Even experienced speakers can get nervous in front of the camera. For a successful presentation, it's a good idea to prepare the main points you want to talk about, or a script, before recording. Creating a script can also help ensure you cover all points and explain the course content clearly and concisely.
The value of creating a script
Introductory Course
The introductory lecture is one of the most important parts of an online course because it sets the tone and expectations for your students. Students often watch this video before enrolling to see if the course is a good fit for them. Keep your first lecture short but effective, between two and four minutes.
Below is a guide to help you write your introductory guide.
Start by enrolling students in the course. Introduce yourself and explain why you are the best person to teach this course.
-
Help students understand who the course is for. Who will benefit most from taking this course? What level of prior knowledge should they have on the subject?
Set expectations for the course, explaining to students what they will learn and what they will be able to do at the end of the course.
This video will make a first impression on your course students and on you as a teacher, so show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject. Point out students' interests to motivate them to take the course. Have fun and your students will too.
Scripting Best Practices
How you write your script is up to you, but consider the best practices below to ensure your video content is clear and engaging for learners. Some recommendations include:
-
Keep it simple. When recording a video, it will be easier for your students to read the script if the sentences are short and clear. Short sentences are also easier for students to process and understand.
Define key terms and acronyms that students are likely to hear for the first time and avoid jargon or abbreviations. Remember that your students are not experts in the subject yet!
Make it easily accessible. Make sure that as many people as possible can understand what you are delivering. In your script, outline the timeline, use terminology consistently, and avoid excessive jargon.
Explain what you want to explain, and then explain what you've already explained. This simple structure is a great way to plan scripts for each class. Start by introducing the concept you want to talk about, explain the concept, and end with a brief summary of the concept.
-
Use a variety of stories, examples, and reflective questions to engage students. Stories and examples are powerful tools to help students understand concepts and connect what they are learning to their own experiences. Activate students' prior knowledge by asking them to reflect on their experiences or how what they have learned applies to their lives.
Keep the tone friendly, intimate, and informed. Your students may face challenges when learning a topic for the first time. Encourage them and let them know that it's okay to need a little help at first.
Practice makes perfect
When writing your script, remember to read it out loud while the video is being recorded. It's very helpful to read it out loud as you write it to make sure it sounds natural and flows. Some teachers use speech processing technology to write in a conversational tone. Whichever method you use, make adjustments as needed.
Change anything that sounds weird when you read the script out loud.
Before you start filming your video, practice reading your script out loud as you would on camera. Write down what you've done so you can look back at it later and think about what changes you need to make to your presentation. If you feel like trying it out, share it with friends, family, or colleagues for ideas on how to improve it.
Join our today
G-Talent Teaching Center
script script
