How To Write Perfect eLearning Scripts
Hollywood screenplays get all the glory, but well-written eLearning scripts have the potential to change the lives of your online learners. When done correctly, they serve as the backbone of your eLearning course design and create an emotional connection with every member of your audience. The trick is to transform all of the subject matter into something engaging, enlightening, and entertaining, which can be a challenging feat when you're working with bland material. Here are the 7 best practices for crafting the perfect eLearning script for your eLearning course.
- Turn your eLearning script into a conversation.
Your eLearning scripts should sound organic. Online learners must feel like they are dealing with an actual person they can relate to, instead of a computer who happens to know a lot about the subject matter. When you're writing your eLearning script imagine that you are just having a casual conversation with your audience. Try to use the words "we", "you", and "us" as much as possible to connect with them on a more personal level. Better yet, read it out loud after you've finished and see if it flows naturally, or if you may need to add a bit more personality and warmth before you start narrating. - Keep it short.
You should only include the bare necessities in your eLearning scripts. This is due to the fact that online learners are less likely to remember the key takeaways when they are in audio form. For this reason, you should always emphasize the main ideas and concepts with text or images, in addition to your audio narration. Read over your eLearning script when you're done to see what should stay and what you can afford to lose. It's also a good idea to choose the ideal time cap before you start writing your eLearning script. For example, you know that your online learners don't have much time to access the presentation so you are going to keep it under 5 minutes long. - Brainstorm before you type the first letter.
You should brainstorm every aspect of your eLearning script beforehand to make sure that you flush out of all of the main points. Create mind maps, eLearning storyboards, and outlines to get all of your ideas onto paper, then dive into the eLearning script writing process. One of the most effective tools is a detailed timeline. For instance, you might decide that the first minute of your eLearning narration should stress the benefits of the presentation, while the second should explore the applications of the subject matter. Also, meet with your eLearning team to get their input and get them involved in the eLearning brainstorming session. - Leave out the jargon.
Nobody wants to take an eLearning course that calls for a dictionary. Your online learners should be able to understand every word in your eLearning script. If not, then the definition should be included. Do some audience research to find out how much your online learners know and their level of experience, which will give you a good indication of which industry-specific jargon you should include. For example, online learners who have been in the field for a long time will probably need more specialized lingo, while those who are less experienced may require more basic terminology. When in doubt, just leave it out and provide links to supplemental resources. Less experienced learners then have the opportunity to explore advanced terms, topics, and tasks on their own time. - Use vivid imagery.
Online learners will remember the eLearning content more effectively if it paints a vivid picture. Instead of just telling them about an idea or concept, use adjectives and descriptors to make it more meaningful and engaging. This is especially useful when integrating stories and real world examples into your eLearning course design. A story is already emotionally compelling, but you can make it absolutely riveting by using imagery to draw them in. Just make sure that you don't go overboard and start describing every single detail. Also, keep visual metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to a minimum. Unless, of course, they will help your online learners to better understand the subject matter.Make your course meaningful with the Most Engaging Branching Scenarios!Discover, choose and compare the top eLearning Authoring Tools with Branching Scenarios Functionality! - Watch your tone!
Every element of your eLearning script should be respectful, professional, and personable. Online learners must feel like they are listening to someone that is on the same level, rather than a condescending authority figure. The eLearning content should follow the same guidelines: If you are dealing with tech-savvy online learners who already know their way around an eLearning course you don't need to tell them how to navigate. You should also stay active. It's wise to steer clear of passive voice and keep your eLearning script in present tense. - Edit, edit…and then edit again.
Do a few rounds of proofreading, editing, and revising before you finalize your eLearning script. In fact, you may want to have a fresh pair of eyes read over the eLearning script to make sure that it is error-free and conveys the right tone. Editing is particularly important if you are enlisting the aid of a voice over artist, as grammar and spelling mistakes can cause confusion later on. If necessary, hire an experienced copy editor to polish your eLearning content and make some minor adjustments.
A well-written eLearning script has the power to captivate your audience and provide them with all of the key takeaways in a fun and engaging way. The secret is making them feel like the eLearning course was crafted for them, alone, by getting the tone, pace, and jargon just right.
Now that you know how to pen the perfect eLearning script, read the article Top 8 Tips For Effectively Proofreading Your eLearning Course to learn about useful tips for proofreading every aspect of your eLearning course.
