As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently attended the Learning Solutions 2015 conference. When I look at the different sessions that I want to attend, I usually try to pick ones that will be helpful for an upcoming project or will help me professionally for all of my projects. The session titled - 6 Rules for Revising Bad Elearning Scripts by Daniel Brigham fell in both of these categories.
As a former English teacher you would think I should have all the skills I need for writing and editing scripts. However, I have found that my background in writing narratives and short stories is much, much different than writing Elearning scripts. Whereas I have learned to be descriptive and more flowery in my writing, Elearning scripts need to be more direct and to the point. BIG difference!
As a former English teacher you would think I should have all the skills I need for writing and editing scripts. However, I have found that my background in writing narratives and short stories is much, much different than writing Elearning scripts. Whereas I have learned to be descriptive and more flowery in my writing, Elearning scripts need to be more direct and to the point. BIG difference!
During the session I learned that I am not the only one that has trouble writing succinct scripts. Daniel said that you should be able to eliminate at least 33% of most scripts. That is a whopping 1/3 of the script!! This elimination is called the Cut Factor which is the based on this equation - (Original Script - Revised Script) / Original Script).
By following the 6 rules, even wordy types like me can begin to eliminate unnecessary content from Elearning scripts.
Now that you know the rules, let's try them out on a script.
Original Script: It is important to keep in mind that it is essential we continue to search for more efficient and effective ways of conducting business for the health of the organization. (30)
Revised Script: We continually need to search for more efficient and effective ways of conducting business. (14)
We were able to eliminate several words from the very beginning - "It is important to keep in mind that it is essential. . . " Did you see all the "is" forms being used? We also cut out the last part of the sentence - ". . .for the health of the organization." This is a prepositions that really isn't necessary to the context of the script.
Let's use the Cut Factor Equation to see how we did. (30-14)/30 = 53%. We were able to eliminate 53% of the script and still have the main idea without losing the learner's interest. As with anything you do, the more you practice, the easier it gets.
By following the 6 rules, even wordy types like me can begin to eliminate unnecessary content from Elearning scripts.
- Highlight the prepositions - many of these are unnecessary to the actual script and can just be eliminated.
- Highlight the "is" forms (is, was, will be, seems to be) - it is best to stay away from these and choose verbs that are more active.
- Find the action - this is where you will focus your attention.
- Put the action in a simple, active verb.
- Start fast - many scripts will start off with a lot of information that the learner doesn't even need to know. It isn't until the 3rd or 4th sentence that we get to the necessary information. Cut out the wordy intro before losing your learner's attention.
- Read the sentence aloud with feeling and emphasis - through this process you will discover parts of the script that need to be re-worded due to their awkwardness. A good script has a sense of rhythm to it.
Now that you know the rules, let's try them out on a script.
Original Script: It is important to keep in mind that it is essential we continue to search for more efficient and effective ways of conducting business for the health of the organization. (30)
Revised Script: We continually need to search for more efficient and effective ways of conducting business. (14)
We were able to eliminate several words from the very beginning - "It is important to keep in mind that it is essential. . . " Did you see all the "is" forms being used? We also cut out the last part of the sentence - ". . .for the health of the organization." This is a prepositions that really isn't necessary to the context of the script.
Let's use the Cut Factor Equation to see how we did. (30-14)/30 = 53%. We were able to eliminate 53% of the script and still have the main idea without losing the learner's interest. As with anything you do, the more you practice, the easier it gets.
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