Best-performing eLearning Scripts : Your Step-By-Step Guide

1.   eLearning: Types and Styles

The first step is to identify what kind of eLearning script you will be creating. The categorization differs depending on the approach. Some educational scientists categorize eLearning types according to learning tools, while others focus on different metrics.

Some eLearning categories are:

• Computer Managed Learning (CML)
• Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
• Synchronous Online Learning
• Asynchronous Online Learning
• Fixed E-Learning
• Adaptive E-Learning
• Linear E-Learning
• Interactive Online Learning
• Individual Online Learning
• Collaborative Online Learning

Decide on the one that best suits your needs as this will define your script format and teaching approach.

You can find out more about the eLearning categories here.

2.   Humanize it

Connecting the script, the brand with its audience

“Humanize” means to attribute human qualities to something. As a result, your eLearning instructor should sound:

• Realistic
• Original
• Authentic
• Full of soul

The most impactful eLearning courses have a common characteristic: they connect the instructor and the learner on a deeper level and this allows not only deep understanding but also effective learning. During a successful course there is a natural brain synchronizing, a real connection that only real human voices can achieve.

Real human voices show empathy, get excited, express emotion, they carry the regional accent that can be as the bridge between your script and the audience.

There are two things you should focus on at this point: the branding and your target audience. Your brand values should be weaved in and out of your text and your brand personality should be reflected in your instructor’s voice in a way that best resonates to your targeted audience.

Of course, authenticity means different things in each culture, thus eLearning voiceover is vital for your script especially if you aim to a diverse, broad audience as you will save time and useful resources.

Take a step back:

Look into your core values and identity and decide what kind of language and tone of voice will best serve your needs. Live up to your brand promise and teach by example.

Think:

• Which points should you emphasize?
• Which are the values that differentiate you from your competition?
• Which language resonates best to your audience?
• Are there any language barriers you need to overcome?
• Which are the regions of focus?

3.   Word Selection

Apart from creating a relatable character that speaks to the hearts and aspirations of your targeted audience you should pay attention to some technical details. Create a unique eLearning script with a language authentic to the instructor’s personality and background culture.

Give a voice to your instructor:

• Be pleasant and engaging
• Sound native
• Prefer active instead of passive voice
• Use storytelling in your narrative but always try to be simple and straightforward
• Remember to test your script and improve it accordingly

4.   Know your audience… speak their language

“It takes two to tango”, so don’t forget your “partner” (aka your “learner”). Make your script relevant, interesting and easy to follow. Of course, like in a school, not all classrooms are the same! Spend some time with a focus group as a representation of your targeted students; conduct some research so you can understand them on a deeper level: Who are they? What do they value? What language best resonates with them? What kind of knowledge of the topic do they have?

Remember: like in any conversation communication runs with more fluidity if you both are native to the language you use and have the similar cultural background. Think of all the times you just couldn’t get the joke or missed the point or that time that a movie line you didn’t know came up in the conversation.

5.   Research the market

You should never forget that eLearning market is over-saturated, so do the trick and think like a user.

Learning from the competition

Experience your competitors first, and then create a list of pros and cons for each. Which were the points you enjoyed? What made the experience more difficult? Avoid what you didn’t like as a “student” and add or adjust what you enjoyed so you create an updated and improved version yourself.

Don’t get disappointed if your content is already out there! You can always improve and tune your eLearning script every once in a while, like in a real classroom, this will be appreciated!

6.   Sound Native

The sweet moment has arrived and you hold your “baby” in your hands: a perfect script that talks to the hearts and minds of your future learners.

Mission accomplished… or maybe not?

Get your script localized and reach new markets

You might be a global company trying to pass on new information to future employees. Perhaps you’re based in London and you’re designing a new eLearning module for a Norwegian audience.

One way or another, a localized version of your eLearning script will help you make the most out of your labor. More specifically, the word “localized” refers to the adaptation of a script in order to meet both the language and the cultural requirements of a specific target market or audience. It goes without saying that this can only be achieved when you think and talk like a native!

English is considered the lingua franca, a common language used all around the world, however according to recent research only 20% of population speaks English, while the vast majority of this percentage (15%) speaks English as a second language. Thus, creating engaging content in different languages has only advantages to offer:

• Creates a better learning environment
• Increases productivity
• Reduces the danger of misinterpretations
• Enhances employee morale, productivity and efficiency
• Employees feel included and appreciated
• Reduces training cost and time
• Improves learning experience as it becomes more relaxing and easy to follow

However, no need to get stressed if the term is new to you. You don’t need to translate and voice your script yourself! Translation and voice-over agencies can help you localize a project across markets. You can find out more about how VoiceArchive provides both here.

Vital things to look for when localizing eLearning projects:

• A dedicated project manager to take over your case
• Use authentic, native language that will have the most impact on your audience
• Focus on a script that matches the length of the target language

VoiceArchive Extras:

• Specialized voice talent pool
• MemoryBank for easy pronunciation storage
• Custom auditions and extended voice persona castings
• Production test

For more information on details and pricing check: VoiceArchive