/script-writing

name: script-writing
description: Use when writing scripts for Xiaohongshu videos, live streams, or carousel content, structuring narratives, creating engaging storylines, or planning content flow for maximum audience retention

Script Writing (脚本撰写)

Overview

Script writing is the art of planning and structuring Xiaohongshu video content, live streams, and carousel narratives to deliver engaging, valuable content that maintains viewer attention from start to finish, ensuring clear communication and maximum retention.

When to Use

**Use when**:

• Creating video content (tutorials, vlogs, reviews)
• Planning live stream content and talking points
• Structuring carousel narratives (multi-slide story)
• Delivering educational or instructional content
• Creating sponsored content (brand requirements)
• Aiming for higher completion rates

**Do NOT use when**:

• Spontaneous, authentic content (script can feel forced)
• Behind-the-scenes or casual vlogs (natural is better)
• Short, simple content (overkill for quick tips)

Core Pattern

**Before** (unscripted content):

❌ "Rambled, lost train of thought, forgot key points"
❌ "Video was 5 minutes but could have been 2 minutes"
❌ "Viewers dropped off at 30% (lost interest)"
❌ "Had to reshoot multiple times (forgot what to say)"
❌ "No clear structure, felt disorganized"

**After** (well-scripted content):

✅ "Clear structure: hook → value → CTA"
✅ "Concise: 2 minutes packed with value"
✅ "70% completion rate (vs 30% before)"
✅ "One take (knew exactly what to say)"
✅ "Viewer feedback: 'So clear and easy to follow!'"
✅ "Higher engagement: more saves and shares"

**5 Script Elements**: 1. **Hook** - Grab attention in first 3 seconds 2. **Structure** - Clear beginning, middle, end 3. **Value** - Deliver promised information 4. **Pacing** - Maintain engagement throughout 5. **CTA** - Clear call-to-action at end

Quick Reference

| Content Type | Script Length | Structure | Focus | |--------------|---------------|-----------|-------| | **Short Video** (15-60s) | 100-300 words | Hook → 3 tips → CTA | Quick value, fast-paced | | **Long Video** (1-3 min) | 300-800 words | Hook → Problem → Solution → CTA | Detailed explanation | | **Tutorial** (2-5 min) | 500-1500 words | Intro → Steps → Tips → CTA | Educational, clear steps | | **Live Stream** (30-60 min) | Outline + key points | Opening → Content → Q&A → Closing | Flexible, interactive | | **Carousel** (5-10 slides) | 50-100 words/slide | Title → Story → Summary → CTA | Visual storytelling |

Implementation

Step 1: Define Content Objective

**Clarify Purpose Before Scripting**:

Content Objective Framework:

1. Identify Primary Goal
   Educational:
   - Teach a skill or concept
   - Explain how something works
   - Provide step-by-step guide

   Example: "Teach viewers how to build a skincare routine for dry skin"

   Entertaining:
   - Tell a story or experience
   - Share humor or relatable content
   - Create emotional connection

   Example: "Share my skincare journey and failures before finding what works"

   Promotional:
   - Highlight product benefits
   - Share honest review
   - Encourage purchase or trial

   Example: "Review this moisturizer and explain why it's worth the price"

2. Define Target Audience
   Questions:
   - Who is watching? (age, experience level, interests)
   - What do they already know? (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
   - What do they want to learn? (specific pain points or goals)

   Audience Example:
   "Beginner skincare enthusiasts, 20-35 years old, struggling with
    dry skin, looking for simple affordable routine"

3. Determine Key Message
   One Main Idea:
   - What's the ONE thing viewers should remember?
   - If they forget everything else, what should they recall?

   Key Message Example:
   "You don't need expensive products for good skincare. Consistency
    and using the right ingredients for your skin type matters more."

4. Set Success Metrics
   What Does Success Look Like?
   - Completion rate: 70% watch to end
   - Engagement: 10% like/save/share
   - Conversion: 5% follow or click link
   - Retention: 40% rewatch or save for later

Content Objective Template:
Content Type: [Video/Carousel/Live Stream]
Primary Goal: [Educational/Entertaining/Promotional]
Target Audience: [Description]
Key Message: [One sentence main takeaway]
Success Metric: [Specific goal]

Step 2: Structure Your Script

**Create Clear Framework**:

Script Structure Templates:

1. Short Video Script (15-60 seconds)
   Structure: Hook → 3 Tips → CTA

   Hook (3 seconds):
   "Stop making these 3 skincare mistakes that are ruining your skin!"

   Body (40 seconds):
   Tip 1 (10 seconds): "Mistake #1: Over-washing. You're stripping your skin's natural oils."
   Tip 2 (10 seconds): "Mistake #2: Skipping moisturizer. Even oily skin needs hydration."
   Tip 3 (10 seconds): "Mistake #3: Using too many products. Less is more."
   Summary (10 seconds): "Fix these three things and your skin will thank you."

   CTA (7 seconds):
   "Follow for more skincare tips! Comment below which mistake you've been making."

2. Tutorial Script (2-5 minutes)
   Structure: Intro → What/Why → How → Tips → CTA

   Introduction (20 seconds):
   - Hook: "Want to build a skincare routine that actually works?"
   - What: "Today I'm showing you my complete dry skincare routine"
   - Why: "This routine transformed my skin in 30 days"

   What & Why (30 seconds):
   - Explain: "Dry skin needs hydration, not oil-stripping products"
   - Set expectations: "This routine takes 5 minutes, morning and night"

   Step-by-Step (2-3 minutes):
   - Step 1: [Product name] - How to use, why it's important
   - Step 2: [Product name] - How to use, why it's important
   - Step 3: [Product name] - How to use, why it's important
   - Step 4: [Product name] - How to use, why it's important

   Pro Tips (30 seconds):
   - Tip 1: [Specific technique or warning]
   - Tip 2: [Prod