Script writing
How to Write a Voiceover Script for Screen Recordings and Slides
Narrating a screen recording or slide deck? How to write a voiceover script that matches what is on screen, with timing tips, a two-column format and an example.
In this guide
Voiceovers are everywhere: software tutorials, course lessons, product walkthroughs, recorded slide decks for meetings. They look easy because you are not on camera. They are often harder than talking-head videos, because your words have to stay in step with what the viewer is watching.
Use a two-column script
The simplest way to keep narration and visuals aligned is a two-column script. On the left, what is on screen. On the right, what you say.
| On screen | Voiceover |
|---|---|
| Dashboard home | "This is the dashboard you see after you sign in." |
| Click Reports | "To build a report, start here in the Reports tab." |
| Choose date range | "Pick the date range first. Everything else depends on it." |
Writing it this way stops you from describing a click two seconds before or after it happens.
Describe purpose, not every click
Beginners narrate every action: "Now I click here, now I click there." Viewers can see the clicks. Tell them why: "Filter by region first, so the totals make sense." That is what they cannot get from the screen alone.
Leave silence for action
When something on screen takes time, such as a page loading or a form being filled, do not fill the gap with words. A short silence lets viewers watch. Mark pauses in your script with a direction, such as [pause], so you remember them while reading. Our guide to script markup for delivery covers how to mark pauses and emphasis.
Example opening
"In the next three minutes, you will set up your first automated report. By the end, it will land in your inbox every Monday at nine. Let us start on the dashboard."
It tells viewers how long, what they will achieve, and where to look first.
Pace it slightly slower
Viewers are watching and listening at once, so a voiceover should be slower than normal conversation. Around 130 to 150 words per minute works for most tutorials. See speaking pace on camera for how to find yours.
Record in short sections
Record one section at a time, matching one scene or slide. If you stumble, redo only that section. Editing is far easier when each audio clip lines up with a single part of the screen recording.
Read naturally from a prompter
Reading a script word for word can sound flat. Two habits help: write in short sentences, and read the line to yourself once before saying it. A phone prompter propped next to your monitor works well. In Cue, the cue cards mode shows one section at a time, which suits a scene-by-scene recording. If you also teach full courses, our online course video recording guide covers the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Should I record the voiceover before or after the screen recording?
For short tutorials, record the screen first and write the voiceover to match. For polished videos, write the script first and record the screen to follow it.
How fast should a voiceover be?
A little slower than normal speech, around 130 to 150 words per minute, so viewers can watch and listen at the same time.
Do I need a special microphone for voiceovers?
A decent USB or lapel microphone in a quiet, soft-furnished room is enough for most tutorials and course videos.