How do you make a talking-head video setup?

To make a compelling talking-head video, you need to keep the following things in mind: 

• Script

• Video Lighting

• Framing

How to write a script for a talking-head video

Step 1: Write a video brief

To make an effective video, you need to know your objectives for the video. You can find this out by asking yourself these questions:

• What is the purpose of the video?

• Who is your target viewer?

• What action do you want your viewers to take?

• Which platform do you plan to upload the video on?

• What value does your video bring to your viewers?

Take some time to come up with answers to the above questions. Doing this will give you an idea of what to include in the script on a broad level. 

Step 2: Follow the Basic Plot Structure

The Basic Plot Structure is the best way to structure your talking-head videos. Here are the five parts to a basic plot structure:

1. Hook — Suck your viewer in with a question, story, statistic, or anything that makes them hungry to watch the video further. 

2. Intro— Introduce yourself, your company, your product, or your topic. Give some background information on any of these. BUT make it succinct.

3. What’s in store — This is where you will present the main points you wish to convey to your audience.

4. Satisfy — Here, you should wrap up your main points with a satisfying conclusion that ends the video. You can summarise points previously made and give additional tips and takeaways. 

FINALE — This is where you conclude your video with a call to action. You can also thank your viewers, ask them to subscribe, and add a final note here. 

Be conversational in your scripts

Talk TO your audience, not AT them. 

So, what does this mean?

It means that you don’t preach to your audience like a know-it-all. Instead, treat them like a friend to whom you are explaining things. VALUE VALUE VALUE Giving gifts isn’t just for birthdays.

Focus on one message

Is your video meant to inform YouTubers about the number of videos they need to make to increase their presence on YouTube?

Then stick to that topic ONLY—don't veer off into a tangent on how to increase click-through rates.

Focus on only one message.

Call to Action

Only one. Do not ask the viewer to go to your website, sign up to your newsletter and buy your next course all in one video. Confuse them and you lose them.

Check out this post where I create a short form video - giving value and one call to action ;-)