Create AI videos with 240+ avatars in 160+ languages.
Create engaging training videos in 160+ languages
Training videos don’t fail because the visuals are bad. They fail because learners watch them, but don’t do anything differently.
A strong training video script is designed to change that. It targets a specific, observable outcome rather than passive understanding.
Whether you’re onboarding new hires, rolling out a system change, or enabling managers at scale, your script plays a critical role in:
- What learners pay attention to
- What actions they take afterward
- How confidently you can measure impact
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write training video scripts that:
- Start with a measurable outcome
- Guide learners toward real behavior change
- Make evaluation and iteration possible after launch
Before you write your training video script, make two decisions
- Define the outcome.
What should the learner be able to do after watching the video. - Design for the moment of use.
Where will they apply this, and what usually goes wrong?
If you can’t answer both clearly, the script will be harder to write and measure.
How to structure a training video script
Once the outcome and context are clear, structure helps learners move from orientation to action without overload.
Hook + promise
Set context and state what the learner will be able to do by the end of the video.
“In the next three minutes, you’ll learn how to submit an expense claim without it being rejected.”
Why it matters
Make the consequence concrete—time saved, errors avoided, or confidence gained.
“Doing this correctly saves you time and avoids follow-up questions from Finance.”
Demonstration
Show the task clearly, step by step, aligned with what’s happening on screen.
“First, select Expenses, then choose New claim and enter the purchase date.”
Finished result
Make success visible so learners can self-check later.
“Once submitted, you should see a confirmation message and the claim status marked as Pending approval.”
Essential recap
Reinforce only the steps and decisions that matter most.
“Remember: choose the correct category, attach receipts, and review the total before submitting.”
Call to action
Prompt a real next step—practice the task, apply it on the job, or check understanding.
“Pause this video now and submit a test expense claim using the steps you just saw.”
How much guidance does your training video script need to provide?
Some scripts need to guide learners closely through exact steps. Others need to leave room for judgment, tone, or interpretation.
The right choice depends on the behavior you want to change:
- Lightly guided scripts work when alignment, understanding, or judgment matters more than precision.
- Highly prescriptive scripts are necessary when learners must perform a task exactly as shown.
- Decision-focused scripts help when learners need to practice judgment, not just follow instructions.
Once you’ve decided how tightly the script needs to guide action, the next question is how to apply that script style consistently.
In Synthesia, templates are pre-built structures that support how a script is delivered on screen. They make it easier to apply a chosen script style consistently, reduce time to value, and standardize quality across videos or contributors.
Training video templates by use case
Templates work best when you use them as starting points. Synthesia offers 100+ training video templates designed around common training scenarios.
Below, I’ve highlighted 12 of my favorite use cases. Choose the template that best matches your outcome, then edit the script and visuals to fit your context.
Standard training
Clear, instructor-led learning videos that walk viewers through concepts, processes, or procedures in a structured, step-by-step way. Ideal for onboarding, compliance, and skills training, where the goal is to explain information clearly and consistently, with strong guidance and pacing.
Interactive training
Interactive videos are engaging, two-way learning experiences that include quizzes, branching scenarios, or clickable elements to keep learners actively involved. These videos help improve retention by letting employees make decisions, receive feedback, and learn by doing rather than just watching.
Onboarding
Introduction and orientation for new employees or users, helping them understand the organization’s mission, tools, and workflow. These videos set the tone for a warm, structured, and consistent onboarding experience.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Step-by-step visual guides that document how key processes should be performed in a consistent and compliant way. Video SOPs help teams follow the same workflows, reduce errors, and preserve operational knowledge across roles and locations.
Compliance training
Legal, safety, and regulatory requirements explained clearly to ensure employees understand critical policies. Often includes quizzes or interactive elements to confirm comprehension and adherence.
Cybersecurity training
Cybersecurity training videos protect your organization from digital threats such as phishing, password attacks, and data breaches. These videos teach security best practices, safe system usage, and company policies, helping reduce human error.
Product demos
Product demo videos show how your product works in real-world scenarios, walking viewers through features and use cases. Commonly used in marketing, onboarding, and customer support to highlight value quickly.
Technical skills training
Job-specific, hands-on instruction for using specialist software, tools, or equipment. Ideal for upskilling teams in fast-evolving technical roles.
Customer service training
Customer service training videos provide best practices for client interactions, from communication skills to handling objections. Often includes realistic role-play scenarios to build confidence and consistency.
Health and safety
Workplace health and safety training videos, including emergency procedures and hazard prevention. Essential for industries where compliance and risk reduction are critical.
Leadership development
Leadership training videos for managers and executives focused on decision-making, communication, and strategy. Often features expert insights and real-world case studies.
Scenario-based training
Simulated real-world situations where learners can practice problem-solving in a safe environment. Especially effective for high-stakes or complex decision-making.
How to tell if your training video script actually worked
A training video has only done its job if learners can perform the task correctly without the video.
Views, completion rates, and positive feedback are useful signals, but they’re not the outcome. The real test of a training video script is whether it changes what people do in their day-to-day work.
To evaluate impact and improve future scripts, focus on three levels of evidence:
- Can learners perform the task on their own?
After watching, learners should be able to complete the task correctly without replaying steps or asking for help. - Are learners following and understanding?
Completion rates, quiz accuracy, and drop-off points should confirm that learners stayed oriented and processed the instruction. - Did anything change in the real world?
You should see credible movement in the business signal this training was designed to influence, such as fewer errors, faster onboarding, or reduced support requests.
Use these three questions as a feedback loop. If learners drop off early, revise the introduction. If they watch the video, but have difficulty performing the task, improve the demonstration. If they perform the task, but business results don’t shift, revisit the original outcome.
About the author
Strategic Advisor
Kevin Alster
Kevin Alster is a Strategic Advisor at Synthesia, where he helps global enterprises apply generative AI to improve learning, communication, and organizational performance. His work focuses on translating emerging technology into practical business solutions that scale.He brings over a decade of experience in education, learning design, and media innovation, having developed enterprise programs for organizations such as General Assembly, The School of The New York Times, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Kevin combines creative thinking with structured problem-solving to help companies build the capabilities they need to adapt and grow.
What is a training script?
A training video script defines what learners should do, see, and hear in order to perform a task or make a decision correctly. Beyond narration, it sets the structure of the video, the sequence of steps, and the cues learners need to apply what they’ve learned in real work.
How should I start a training video script?
Start by clearly stating what the learner will be able to do by the end of the video and why it matters. A strong opening orients learners to the situation they’re in and sets expectations for action, not just information.
How do I structure a training video script to keep it effective?
Most effective training scripts follow a simple structure: orient the learner, explain why the task matters, demonstrate the correct behavior, show what success looks like, reinforce key steps, and prompt a clear next action. This keeps learners focused and makes the script easier to evaluate later.
How long should a training video script be?
A training video should be as long as it needs to be to support a single outcome—and no longer. Short, focused videos are easier to follow and apply, especially when they cover one task or decision at a time.
How do I incorporate visuals, captions, and on-screen instructions into my script?
Write scripts with visuals in mind. Narration should align with what’s happening on screen, highlight key actions, and avoid competing with visuals for attention. Clear captions and on-screen cues help learners follow along and apply steps accurately.
Can Synthesia help me write, translate, and produce training video scripts at scale?
Yes. Synthesia lets you turn scripts, documents, or existing materials into training videos using pre-built video structures. Templates support consistency and speed, while the script determines the learning outcome and behavior.
