ZaPrompt ONAIRVideo script templates you can make your own
Start with the words you need, leave room to show the important part, and rehearse before you press Record. These three original templates are free to copy and adapt.
What are you making?
- A short introduction: give the viewer a reason to keep watching.
- A product demo: show what one feature makes possible.
- A tutorial: help someone repeat a complete task.
Replace every bracketed placeholder. Lines in ALL CAPS are production reminders, not words to read aloud. Delete instructions from your spoken draft before counting its words.
You can select and copy the text directly. The copy buttons are a convenience; no account is needed.
Short introduction script template
Tell a new viewer what this video will help them do. Use it as the opening of a longer video, or as a short standalone introduction.
You want to [specific outcome], but [one obstacle] keeps getting in the way. I’m [name]. I [relevant role or experience], and I’ll walk you through [one task]. We’ll start with [first useful action], then check [visible sign of success]. Get [item or screen needed] ready. Let’s begin.
Length to work toward: Aim for 40–55 spoken words after filling in the blanks. If the introduction is part of a longer video, go straight into the first action instead of adding a second welcome.
Make it specific: Replace a broad promise like “improve your videos” with an observable task, such as “frame an overhead shot without showing the tripod.” Mention experience only if it helps the viewer understand your perspective.
Product demo script template
Show one useful outcome to someone deciding whether the product fits their needs. Keep the demonstration focused enough to actually show it.
Here’s [product] doing [one specific job]. If you’re [audience in a particular situation], you may recognize this: [observable problem]. I’ve prepared [starting material]. Watch what happens when I [one action]. [HOLD FOR DEMONSTRATION] Now we have [result visible on screen]. That means [practical benefit], because [plain explanation of what changed]. One thing to know before you try this: [real requirement or limitation]. To see whether it fits your workflow, [one next step].
Length to work toward: Aim for 95–110 spoken words and reserve roughly 10 seconds for showing the action and result. A slower process needs more demonstration time or a longer video.
Make it specific: Show the same item before and after the action. A visible result is more useful than an unsupported claim that the product is “the best.” If the sequence is edited or sped up, label that in the video.
Step-by-step tutorial script template
Help a viewer complete one task. Write while performing the task yourself so the instructions match what someone will actually see.
By the end of this walkthrough, you’ll have [finished result]. Before we begin, you need [materials, access or preparation]. Start at [clear starting point]. First, [action]. Look for [visual cue] so you know you’re in the right place. [HOLD WHILE SHOWING STEP ONE] Next, [action]. Choose [option] because [reason relevant to this task]. [HOLD WHILE SHOWING STEP TWO] Finally, [action]. You should now see [checkable result]. If [likely problem] happens, check [specific cause or corrective action]. You’re finished when [success check]. You can now [use the result].
Length to work toward: Aim for 140–160 spoken words with 15–20 seconds reserved for actions and pauses. Expand the script to explain necessary decisions; don’t add words just to hit the target.
Make it specific: A tutorial needs enough detail to repeat the task. Replace “adjust the settings” with the exact setting and value. If the interface or equipment differs, say which version or setup you are using.
A filled-in introduction
Here is an original example for a home recording tutorial. It contains 44 spoken words. At a chosen planning pace of 130 words per minute, the words take about 20 seconds, before pauses.
Is your desk lamp leaving half your face in shadow?
I’m Alex, and I’ll show you a simple lighting setup using a lamp and a white wall.
We’ll compare the picture before and after.
Open your camera preview, and let’s find your starting position.
The example gives a recognizable problem, a concrete task and a way to compare the result. Replace the topic and name with your own; don’t keep a credential or experience claim that isn’t yours.
Leave time for more than words
A 60-second video does not have 60 seconds available for speech if the viewer also needs to watch a process. Use this planning equation:
Spoken words ≈ (total seconds − non-speaking seconds) × words per minute ÷ 60
The table uses 130 words per minute as a planning assumption, not a required speaking speed. Demonstrations can overlap with narration; subtract only the time when you won’t be speaking.
| Video length | Non-speaking time | Approximate words |
|---|---|---|
| 30 seconds | 5 seconds | 54 |
| 60 seconds | 10 seconds | 108 |
| 90 seconds | 20 seconds | 152 |
After filling in the template, paste only the spoken words into the free script timer. Adjust the pace and allow for pauses. Then read aloud while doing the actions: that rehearsal gives you a better estimate than word count alone.
If the video runs long, cut a secondary point or split the task into two videos. Speeding through a difficult instruction makes it harder to follow.
Turn the draft into a teleprompter script
- Say it before you polish it. Read the draft to one imaginary viewer. Rewrite anything you wouldn’t naturally say in a conversation.
- Break the script into thoughts. Put each short thought on its own line. Use a blank line where you want a longer pause.
- Keep filming notes separate. Save shot instructions in a second document, or make brief cues unmistakable. Bracketed cues do not automatically control the prompter or stop scrolling.
- Rehearse the hand movements. A line that works while sitting still may be too long while you show a product. Pause, finish the action, then continue.
- Check the ending. Give the viewer one useful next step. For a tutorial, using the result may be enough; every video does not need a sales pitch.
For a practical rehearsal routine, read how to sound natural with a teleprompter. Recording yourself on a phone? Follow the iPhone script-and-recording guide.
Before you record
- Every placeholder is replaced and every claim can be supported.
- The opening matches what the rest of the video actually delivers.
- The viewer can see the object, control or result you refer to.
- You have timed one complete spoken rehearsal, including actions.
- Your script and shot notes are saved before you start.
Common script questions
Can I use these scripts in commercial videos?
Yes. These original ZaPrompt OnAir templates are provided for you to copy, adapt and use in your own videos, including commercial videos. Replace example details with accurate information about your subject.
Will the template automatically make a 60-second video?
No. Placeholder length, your pace, pauses and demonstrations all change the runtime. The suggested budgets are starting points. Time the finished draft and rehearse it.
Should I memorize the whole script?
You can, but you don’t have to. Practice enough to understand each thought, then use a teleprompter or short notes to stay on track. If a sentence repeatedly trips you up, rewrite it before trying another take.