Why Scripts Can Hurt Your Video Storytelling
In the pursuit of creating engaging and authentic content, many environmental organizations still rely on scripts. While scripts can be useful in some situations, they can also hinder authenticity and spontaneity.
I’m not saying you should never use scripts, but it is important to understand why a script isn’t always the best idea for being authentic in your videos and how you can create compelling content without one.
One caveat…. sometimes a professional voiceover is perfect for some videos. I’ve filmed and produced organization and corporate videos where a polished professional voiceover was the perfect fit. They were the perfect fit because of the target audience (eg. international launch of a major research project) or how the video was to be used (eg. large on-site project announcement gala).
In my decade-plus of filmmaking experience, the problems with scripts usually tends to be in smaller organizations where someone on staff is tasked with appearing on camera for a video. That person feels compelled to write a script and read from it while appearing on camera because it’s safer or they are scared of saying the wrong thing. I see this fear being more common within organizations that have hard-and-fast rules about messaging that almost borders on an approach often seen in the corporate world.
Pro tip: Scripts create an obvious flaw in most finished videos. Unless you have an uncanny ability to read a script and make it appear as though you’re speaking from the heart — which most people can’t do — on-camera script readers are easy to spot by viewers. We’ve all spotted it: The shifting side to side eyes as the person is reading rows of text. It doesn’t exactly resonate as from-the-heart authentic.
Here’s a few more reasons why scripts aren’t a great idea for most videos:
Rehearsed and unnatural
A script can make your video feel robotic and inauthentic. When you’re trying to convey a message through video, it’s important to be genuine and sincere. A script can make you seem too rehearsed and unnatural, which can turn off your audience.
Difficult to connect
When you’re speaking from a script, it can be hard to connect with your audience on a personal level. You may come across as distant and cold, which can turn off potential supporters, donors, job applicants, vounteers, major funders, etc.
Monotonous and boring
When you’re reading from a script, your video can become monotonous and boring. This is because you’re not infusing your own personality into the message you’re trying to convey.
Difficult to express yourself
When you’re reading from a script, it can be difficult to fully express yourself. This is because you’re limited by the words on the page.
You’ll sound like an advertisement
When you’re using a script , your video can come across as an advertisement. This is because scripts are often used in commercials and advertisements , so when you use one , your video can feel like a commercial.
Lack of emotion
When you’re using a script , it can be difficult to connect with your audience emotionally. This is because when you read from a script, the emotions don’t come across as strongly as they would if you were speaking extemporaneously.
Canned and unoriginal
Using a prewritten script for your video message can make it seem canned and unoriginal. This is because the message doesn’t come across as authentic or original, but rather as something that’s been repeated over and over again by other people.
Not memorable
When you use a prewritten script for your video message, it’s difficult for viewers to remember everything that was said. This is because when you read from a script, there’s no inflection or emotion in your voice. When there’s words delievered with emotion, people are more likely to remember it.
Not relatable
When using a prewritten script for your video message, it’s difficult for viewers to relate to what you’re saying. This is because when you read from a script, there’s no context or connection between what’s being said and the person who’s saying it.
While a well-written script can enhance your video messaging, it’s important to remember that authenticity and genuineness are just as crucial. By being yourself and speaking from the heart, you can establish a connection with your audience that no amount of polished writing can replicate. So don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your videos, and always keep in mind that the most persuasive messages come from a place of honesty and sincerity.
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