Are you looking to create an animated explainer video but don't know where to start with the script? Look no further! In this article, we'll cover two essential steps to crafting a catchy and effective script that will capture your audience's attention and leave a lasting impression.
What is an Explainer Video anyway ?
First things first, what exactly is an explainer video? It's a powerful tool that uses animation to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging way. While some explainer videos use animated characters to tell their story, we believe that it's best to let the visuals, animated texts and narration do the heavy lifting.
An Animated Character ?
As much as we love a good cartoon character, let's face it - the charm of animated characters has faded with time. In a world where time is a luxury, viewers prefer a more straightforward and efficient way to learn about a product or service. Enter synchronized objects, text, and narration - a powerful combination that makes it easy for the audience to absorb information without any distractions.
Let's Get Started!
1- Gathering the Mandatory Information
So, how do you get started on your script? The first step is to gather all the mandatory information about your product or project. Meet with field experts and dive deep into the technical components of what you're trying to communicate. By gathering as much information as possible, you'll be able to create a simple and effective script that tells your story.
It's important to remember that you're not the expert in this field, and it's okay to admit that you don't understand everything. Take breaks, ask the right questions, and be sure to take detailed notes to reference later. Once you've gathered all your information, it's time to organize it into a clear and concise script.
The Problem and The Solution
When writing an explainer video script, it's crucial to understand the problem and the solution. This may seem like an obvious first step, but it's all too easy to get caught up in technical jargon and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, by meeting with field specialists and gathering the necessary information, you'll be able to distill the most important details into a clear and simple message that your audience can easily understand. Sure, the material may be overly technical or unstructured at times, but with the right approach, you can organize the information in a way that's accessible and engaging.
Overwhelmed?
If you find yourself nodding along and pretending to understand all the technical jargon being thrown around, it's time to take charge and ask for permission to take notes. Trust me, you'll avoid looking like a deer in headlights when you return to your office. And if all else fails and your brain just can't comprehend the information, jot down whatever you remember from the conversation - even if it's just one or two words. Hey, at least you'll have something to work with, right? And if you're still feeling lost, don't be afraid to use the age-old phrase 'Can you explain it to me like I'm five?' - it works like a charm, and who knows, you may even learn something new!
Before You Leave
Listen, if you're anything like me, you'll probably need the problem and solution explained to you at least three times before you can grasp it. So, don't be afraid to ask them to explain it one last time before you head out.
2- Organizing the Unorganized!
The second step is all about organizing the unorganized. This is where the real work begins.
Reminder :)
As soon as you get back to your office, your mind may start to play tricks on you, coming up with all sorts of excuses that will make you procrastinate on finishing the script. To avoid this, it's important to take action immediately. Don't give in to those sneaky thoughts that will try to derail your progress. Instead, push yourself to get started right away and keep your momentum going. The sooner you begin, the sooner you'll finish, and the better your end result will be.
Define The Problem
Start by summarizing the problem in a simple sentence that your target audience will understand. Use your technical notes from the meeting to guide you and create a first sentence that captures their attention.
Provide the Solution
Next, it's time to craft a solution to the problem in a single sentence. Be creative and concise while still including as much information as possible. Finally, it's time to add in the technical details that explain how the problem will be solved. Keep it simple and avoid using too much technical jargon.
Reminder :)
Okay, we get it - you're the expert, but not all of us are fluent in geek-speak. So, if you must use technical jargon, do us a favor and translate it into English, or at least give us a handy decoder ring to help us out. And for those terms that are simply untranslatable, try to explain them in a way that even your grandma could understand. Trust us, we'll all thank you for it!
Call to Action
And last but not least, call your audience to action! Keep it short and sweet, highlighting the benefits that they'll receive by following your advice. Remind them what they can expect to achieve and encourage them to take action.
The End
In summary, crafting a successful script for your explainer video is all about getting the right information and organizing it in a simple and effective way.
Don't let technical jargon overwhelm you – take breaks, ask questions, and write down everything you've learned. Then, use that information to create a script that will capture your audience's attention and leave them wanting more.
Happy script writing!
Keep in mind: Get the proper information and reorganize it simply!
Fatih Ugur | Producer @Vidyograf | fatih@vidyograf.com