This template makes scripting 3x faster

This week’s tip in a nutshell:

When you write the first segment of your script, templatize it, then re-use the format throughout the script.

For more detail + examples, read on…

Context: check out this newsletter where I explain what I mean by script “segments”.

So, when I say “templatize” a script segment, what does this look like?

Well, I frequently talk about this 3-part segment structure:

1. Setup
2. Tension
3. Payoff.

Every segment should follow this structure.

But templatizing a segment means identifying more clearly what setup, tension, payoff looks like for the script you’re working on.

Example!

Let’s say I’m working on a video about how to build a treehouse.

Each segment of the script would probably cover a different part of the treehouse structure (wood, ropes, bolts, etc).

So let’s imagine that, in segment 1, we’re talking about “bolts”.

Instinctively, I’d think about setup, tension, payoff like this:

1. Setup - “Bolts are the most important part of your build. Doesn’t matter how strong the wood is if your bolts don’t hold it together. Yet my clients usually make the same mistake when attaching their first five bolts… which leads to a treehouse that could literally collapse at any moment.
2. *Tension - [Explain what the mistake is. Identify why this causes a problem. Guide the viewer towards the proper technique for attaching bolts.]
3. Payoff - “So that’s why it’s absolutely critical to attach your bolts like this, not like THIS.”

*This is written in a “draft” state. Of course, in the full script, this would be expanded.

So, that's segment 1.

But now I’ve put all this mental energy into establishing a segment format I like, it’s easy for me to reverse-engineer what I’ve done and create a template I can re-use throughout the video.

Create the Template

^In this case, if I break down the format I just created, it’d look like this:

1. Setup - highlight common technique problem and establish stakes.
2. Tension - Explain what the mistake is. Identify why this causes a problem. Guide the viewer towards the proper technique.
3. Payoff - Show the right + wrong techniques side by side.

Now, I can lean on this template for each segment (if I want to).

To be clear, we don’t want the script to be dull.

Pattern interrupt is a huge part of keeping people watching, and it might seem like repeating the same format for every segment is a recipe for boredom.

But there are two reasons why this is not a problem:

1. You don’t have to use the template in literally every segment; it’s there to help if you’re staring at a blank page and struggling to make progress.
2. You can easily disguise the template.

Disguise the Template

Let’s quickly imagine segment 2, where we’re now talking about “ropes”.

While still relying on the templatized version of my setup ("highlight common technique problem and establish stakes"), here’s how I can easily present it in a different way:

1. Setup - “So let’s talk about ropes. First, look at how I’ve tied this knot and decide whether you think this would hold someone’s weight. [Pause. B-Roll, me stepping on the rope - it gives way!] Ok, so why didn’t it?

We’ve created the same effect...

...except now we’re opening with a direct question, then showing the stakes instead of simply explaining them.

It's the same template, but we've disguised it - and created pattern interrupt in the process!

My old headmaster used to bang on about working "smarter, not harder".

He was a bit of a [REDACTED], but that advice was solid.

Little shortcuts like this will make the scriptwriting process feel way easier over time.

YouTube Strategists Reveal: How to Grow Your Channel in 2025

Scriptwriting is intrinsically tied to every other aspect of YouTube - ideation, packaging, editing, etc.

That’s why I’m delving deeper into YouTube strategy at the moment.

(I got some worried emails last time I mentioned this btw - super kind of you, but don’t worry; my focus will always be scriptwriting.)

In any case, I quizzed my strategist friends on the most important tips for growing a channel faster.

Gwilym has been Bryan Johnson's head of YouTube for ~2yrs, and Jamie has produced for Ali Abdaal and Gordon Ramsay.

Check out the conversation:

🎥 Watch It Here 🎙️

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​That's all for this week.

Any questions, just let me know!

Speak soon,
George 👋