Scriptwriting is a unique form of writing. While you may have been an ace at creating school essays, scriptwriting is a whole new feat of its own. There is a multitude of fields when it comes to scriptwriting, so you may not know how to handle corporate voice-over scripts.
This article aims to help you learn more about how to write various formulas for corporate voice-over scripts. What’s more, the extra tips can help you enhance your overall skill when it comes to writing a voice-over script.
What Is a Corporate Voice-Over?
Corporate voice-overs are voices that are regularly used by companies for training and branding. It can also be used to describe and demonstrate products that require instructions. Moreover, corporate voice-overs are helpful to tell a brand’s story while also explaining the business’s services, policies, and products.
So, why do corporations need voice-overs? Voice-overs can show off your company and give it good attention. Every time a person listens to a corporate voice-over, they will learn more about your company and what you have to offer.
There are two main categories for corporate voice-overs: internal and external. Internal voice-overs are normally used for the company’s employees, which includes training voice-overs, announcements, etc.
External voice-overs are typically for the public, and they are most commonly used for marketing and branding. This can include commercials, instructional videos for products, etc. For the purposes of this article, we will be focusing on external scripts for your brand.
The Stages of Writing a Script
Before we get into formulas that you can use, let’s take a step into the “stages” of creating a script. These stages can help guide you through the basics of your script. Once you know the basics that you want to have in your script, the writing process will be a breeze.
Stage 1
The first step is to know who you are writing to. What audience do you want to reach with your script? Try to narrow it down as well as you can. That way, you can write in the proper tone and use words that the target audience would understand.
Once you get a general idea of who it is, try to imagine your audience as one person. That way, you can write the script as if you are talking directly to them. For instance, let’s say that your target audience is female working professionals aged 25-30. Now, try to think of someone you know who fits in that category.
Once you think of a person, you can start building their character. You want to personify your target audience into a person or character. That way, you can connect to your audience by making them feel more relatable. You can even name your character to make it easier to write your first draft.
For instance, you can name your character Cynthia, who is 26 years old and is a working professional. You are writing a corporate script to advertise a multivitamin to boost their energy. The tone and language that you would use for that script would be for millennial women.
Stage 2
Next, try to take a look at what your competitors are doing for their scripts. While you should not copy them, you can certainly get a few ideas of what to do. Check out what ideas work for them, and see if you can incorporate them into your script.
Moreover, looking at your competitors can teach you what NOT to do for your script. If you see a commercial they had that had terrible lines or a negative audience reaction, you can take note of that.
Stage 3
Now, we move onto choosing a messaging style. Think about what you want to say to your character, Cynthia. Do you want to speak to her personally, as if you were speaking to your friend? Or do you wish to be more authoritative like a teacher, telling your character about something important?
Let’s take a quick look at some common styles you can use in your script.
Friendly: Conversational dialogue, typically for friends and acquaintances.
Authoritative: Urgent dialogue to display an important message, typically for announcements or informative content.
Emotional: Conveys feelings to relate or move the audience.
If you want to stand out a bit more, take a step out of your industry’s competition. For example, while you may be focusing on health and lifestyle to create a script for multivitamins, you do not have to stick to those cliches. If everyone is going for light-hearted encouragement, you can go for authoritative empowerment.
Stage 4
This stage is not necessarily a “step”, but it is a huge factor to let you know you are creating a great corporate voice-over script. Does it excite you? Do you feel motivated to write it, and are you brimming with ideas?
If it does excite you, then you are on the right track because you know it is a good idea. People will notice when the writer felt ecstatic to write the script. If you feel unmotivated and unconfident about writing the script, it might mean that you need a new idea.
Common Formula Ideas for Corporate Scripts
Now that we know the basics for writing a script, let’s take a look at two formula ideas you can use in your script. Think about these as your “storytelling style” – these will be a huge part in creating your script. Here are two common formulas you can use in corporate voice-over scripts:
Problem and Solution
One of the most common themes for corporate scripts is to present a problem and solution. It is easy and straightforward. Plus, it can help your script relate to your audience. You show them that you know what they are going through, then you tell them how your corporation can fix it.
If you do not present a reason WHY a person should be interested in your script, no one will pay attention for long. Here is an example of a script without a problem and solution:
“Our multivitamin has vitamins A, B, C, and much more. It also contains other important minerals that your body needs. Visit selected stores and our website to purchase our multivitamin.”
While that script shows what the multivitamin contains, it actually offers very little information to the audience. It does not show why it can make the viewer’s life better, so it will not tempt many people to buy the vitamins.
Here is an example of a problem and solution script:
“Are you tired of feeling exhausted at the end of every workday? Feel like you do not have the energy to enjoy your free time when you get home? Well, we’ve got the solution for you. This multivitamin is the exact pick-me-up that you need to make the most out of your day.”
The second script shows more value to the product, showing the viewers exactly HOW they can benefit from the products. While you can mention what is in the multivitamin, it is important to highlight how the product can enhance a person’s life. Thus, making the “problem and solution” formula an excellent way to write a corporate voice-over script.
Audience’s Perspective
This one is similar to the problem and solution formula, but with a bit of a twist. The audience’s perspective involves putting yourself in your target market’s shoes. This form of writing allows you to connect more with your audience and enhancing their engagement.
If you show them a story from their perspective, it allows them to relate more and fully capture their attention.
Here is a sample script to show you a formula using the audience’s perspective. For this article, let’s pretend that our character, “Cynthia”, from earlier is the one saying the lines.
“I always look forward to going back home after a long day in the office, but I would be too tired from work to enjoy my me time. Luckily, I started taking these vitamins that give me the energy I need to power through a workday and spend time with my family and friends.”
Writing Tips to Incorporate into Your Script
Now that you got the stages and formulas for corporate voice-over scriptwriting, that does not mean you have perfected the art just yet. Here are a few general writing tips that you can incorporate into your script to make it better.
Envoke Desire
Every script has a goal, and for most corporate voice-over scripts it will likely be for the viewer to buy or invest in something. This can be done in several ways. One common method is to relate to the viewer or by making the protagonist of your story want something (audience’s perspective).
Use Your Strengths When You Can
If you have a bit of room to play with your script, use your strengths when possible. You should take whatever freedom you have to your advantage. If you force yourself to write in a style or tone that you have not mastered yet, your words can look dull or cliche.
For instance, if you got a funny bone, then incorporate that into your writing. If you prefer adding a bit of drama to your script, create a dilemma to make your listeners feel emotional.
Avoid Cliches
Drawing inspiration from other scripts is a great way to get the ball rolling when you want to write. However, a lot of common scripts will have cliches, which you ought to avoid whenever possible. Whenever you see a trope that is overused, try to skirt around those topics to avoid boring your audience.
