Mastering Short-Form Content: How to Script and Structure Engaging Videos (6/9)

So, you’ve got footage, you’ve captured your day, but now comes the real challenge—how do you turn it into engaging content?

This is where scripting, structuring, and storytelling come into play. Without a clear framework, your video will either feel boring, scattered, or forgettable. But when you structure it right? Your content grabs attention, connects deeply, and keeps people watching.

Let’s break it down.

1. Brainstorming Your Story: Finding the “Lesson” in Your Day

Step 1: Reviewing Your Footage

At the end of the day, I review everything I shot—whether it’s B-roll, talking clips, or random moments. I look for patterns:

• What happened today?
• Was there a struggle? A win? A realization?
• Did I learn something new?
• Did I overcome something difficult?

I brain dump all my thoughts into my phone. No structure, just free-flowing ideas. I dictate instead of typing because it’s faster and more natural.

Step 2: Finding the Strongest Hook

Once I have my notes, I look for the one idea that stands out the most.

• Does it teach a lesson?
• Does it make people feel something?
• Can it be turned into a relatable moment?

The biggest mistake people make? Talking about their day without a takeaway.

🚫 Bad Example:
“Today was tough. I missed my alarm, drank some coffee, and then hit the gym late.”

✅ Good Example:
“Time management has been ruining my progress. But today, I tried one simple trick, and it changed everything.”

See the difference? The second version hooks you in because it’s relatable, problem-driven, and leaves the viewer wanting more.

2. Structuring Your Script: The 6-Step Formula for Engaging Content

Once I find my hook, I structure my script into six key points:

1️⃣ The Hook – This is the first sentence. Why should people care?
2️⃣ The Struggle – Share your personal pain point. Make it relatable.
3️⃣ The Failing Attempt – Talk about what you tried before that didn’t work.
4️⃣ The Turning Point – Introduce the lesson, tip, or realization.
5️⃣ The Resolution – Show how it made a difference.
6️⃣ The Call to Action – Invite the audience to follow along or engage.

Example Breakdown Using This Formula:

📌 Hook:
“Time management is ruining my progress. Here’s how I fixed it.”

📌 Struggle:
“I woke up late again, rushed through breakfast, and ended up missing my bus. This keeps happening, and it’s messing up my entire day.”

📌 Failing Attempt:
“I’ve tried setting alarms, making to-do lists, and even drinking coffee before bed. Nothing worked.”

📌 Turning Point:
“But today, I found a book on the subway—Tony Robbins’ ‘Time Management 101’. In it, he said something simple but powerful: ‘Plan your day the night before with just TWO priorities.’”

📌 Resolution:
“So I tried it. I wrote down just TWO things I had to accomplish. The next morning, I woke up with clarity and focus. I ignored distractions, got my tasks done, and for the first time, I actually felt in control of my time.”

📌 Call to Action:
“If time management is holding you back, follow me to see if this method actually works long-term.”

This format keeps the story engaging, relatable, and results-driven.

3. Why Most Content Fails: Avoiding the “Lecture Mode” Trap

The biggest mistake? Telling people what to do instead of showing them.

🚫 What NOT to do:

• “Here are the top 3 time management tips.”
• “Write your goals at night.”
• “Ignore distractions.”
• “Stick to your plan.”

This sounds like a lecture. It’s boring. People don’t like being told what to do.

✅ What TO do instead:

• Share a personal story of how you struggled with time management.
• Show your own experience trying and failing.
• End with a relatable breakthrough.

When people see you struggle and grow, they connect. You’re not an expert talking at them—you’re a real person figuring it out just like them.

4. Optimizing for Short-Form: Keep It Fast, Keep It Tight

Most people talk too much.

🚫 Mistake:
“I woke up, brushed my teeth, made coffee, thought about my to-do list, and then realized I was running late, so I hurried outside…”

Nobody cares. Cut it down.

✅ Fix:
“I woke up late and missed my bus. Time management is ruining my progress.”

🎯 Get straight to the point.

5. The Final Polish: Readability & Voiceovers

After finalizing my bullet points, I run my script through ChatGPT to check readability.

🔍 Goal: Keep it at a 7th-grade reading level (simple, clear, effective).

If I’m doing a voiceover:

• I record each line separately for clarity.
• I use hand gestures while recording (even if no one sees it—it helps with energy).
• I plug in my mic, record into iPhone voice memos, and airdrop it to my Mac.

If I’m talking on camera:

• I deliver one line at a time to avoid stumbling.
• I use the opposing thought trick (imagine someone arguing against me—makes my delivery stronger).

Final Thoughts: Simplicity Wins

Creating engaging content isn’t complicated.

📌 Find the real story in your day.
📌 Structure it using the 6-step formula.
📌 Keep it tight and to the point.
📌 Speak naturally—no lecturing.
📌 Make it relatable.

Now, take this and start scripting your next video. 🚀