poem “My Boss” instead of “My Boo” Deletes “boss”	And, on that note, sending to the wrong person—or forgetting an important person—can be embarrassing or risky. Double-check the recipient fields.
1:31 – 1:36	Office scene with overlay: Tone matters, Always proofread, Protect confidentiality, Verify recipient	Before you hit send: think tone, typos, trust, to-whom.
1:37 – 1:40	A playful nod to the iconic scene: the person, now confident, clicks ‘Send’ with a slight smirk.	It’s important to stop, review, revise, confirm,
1:41 – 1:45	Overlay a subtle image of Clint Eastwood or a silhouette resembling him in the background.	and then go ahead, press send.
1:45 – 1:47	Fade to black	Always think before you send. Remember: Your written words matter.

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Video: Short Scripts

Curriculum

Creating Video Scripts

BEFORE YOU PRESS SEND

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