Video Script: How to Create Amazing Lessons from Scratch

The ability to write a video script is one of the most important skills a content creator can have.

By knowing how to plan what will be said in front of the camera, the expert avoids forgetting relevant topics and starts creating more professional videos that truly deliver value.

If you want to learn how to script your video lessons to engage your students or spark interest in new products, stay with us until the end of this article.

What is a Video Script?

A video script is the detailed planning of what will be said and shown throughout an audiovisual production. It organizes ideas and defines the structure of the content, with a well-defined beginning, middle, and end.

The script is part of the pre-production phase of a video, and its preparation directly influences other decisions, such as:

• Recording location;
• Recording format;
• Equipment selection;
• Soundtracks;
• Supporting images;
• And much more.

Although this article focuses on online lessons, the ability to script can help you create sales videos (VSLs) or any other content format.

Why is the Script Important for Creating Video Lessons?

Back in school, I bet you’ve already given a presentation without preparing beforehand. In that situation, you know how easy it is to get lost.

With a script, it’s the same. Without it, it’s very common to:

• Stray from the topic;
• Repeat unnecessary information;
• Forget important points;
• Record and re-record countless times.

By scripting your lessons, you ensure clear communication of ideas, save time in the recording and editing phases, and deliver a more professional video.

This reflects in student engagement and the professionalism you convey.

Because of this, the script is a powerful tool in video marketing and should not be reserved only for the cinema.

Main Video Script Models

There are several script models you can use to record lessons.

The choice will depend on your goal, the complexity of the content, and your communication style. Here are the four main models:

1. Word-for-Word Script

In this model, the scriptwriter must write down everything that will be said in the video, word for word.

Although this model takes more time to prepare, it makes recording easier because you just have to follow what’s written.

This model is often used for short videos or introductory lessons.

2. Topic-Based Script

For those who master the content and want to sound spontaneous, the topic-based model is recommended.

Here, you should list all the topics you want to cover in your video.

After finishing the list, simply organize the content in an order that makes sense with a beginning, middle, and end.

Don’t be afraid to remove topics that don’t fit into the script.

3. Block Script

In this approach, you will write the script with limitations in mind.

Video marketing expert Camilo Coutinho calls this "content drawers," where by analyzing hundreds of videos, we can divide the content into:

1. Opening: A provocation or question that grabs attention;
2. Presentation: Puts everyone in the same learning moment;
3. Content Core: Development and content delivery;
4. Conclusion: Summary or final opinion;
5. Call to Action: Next steps.

4. Two-Column Script

The two-column script is widely used in professional productions because it makes synchronizing what is said (audio) and what is shown (image/video) easier.

This type of script makes the video editor’s job easier, especially in more dynamic content.

The script is divided as follows:

• Left Column (Video): Describes everything that will appear on screen (scenes, images, slides, text, graphics, B-roll, etc.);
• Right Column (Audio): Specifies exactly what will be said at each moment, and may also contain soundtrack instructions, sound effects, and narrator/presenter speeches.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scripting Videos

Now that you know the models, let’s go step by step to create a video script, whether for online courses or YouTube videos.

1. Define the Video’s Objective

First of all, ask yourself: "Why am I creating this video?"

• What do you want to teach?
• Will the video be a paid lesson or free content?
• What action do you expect after the lesson (engagement, sale, subscription)?

The objective will guide the entire script structure and communication tone.

2. Research the Topic You’ll Talk About

Even if the topic is familiar, research it! This brings more confidence, updated data, and real examples.

Besides Google, you can search for common questions your target audience has.

The most relevant places to look for information are:

• Forums and online communities;
• Comments on YouTube videos and Instagram posts;
• Tools like Google Trends and Answer The Public.

Also read: 7 Digital Economy and Infoproduct Trends for 2025

3. Think About the Video Recording Format

The script needs to adapt to the video format. So, before you start writing, think:

• Will you be speaking directly to the camera?
• Will you be showing your computer screen (screen recording)?
• Will the video have B-roll (support images, cuts, illustrations)?

The chosen format impacts the script style. For example:

• "Talking head" videos (speaking directly to the camera) require a fluid and natural script.
• Tutorials or screen demonstrations demand a detailed step-by-step script.

4. List What You Need to Say in the Video

Now it’s time to organize the content.

Generally speaking, a video needs to go through these stages:

1. Introduction: Explanation of what will be presented in the video + the result the person will get at the end;
2. Contextualization: Present the challenge to be solved and its importance;
3. Main Content: Clear and objective explanation of each point, preferably with visuals;
4. Summary and Call to Action: Reinforce learning and invite the viewer to take the next step (continue the course, download material, etc.).

5. Grab Attention with a Hook

In the first 5 to 15 seconds, you need to grab the viewer’s attention.

If they don’t understand what they’ll gain by watching the video, they’ll probably leave.

To keep interest, the first sentence should include one of the following:

• Intriguing Question: "Did you know that 80% of students don’t finish online courses? Find out how to change that now!"
• Direct Benefit: "In this video, I’ll show you the step-by-step to script a lesson your students will love!"
• Surprising Data: "Videos with well-structured scripts increase student retention by up to 30%."

6. Include Real Examples or Stories to Illustrate Concepts

People learn better with stories and practical examples.

This helps to reinforce the content and emotionally connect with the audience.

Here’s an example of how to include stories in a script course:

"Carla, one of my students, used this script to record her first course lessons. In one week, she sold 50 copies and received dozens of messages praising the clarity of her lessons."

If possible, show screenshots of real testimonials.

7. Review the Content Before Recording

With the script ready, read it aloud to see if it sounds natural and start removing redundancies and anything overly wordy.

Also, time the lesson.

Unlike traditional classes that last 50 minutes, the timing for an online lesson should be different.

According to a guide from the Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), a video lesson should be no longer than 20 minutes.

However, this is just a recommendation. Other factors come into play, such as the reasoning flow the lesson demands.

Create Scripts Focused on Teaching, Not Selling

When your video’s main objective is teaching, the sale happens naturally. Students who feel welcomed, who learn something useful, and who see value in the content trust you more. And trust is what builds relationships and, over time, sales.

So, when creating a video script for your lessons—whether for a paid online course or free content on YouTube—think first about your student’s learning:

• What transformation are you proposing?
• What will they be able to do after this lesson?
• How can you explain it in a simple, direct, and applicable way?

And when your lessons are ready, remember: Panda Video is the ideal solution to host your videos securely against piracy and offer a professional player experience with features that will delight your students.

Try Panda Video and discover how to take your video lessons to the next level!