Why your words may be working against you in your video script
One of the main causes of discomfort for many entrepreneurs when they attempt a promotional video is the words they are trying to say.
Most often entrepreneurs and experts will come to their video shoot with a script derived from copy on their website. I totally get it; working so hard to get that copy right it has to be just what you need to say, so why not just cut and paste it for a video script, right?
WRONG!
Even the best copy from a website or written advertisement is designed to be READ not said aloud. It’s nearly impossible to seem authentic and natural when using copy designed to be read.
Need an example? Try reading both of these paragraphs aloud taking care to sound as natural as possible.
1. Designed to be read:
Nothing feels better than a great fitting jacket. Virtually unlimited in terms of COLORS, PATTERNS & CONSTRUCTION. Included among them are two-ply EGYPTIAN COTTONS in SOLIDS, CHECKS & PLAIDS. Royal Oxfords (my personal favorite, wrinkle resilient & durable)…. YOU’LL LOVE OUR SHIRTS!
2. Better for speaking:
Nothing feels better than a great fitting jacket. Our selection is virtually unlimited in colors and patterns, and we design for your body! A few of our fantastic styles come in two-ply Egyptian cottons in solids, checks and plaids, and, my personal favorite… Royal Oxfords. They need less ironing and last forever! YOU’LL LOVE OUR SHIRTS!
Can you see how much easier it was to flow with the second paragraph? It only takes a little tweaking but reading copy designed to be read is just a recipe for disaster; you cannot be on your game when the words coming out of your mouth don’t sound like YOU.
IDEA: Take some time and talk about your key ideas in your copy. Record yourself talking about these points and THEN transcribe THAT into your script.
Now, when the teleprompter rolls, you will feel much more at home with the words and more connected to your purpose.
It might take more time than a cut and paste initially, but in the end, the video will take much less time to shoot as long as you are prepared with the RIGHT words!
Sandra Dee Robinson is an actor (including major roles on Another World, Sunset Beach, Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, guest star on Two and a Half Men, Criminal Minds, Secret Life of an American Teenager and TV movies), TV host and product spokesperson. She founded Charisma on Camera media training studio and currently assists authors, life coaches, politicians, actors, and business professionals who want to build their star qualities and confidence in the telling of their message or they are preparing to establish themselves as an expert guest, or even host their own show.