The Script: The Cornerstone of any Nonprofit Explainer Video
Creating a great nonprofit explainer video script is kind of like laying the cornerstone for a building. It's the rock-solid foundation that the entire project gets built on. You can have all the fancy visuals and production values in the world, but if the script is shaky, the whole thing could crumble.
There's an old saying in the video world: "Bad videos have been made from good scripts, but good videos have never been made from bad scripts." And it's so true! The script is make-or-break for whether your video connects with people or falls flat.
In this article, we'll hook you up with everything you need to write a killer nonprofit script. One that informs your audience about the important work you do, and also truly inspires them to get on board with your mission.
So let's get down to it. Get ready to craft a clear and compelling narrative that untangles the complex mission and impact of your nonprofit.
Thorough Research: The Key to Creative Reuse and Recycling
Conducting thorough research is crucial when creating nonprofit explainer video scripts. You have to immerse yourself in the subject matter. If it's about a think tank report, you need to understand that report inside and out. Or if it's focused on a nonprofit's strategic vision, you have to get familiar with all the details of that strategy.
Right from the start, make sure to gather all the organizational resources and assets that can guide your work. This includes brand identity materials, design specs, content guidelines, and any other relevant information from the nonprofit. Having this foundational knowledge readily available allows you to create content true to the organization's voice and vision as you progress through the production phases.
Another important part of researching is “stealing” from peers and competitors. That doesn't mean just copying them, but drawing inspiration from elements like their 2D animations to spark your innovative ideas. Check out nonprofit explainer videos from others on YouTube, social media, and their websites - anywhere you can find them.
Use that as a jumping-off point, combined with your deep subject knowledge, to create something fresh and engaging. Don't just regurgitate what they did, but let it influence and elevate your unique take.
Cultivating Collective Brilliance: The Nonprofit Video Scriptwriting Fest
Effective nonprofit explainer videos require strong teamwork involving not just the marketing team but also the nonprofit's top leadership. Excluding key decision-makers can lead to last-minute changes and delays. To streamline the production process, it's now common practice for all key stakeholders to approve the script before proceeding to visual elements.
When writing your script, don't just work with your video maker. Also, ask your audience or important supporters what they think by using surveys. Their ideas can guide your script, and having strong facts makes your nonprofit explainer video more powerful, getting people to pay attention and do something.
Every story you write starts from a blank page. Today, digital writing tools like Google Docs or Word revolutionize storytelling. These platforms streamline the writing process from start to finish, changing the way we write and connect.
Nonprofit Explainer Videos: The Shorter the Sweeter
Have you thought about how long your nonprofit explainer video should be? If you're aiming for 90 seconds, for example, you're looking at roughly 150-200 words in the script. It's an easy detail to overlook at first.
Shorter videos are better these days. Viewers' attention spans are pretty limited, so keeping things concise ensures they don't miss the core of what you're saying. Think about how you'd explain something to a child - you'd cut out all the fluff and complexities and just focus on the heart of the matter.
Like Einstein said, true mastery of a subject means you can simplify it and make it accessible to anyone, even a 5-year-old.
Create 60-second videos for short attention spans and to ensure your call-to-action isn't missed. For live events, like conferences, slightly longer videos work since the audience is captive.
Pacing Perfection: Why Speed-Talking for Nonprofit Explainer Videos is a No-No
Have you ever noticed how the speed of speech in explainer videos can throw you off? It's a pervasive issue often overlooked when scripting. When writing a script for a 1-minute video, the focus tends to be on content. However, pacing is crucial.
The speed of dialogue affects comprehension and engagement. If it's too fast, viewers might miss key points. If it's too slow, attention wanes. Balancing pacing becomes pivotal in ensuring your message resonates, making it a crucial scriptwriting consideration.
When creating nonprofit explainer videos, clarity is key. Aim for a speaking pace of around 130 to 150 words per minute to ensure your message resonates with a wide audience. Remember, the duration of a script can vary based on the complexity and type of words used.
To gauge timing, read the script aloud or use an AI voice at the draft stage. This approach will help you refine pacing and ensure your message is understood by all.
Script Before Scribbles: A Case for Words Before Pictures
In nonprofit communications, a focused approach is key. Rather than simultaneously tackling text and visuals, a step-by-step method, focusing initially on the written content, proves to be more manageable.
Start by honing the creative brief to a concise 130-200 words, ensuring clarity.
This strategy is particularly beneficial given that many individuals in the nonprofit field come from research or academic backgrounds and are more comfortable with text than with visual design.
This isn't to say that visual elements from the initial discussions don't make their way into the final product; they often do. However, by prioritising the script at the outset, a solid narrative foundation is established.
We save the visual brainstorming, like creating mood boards, for later stages. This helps keep the project focused on its core message.
Finding That Perfect Pitch: Tone it Right!
Strike a balance in your nonprofit explainer videos–not too serious like a documentary, but not too silly to turn into a meme. Finding the right tone is crucial.
When choosing a tone for your nonprofit explainer video, consider these main types:
Explanatory/Informative Tone: It straightforwardly educates the audience. Like this video we made for Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospital’s video appointments service.
2. Storytelling Tone: This tone uses narratives to engage and connect emotionally with the audience. This video about the United Nations’ support for returning migrants is a good example.
Here at Leon!, we mainly produce nonprofit explainer videos with an explanatory tone, focusing on technical or academic messages. However, we also embrace more theatrical tones when clients opt for them.
Real Stories, Real Impact: Non-Fiction as Your Fiction
Nonprofit explainer videos are all about making that real, human connection with people. These videos have serious power to bring an organization's mission to life through stories that hit home on an emotional level.
For example, this video about the real-life story of Kennedy & Onyeka showcases how authentic storytelling can inspire action.
These types of nonprofit explainer videos also educate viewers about important issues, simplifying complex topics and encouraging support for social causes.
The Home Run for Your Nonprofit Explainer Videos: Titles, Thumbnails, and Teasers
Your script is crucial, but it's not the only important element. Titles, thumbnails, and teasers also play key roles.
Thumbnails are visual previews of your video, influencing their decision to watch. Adding text to thumbnails can enhance their appeal. Titles are also equally vital as they're often the first thing viewers search for.
Nonprofit Animation Script Success: The Essential Checklist
To conclude, here's a brief checklist covering the dos and don'ts for your nonprofit animated script. Keep it handy to ensure your message shines through every word. Need a nudge? Leon! stands by to guide.
Dos:
Craft a Top-Notch Script: A powerful script is your nonprofit explainer video's backbone. It's the secret to success.
Collaborate Early: Teamwork is key. Get everyone involved from the get-go to create a targeted and engaging script.
Monitor Script Length and Duration: Regularly check your script's length and duration to avoid creating overly long animations and to stay within budget.
Don'ts:
Create Lengthy Videos: Long ones can lead to disengagement and are more expensive to produce. Keep it short and sweet for effectiveness.
Prioritise Text before Visuals: Emphasize the importance of text; it often conveys more meaning than visuals alone.
Overlook the Importance of Tone: Choose the right tone to keep your audience connected to your message.
Bringing in an outsider's perspective, such as a scriptwriter from an animation studio or a freelance writer, can be transformative for nonprofits. It can help bridge the gap between their internal jargon and the broader audience, making the message more relatable.
Word Wizards Unite: The Pros Behind the Successful Nonprofit Explainer Videos
Leon!’s squad includes seasoned copywriters masters in the art of writing for ethical brands. They've got folks who know International Relations inside out, and they even speak different languages to reach an audience.
These are just a few things to mull over when you're seeking pro help, folks who can fine-tune your script like a well-crafted melody.
Final Thoughts
Your nonprofit explainer video hinges on a compelling script. This script is the narrative backbone that shapes every aspect of your video, from visuals to voice-overs, enabling you to effectively convey your organization's story and inspire action.
A top-notch nonprofit video script needs to accomplish two goals: informing viewers about your cause while emotionally inspiring them to support it. The script should guide audiences on a journey, allowing them to form a genuine connection to your mission.
The hallmark of an effective script? Creating a lasting impression that compels the audience to engage and spread your message organically. Achieving that kind of profound connection and shareability is what separates scripts that genuinely resonate.
