Switched from scripting every video to bullet points and my retention went up

I used to write full scripts for my YouTube videos, word for word. Took me like 4 hours per 10 minute video and I still sounded stiff. About 6 months ago I switched to just 5-6 bullet points per section and started talking through them naturally. My average view duration jumped from 40% to nearly 60% over the next few videos. Has anyone else found that less prep actually gives you better content?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_john21d ago

Honestly that makes total sense, scripts always sound like you're reading off a cue card even when you're trying not to. Bullet points let you actually talk like a human and that's what people connect with.

jesse_fisher20d agoTop Commenter

Totally agree with you @the_john, bullet points keep it from feeling like you're trying to sell something and more like you just having a convo. It makes people actually listen instead of tune out lol.

leelewis20d ago

Actually saw a study last week that said people remember about 70% more from casual lists than from formal writing. Makes sense when you think about how our brains work. @the_john hit it on the head though, scripts make everything sound rehearsed and fake. Bullet points force you to think on your feet and actually talk to people instead of at them. That's why most of the good sales calls I've heard don't have a single full sentence written down. It's just messy notes and key words to jog your memory.