Gen AI Tools and Script Writing

Generally speaking, writing a video script on your own (without AI assistance) will preserve your unique voice.  However, there can be big gains in efficiency (i.e., time saver!) in asking a Gen AI tool to co-write with you.

If you decide to co-write with Gen AI, consider the TCREI framework* for getting the best output. That’s Task, Context, References, Evaluate, and Iterate, in that order:

  1. Specify the Task first
    • Add a persona/role
    • Add desired format
  2. Provide necessary Context
  3. Include References as examples
  4. Evaluate your output
  5. Iterate for better results

*Google Career Certificates. (n.d.). Discover the art of prompting [MOOC]. Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/learn/google-discover-the-art-of-prompting 

Example Prompt for Video Script

The Media Team uses the TCREI framework to draft all their prompts. Here is how we use it for video script writing.  Feel free to copy/rewrite this prompt to draft your next video script:

TASK: Write a script for an instructional video. The video should not be longer than [DESIRED LENGTH]. It should start with an opening sentence that will hook the audience. Assume the role of an expert in [NAME OF DISCIPLINE/TOPIC] who strictly adheres to Strunk and White’s “Elements of Style.” Write only dialogue that the presenter will speak out loud. Do NOT suggest or provide any visual content for the script. Please only draft the script. Use a conversational, but professional tone.
CONTEXT: The audience are college students studying [ADD COURSE NAME]. The video will [ADD GOAL/OBJECTIVE FOR VIDEO]. Some relevant background information is [ADD DETAILS THAT MUST BE INCLUDED]. Below, I have written what I think should be included in the video as a stream of consciousness. Use this to generate the script: [FREE WRITE YOUR IDEAS FOR THIS VIDEO. DON’T WORRY ABOUT WORDING/STRUCTURE, JUST PUT PEN TO PAPER AND WRITE]
REFERENCE: With regard to the voice and tone of the video script, here is an example of a completed video script I wrote. Use this to mimic the style of my writing: [ADD SCRIPT AS ATTACHMENT/URL LINK OR LINK TO A VIDEO]