Get All Access for $5/mo

Should You Write a Script for Your Video Content? Will working from a script make you seem less authentic when you produce video?

By Salma Jafri Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Entrepreneur Network partner Salma Jafri thought it would be easy to transition to video. She had always been a good communicator and speaker, so talking to a camera about topics should be a home run. But, it was harder than she expected, and she struggled to nail down the tone she wanted to convey. Whenever she used a rigid script, she sounded robotic, but when she tried speaking off the cuff she seemed unprepared and unfocused, changing from topics abruptly or leaving out information.

After a lot of practice, though, Jafri figured out the formula that worked best for her. Click play to learn her secret.

Related: How to Build a Great Visual Brand Through Video Content

Entrepreneur Network is a premium video network providing entertainment, education and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. We provide expertise and opportunities to accelerate brand growth and effectively monetize video and audio content distributed across all digital platforms for the business genre.

EN is partnered with hundreds of top YouTube channels in the business vertical. Watch video from our network partners on demand on Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV and the Entrepreneur App available on iOS and Android devices.

Click here to become a part of this growing video network.

Salma Jafri

Content Marketing Consultant for Entrepreneurs

Salma Jafri is the host of Content Marketing Tips, a weekly vlog and blog on how women entrepreneurs can market authentically to their audience by using their natural strengths. Grab her free cheat sheet: 25 Free and Feel-Good Ways to Authentically Promote Your Content.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Salma Jafri

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.