Here's a ready-to-use script to help you cover the first and some say most important segment of your next how to video.

In part I of The 5 minute guide to writing a script for your how-to video, I showed how to quickly write a script outline for a video (or DVD) on just about any subject.

In part II and in future segments, I'm going to show you how to expand that outline with examples of actual scripts you can easily modify to fit your own videos.

The strategy

When I write a outline script for a how to video, I try to pattern the 'flow' of the video to match that of a typical TV mystery story.

The idea is to present in the first few minutes enough details to get the viewer interested, and then follow with several short video segments (usually no longer than five minutes each) each designed to build a body of information which leads the audience to the ultimate solution or benefit they were seeking in watching the video.

Using this technique not only makes it easier for the viewer to follow the flow of information, it actually corresponds with the way viewers have learned to watch TV (a few minutes of story line, followed by a 30 second break). By breaking up the information into easily digestible video segments, the viewer isn't as likely to get lost or bored.

Creating a video this way allows you to build on a 'body of knowledge'. You show the viewer how to do something in one segment, and in the next you build on that knowledge by showing them how to do something else using the knowledge they gained in the previous segment.

As they watch the video they learn about the subject matter in a progression of easy to understand steps. (Again, much easier than being force fed an hour of uninterrupted video.)

Getting started

The first segment of the video is one of the most important. It is where you introduce the presenter, and set the tone for the remainder of the video.

The first segment is like the cover of a book. If you do it right, the reader (or viewer) will want to see what's inside. But if you get off on the wrong foot, you may never get the viewer on your side (important if you want the viewer to be interested in other videos you offer).

The Welcome and Introduction Script

The Welcome and Introduction Message usually will be something like:

Welcome to [Video Name]. I'm [Your Name] and I'll be your host and guide as we take a look at [topic of the video]. In this video, you're going to: Learn about to [Benefit 1] [Benefit 2] [Benefit 3] [Benefit 4] . . . plus a whole lot more. By the time the video is over, you'll be able to [overall purpose of video here] We've got a lot to cover, but before we get started, there are two points I need to make: First, I'm not a hollywood actor and won't be reading lines from a script. I am, however, experienced with [topic of the video] and will be able to show you first hand how to [video benefits]. Second, [whatever other disclaimer(s) you need to make.] With that said, let's get started.

You'll probably want to add a little to the above outline, but you get the idea. Welcome them to the video, tell them what they will learn, tease them with a little preview of the big benefit to watching the video, and then provide any needed disclaimers.

Keep it short and to the point. No more than 2 minutes in length.

Below is an example of an introduction script I wrote:

Hi. Welcome to "Ebay for Fun & Profit". I'm Bill Myers and I will be your host and guide as we explore the interesting world of eBay, the world's largest internet auction service. In this video we will be looking at eBay from the point of view of a buyer, and of a seller. And we'll look at what it takes to build a profitable business around eBay auctions. We'll also look at several secrets you can use to increase your chances of success on eBay, and I'll show you a few tricks you can use to give you a major advantage over other eBay users - whether you are buying or selling. We'll start by covering the very basics of doing business on eBay, showing you how to register, how to choose a good eBay user name, how to find items, how to bid, and how to make payments and more. After the basics, we'll go into detail on starting and running a profitable eBay business. We'll cover it all - and by the time we get to the end, you'll know what it takes to do well on eBay. Before you start, there's two points I want to cover. First, this tape does not present some 'pie in the sky', 'get rich quick 'scheme. Instead we present a proven strategy of succeeding with eBay auctions. That said, let's get started by taking a look at the basic concept of eBay, and why it has proven so popular world wide

More than just the words

The first scene of your video, the welcome message, is where the viewer is introduced to the overall look of the video. Because so much information is communicated visually, it is very important that the look of the 'set' delivers a feeling of confidence and professionalism.

This can best be accomplished by proper lighting, proper camera placement, and proper placement of appropriate props around the presenter.

We'll get into this in future articles, but to give you an example of how adding a few props can give you an air of credibility, check out the image of me in an older video.

The use of computer monitors is a good way to add credibility. (Watch the evening news tonight - count the number of monitors behind the main presenter.)

Coming up

In the next article in this series, I'll show you how to develop your list of sub topics, and provide a sample script showing how to provide information within a specific sub topic.

(I was planning to cover sub-topics in this article, but in the interest of keeping these articles shorter than books, I have to hold off until the next article.)