How to write a video script that reads well on camera

The biggest mistake in video scripts is writing them like an article — long sentences, formal words, ideas stacked into one paragraph. It reads fine silently and falls apart the moment you say it out loud. Spoken language is shorter, simpler, and full of contractions.

The fix is a habit: read every line out loud as you write it. If you stumble, or run out of breath, or it sounds like a memo — rewrite it the way you'd actually say it to one person.

1. 1

   Start with the hook

   Your first line earns the next ten seconds. Say who the video is for and what they'll get — no long wind-up, no 'hey guys, welcome back.'

2. 2

   Make one point per section

   Break the body into a few clear points. One idea each, in the order that makes sense to a first-time viewer.

3. 3

   Write short, spoken lines

   Short sentences. Contractions. Everyday words. One idea per line so it's easy to read in phrases and easy to hear.

4. 4

   Cut to the word count

   At ~130–150 words per minute, a 2-minute video is ~260–300 words. Write to that, then cut 10% more — shorter almost always plays better.

5. 5

   End with one clear CTA

   Close with a single action you want the viewer to take. One ask, stated plainly, beats three vague ones.

• Short lines, broken at natural pauses — not at the edge of the page. You want to read in phrases.
• Large font, generous spacing so each glance takes in a whole thought.
• Mark emphasis and pauses lightly if it helps — a dash or a line break where you want a beat.
• Read it once at the camera line before recording, and fix any line that trips you.

When you're ready to record, paste the script into Lumi and it scrolls with your voice at the camera line, so a well-written script actually sounds well-delivered. See also how to use a teleprompter without looking like you're reading.