The answer becomes clear with brand videos. What differentiates a brand video is its voiceover script. Regardless of whether it is a minute-long Instagram ad or a 3-minute explainer video, each and every one of them contains a unique script which serves as the outline of your content. The script is the thing that brings your audience and message together. The world’s best scripts understand the art of being succinct.
In this article, we will see how using short sentences can enhance video retention as well as learning how to write concise voiceover scripts to use for advanced storytelling.
Why Short Sentences Work Wonders
You are watching a video and the narrator talks non-stop using very long winding sentences. It is exhausting, isn’t it? Now, short sentences give you a breather after long periods of monotony. Unlike long phrases, short sentences are much easier to remember and follow which is essential in this fast-paced world.
Reason why short sentences work:
- Clarity: Short sentences convey messages without excessively adding extra detail or “fluff.” They are direct, sharp and offer no room for confusion or misunderstandings.
- Rhythm: They form a distinctive and dynamic pace. Listeners remain engrossed due to the rise and fall of short sentences and the slightly longer phrases.
- Retention: Phrases and sayings that are easy to remember are oftentimes called slogans, for example: “Because you are worth it” and “Just do it.” Most people remember plain and straightforward statements making chances of retention higher.
- Energy: Short sentences assist in infusing energy into the script which breathes life into your video. This makes the videos much more interesting.
Crafting the Perfect Voiceover Script
Having understood the significance of keeping sentences shorter, let’s jump right into creating an exceptional voiceover script for your brand videos.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Prior to typing anything, think about the following:
- Who is being addressed?
- What interests them?
- What are their pain points?
Personal tailoring of language, tone, and message becomes possible with segment understanding. If the members of your audience tend to be younger and more fluent with technology, apply slang and casual speech. However, for older and professional audiences, a more refined tone is appropriate.
Advanced Tip: Draft text as though you are sharing a dialogue with the target audience. Eliminate their names and address them as ‘you’ or ‘your.’
Step 2: Start Strong
The opening of your video is arguably the most important part. Begin with a captivating first line that grabs your audience’s attention immediately.
Try these solutions;
- Pose a question: “Are you struggling to fit self-care into a busy schedule?”
- State a surprising statistic: “Did you know 60% of people stop watching videos in the first 30 seconds?”
- Use an Interesting claim: “This is not just another skincare product—it changes the game.”
Step 3: Keep It Conversational
Let go of professional manners. Relate as if you are having a conversation, not as if you are in an office setting. You may give comparisons such as:
- “You’ll need to mark any tasks needing attention to get it all done together with the engine checks” can be said as “mark any tasks that you want finished along with the engine checks.”
- Being able to connect simply and directly as well as with short phrases will make the script sound more natural and friendly.
Step 4: Focus on One Idea Per Sentence
The resistance of disorder hinders clarity. One idea per sentence; nothing more. For example:
- Cluttered: “Our app is easy to use, has a sleek design, and helps you save time while organizing your tasks efficiently.”
- Clear: “Our app is easy to use. It’s sleek. It helps you save time.”
Providing simple and concise attention grabbing pieces of information works towards making everything more appealing, encouraging retention, enhancing influence, and adding lasting impact.
Step 5: Add Emotion
Emotion is an important element which connects your message to your audience’s heart. Use words that evoke important emotions like trust, excitement, and curiosity. To have the greatest effects, these emotions should be used with strong, declarative sentences.
For example:
- “Feel confident, it is something you deserve.”
- “Let’s make your mornings free of all stress.”
Step 6: End with a Bang
Just like your video’s intro, the outro is equally important. Make sure to add an easy to follow call to action (CTA) that is catchy and will stick with your audience.
Examples:
- “Transform your routine by signing up now!”
- “Take the first step and visit our website.”
- “Let’s do this! The next step is up to you.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with the best of intentions, no one is free from falling into these traps:
- Overloading Information: Your audience doesn’t have to know everything at once. Only provide the important details.
- Using Jargon: Impressive words don’t always need to be used. Simple is often better.
- Ignoring Tone: Blending the script tone with brand identity is equally important. Alway ensure consistency.
Wrapping It All Up
Creating a great voiceover script is simpler than it seems. You don’t need bombastic phrases or over-the-top concepts. It comes down to knowing who you’re talking to, being clear, and infusing your delivery with enthusiasm. Avoid long sentences, and you’re going to do great. They are not a burden; instead, they’re a weapon of choice in keeping your audience captivated the entire time.
Are you interested in elevating your brand videos? For more advice, head over to Reset Media, where we help you shape your narrative one epic script at a time.