Write clear scripts for live television moments
A practical course in spoken scripts for live segments, presenter introductions and programme transitions, moving from a real briefing to an approved outline, a draft and a revision round.
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Aspiring writers
If you want to move into live video writing, the course gives you a structured way to practise. You begin with plain sentences and spoken rhythm, then build up to complete segment scripts. Each stage uses short original demonstration scripts on neutral educational and cultural topics, so you can see how a finished piece is put together before you write your own. Marianne Kowalski guides the briefing and drafting modules.
Working producers
Producers often brief writers and then approve what comes back. Here you practise the other side of that exchange: gathering audience, topic and target duration, and shaping them into an outline you can sign off. You learn what a useful brief contains and how to give feedback that leads to a clear second draft. Daniel Okafor, who worked in live studio production, leads the timing and transitions work.
Presenters and hosts
Presenters who write or adapt their own links learn why some lines trip the tongue and others do not. You practise openings, guest introductions and handovers between items, checking each against your own voice. Rebecca Alvarez helps with research, accuracy and tone for introductions. The aim is wording you can say naturally, with room to shorten or stretch when the live programme runs differently.
Six modules from first briefing to final revision
The curriculum follows the order of real work. You begin with writing for the ear, move through briefing and outline approval, then presenter introductions, programme transitions, timing and live flexibility, and finally drafting and revisions. Each module builds on the one before it.
Writing for the Ear
Learn to shape short sentences, natural rhythm and plain wording that a presenter can say aloud without stumbling.
Briefing and Outline Approval
Practise gathering audience, topic and target duration, then turning them into an outline a producer can approve.
Presenter Introductions
Write concise openings and interview introductions that welcome the audience and set up the guest accurately.
Programme Transitions
Build coherent links between segments so a live programme moves from one topic to the next without jarring gaps.
Timing and Live Flexibility
Count words to seconds, mark optional cuts and prepare scripts that can shrink or stretch on the day.
Drafting and Revisions
Work through a full draft, receive feedback and revise a script in clear rounds using the demonstration samples.
If you are unsure where to begin, send a short description of your experience and the kind of segment you write, and we will suggest a starting module.
CurriculumTalk through your script or your learning needs
Use the contact page to tell us about your audience, topic and target duration, or to ask which module suits you. We will reply with a clear suggestion for the next step.
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