6 tips for writing eLearning scripts and interview questions that engage your audience
Engaging eLearning videos starts with a strong script. It's not just about presenting facts; it involves crafting language that resonates and keeps learners invested.
At Access, the team behind our eLearning courses understand that impactful content relies on thoughtful script writing. We go beyond simply transcribing information; our approach to crafting eLearning scripts is rooted in a deep understanding of how language, flow, and pacing can directly influence learner engagement and knowledge retention.
Read on for six essential tips drawn from our experience on how to write a script for a video that will drive engagement with your eLearning content.
Tip 1: Write for the eyes and the ears
Unlike reading, where our brains actively decode grammatical structures, video engages a different set of senses: our eyes (through visuals and on-screen text) and our ears (through spoken words and sound effects). Therefore, your writing needs to consider the aural experience and how they complement the visual elements. It's not just about correct grammar on a page; it's about crafting language that flows naturally when spoken and resonates with the viewer's sensory experience.
Tip 2: Utilise natural speech patterns
When writing eLearning scripts, it’s important to consider how people speak in real life. Condensing your writing, such as shortening "I am" to "I'm." significantly improves the flow and natural rhythm of spoken language. This makes it easier for viewers to understand and connect with the content.
Don't be afraid to authentically reflect the nuances of spoken language, even if it deviates slightly from strict grammatical rules – like starting a new sentence with an ‘and’. This involves actively listening to the natural speech patterns of your audience and thoughtfully incorporating those patterns into your writing style.
Tip 3: Keep it conversational
We advise the person in front of the camera to speak like they are talking to a friend. It’s a fundamental principle of effective eLearning script writing and how you'll forge a genuine connection, maintaining viewer engagement and ultimately enhancing the learning experience.
It’s about understanding the natural rhythm, vocabulary, and phrasing of your target audience. Then, you elevate that by making it more engaging, concise, and emotionally impactful. The goal is to connect with viewers on their level while delivering your message with clarity.
Tip 4: Maintain narrative control
When writing eLearning scripts, plan your eLearning content before you start recording. Each video should have a distinct title, purpose, key takeaways, core message, and an engaging hook. This intentionality prevents aimless filming and ensures that your content has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Without this control, you risk creating unfocused content that lacks a strong narrative structure, ultimately compromising viewer engagement and their learning experience. Knowing your objective beforehand allows you to be more concise and impactful with your scripting.
Tip 5: Read aloud
Don't let your script live only on the page. When considering how to write a script for a video that truly resonates, making the "read aloud" step a non-negotiable part of your process is crucial before editing. By reading your script aloud, and ideally recording and listening back, you'll catch awkward phrasing, unnatural rhythms, and areas that might not land well when spoken. Ensure your eLearning script sounds as engaging as it reads.
Tip 6: Ask yourself, will this story sell?
When incorporating interviews into your content, let the principles of compelling eLearning script writing guide your approach. Shift your perspective from simply being an interviewer who extracts facts to becoming a storyteller who uncovers a narrative. Approach each interview with a critical question in mind: "Will this story sell?" This mindset will shape your questions and guide the conversation towards compelling anecdotes, relatable experiences, and engaging insights. By focusing on the narrative potential, you transform interviews from simple information gathering into powerful, memorable learning moments for your audience.
eLearning script examples
Health and Safety training
One module of our Health and Safety training focused on the importance of Driving Safely. To engage learners, we used strong visual storytelling right from the start. The video opens with a cinematic sequence that sets the scene—before a single word is spoken, the learner is drawn into the situation. This technique helps to create an emotional connection and reinforces key messages, making the content both impactful and easy to recall.
Watch the video here.
Anti-Money Laundering training
When tackling a complex and critical topic like Anti-Money Laundering, it's essential that the learning not only informs but truly resonates with the audience. To achieve this, we went beyond standard compliance content. We conducted an anonymous interview with an individual who had been convicted and served prison time for money laundering. Their first-hand account brought a raw, human element to the training, transforming abstract legal concepts into real-world consequences. By leading with the details of such an interesting story, it manages to hook the audience and gets them engaged quickly.
Watch the video here.
Via bitesize videos, we share tips and tricks on how to create memorable learning experiences. Visit the Skill Pill Hub to find out more.
Our comprehensive catalogue of eLearning courses covers key topics to help your organisation achieve compliance and drive performance. This includes:
