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Script, bullet points, or just hit record?

MarinaT

Hi instructors,

Let's talk about what happens before you hit record. We know that some instructors write out every word. Some prepare a few bullet points and take it from there. Others know their topic well enough that they prefer to teach without a script.

Which camp are you in?

And has that changed since you started creating courses?

Maybe scripting helps you stay focused. Maybe it makes you sound less natural. Maybe bullet points are the perfect middle ground. We're interested in what actually works for you, especially after you've recorded a few courses and found your rhythm.

If you've experimented with different approaches, tell us what you landed on and why.

A resource for anyone getting ready to record: Udemy's Test Video service lets you submit a short sample video and receive personalized feedback on your audio, video and delivery.

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Comments

LawrenceMMiller

I have always prepared PPT slides, which are mostly bullet points or a graphic, that I then use to speak "off the cuff". Of course, it isn't really off-the-cuff because it is planned and rehearsed. I am much to lazy to write out a script and I am sure I wouldn't follow it if I did. But, there is no "right way".

Mik365

I script it and riff a little bit and try to make it sound natural

HimanshuDhar

Bullet points, then practice and finally recording it without any fixed script.

RuchiSaini

Earlier i used to write bullet points but now I write script. It helps me stay focused on delivery.

Haritha 089

I use both scripts and bullest ponts. it helps me stay focused and produced short video lectures.

SivakamiS2017

I script everything in detail. And this takes me a long time. And I like to do it in my own words. I use AI to get me the relevant research papers and their findings etc. But my script is my own.
Then I split it up into different Sections, Video Lessons etc and then record them. Then edit and create videos.

Mike Pritula

My very first "script" wasn't for a camera. When I moved from credit analyst to HR at Alfa-Bank, I had to learn to run a three-day training by watching a trainer deliver it once. I was afraid I wouldn't remember what to say, so I asked for her slides and wrote down by hand everything she said on each one. At home I put my notes under every slide. The trainer liked it so much she sent it to the other 5–6 new trainers, and they called it a lifesaver.

What I took from it: writing everything down was never about reading it back word for word. It was how I learned the material well enough to speak freely. I'd be curious whether others here still write the full text first, even if they don't use it on camera.

RonErez

If it’s a programming course then the code structures the lesson. I might add additional comments within the code. If it’s math then usually I already solved the problem. For the most part I do not use scripts. If I mess up then I might redo the video or press stop and then continue. I do make sure the AC is off and that I drank some water and the chair is not squeaky. There are quite a lot of birds chirping in the background which is nice and the neighbour’s dog specifically barks whenever I teach linear algebra. I call him the linear algebra dog.

When I just started teaching well before Udemy then I would write down everything, but now that I am more experienced and confident I kind of flow.

I do agree with @Haritha 089 that scripts might help me stay focused and may help create shorter videos.

There are rare occasions where I do use scripts and it is usually topics that I don’t feel 100% confident with.

Perhaps I should consider using scripts.

Baghi823

I used to just wing it, but on a single focused aspect of my subject, music. Took a lot of work to edit out all the hiccups as English is my 'second' language and I am not a fan of my speech (ironically, I have been speaking it for longer than my 'first' and still is nowhere as good as I want, at least the spoken one).

All that editing is really a ton of work, so I'll definitely use a mixture of script and bullet points. I want to say as much as possible with the shortest possible sentences. I have seen this approach in one of the courses I bought on Udemy from a specific author and I think it works the best.

MarinaT

I call him the linear algebra dog.

Sounds like you got yourself a very dedicated teaching assistant!😁

Coach.Hector

I script everything in detail and build a very engaging presentation to go with it. With the script settled, when I hit record I can focus on delivery instead of worrying about what comes next or forgetting something.

BrianJackson

Bullet points.

Col (Dr) Shabbar Shahid (Veteran)

I prefer using a Power Point presentation with adequate text and then explain the content in detail. Text on the screen probably helps learners who are not quite comfortable with my accent. That is what I feel.

RijulArora

Bullet points. Have some broad idea and then wing it. Being a professional speaker having delivered content 1000s of times, it's easier just to have a broad idea and deliver it. But, to each its own.

SAPBuddy

I don’t create a separate script. I prepare the PowerPoint presentation, go through the entire process in the system and make sure everything is functioning correctly. Once I have a clear understanding of the complete flow, I follow it naturally while delivering the course.

MattBarnett

Baghi's point about editing time is useful. I'd compare the total time for a finished lesson, not just how quickly you can record it. Ten minutes saved on preparation can easily come back as half an hour of editing.

One compromise is to script the opening, any precise explanation and the exercise instructions, then use prompts for the example. Reading the draft aloud also reveals sentences that look fine on paper but are awkward to say.

For practice activities, I'd be particularly careful with the instructions: what should the learner do, how long should they spend, and how can they check their attempt? Those are worth getting down clearly before recording.