When it comes to creating copy for on-camera presentations, there are important differences to keep in mind compared to writing for print materials. The goal with on-camera copy is to create a natural and conversational tone, while also ensuring that the script flows smoothly and can be easily read from a teleprompter.
With decades of experience, I understand the importance of crafting effective on-camera copy. Here are some tips:
Sound conversational? It’s all scripted.
Keep it Simple and Conversational - Avoid using complex language or technical terms that may be difficult to read or understand on camera. Instead, focus on writing in a conversational tone that mimics the way people speak.
Pay Attention to Pacing - It's important to keep in mind the pace at which the words will be read. Make sure your script is written in a way that allows for natural pauses and breaks, so that the speaker can comfortably deliver the words as they appear before them.
Use an Active Voice - An active voice is a writing style where the subject of the sentence is doing the action. The sentence structure is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a more engaging and effective way of writing. In an active voice sentence, the subject performs the action and the object receives the action. This type of writing makes the sentence more concise, direct and dynamic.
For example: "The dog chased the cat." This sentence is written in an active voice as the subject "dog" performs the action "chased" and the object "cat" receives the action.
In comparison, a sentence written in a passive voice would be: "The cat was chased by the dog." In this sentence, the subject "cat" is the recipient of the action and the performer of the action is less emphasized.
Using an active voice in your writing can help make your writing more lively, energetic, and engaging.
Emphasize Key Points - When writing for a teleprompter, it's important to make sure that key points are emphasized. This can be done through the use of bold or italicized text, or by breaking the script into smaller, easier-to-read sections.
Consider Visual Aids - It’s helpful for the on-camera talent to be aware of when they will be obscured by full-screen graphics or b-roll (if that’s known at the time of filming), so that they can adjust their delivery accordingly. These are also areas where a break may be taken.
By following these tips, businesses and organizations can create effective on-camera copy that will help to engage and inform their audience.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.