script-writer

SKILL.md

Script Writer

Overview

This skill transforms Claude into a professional YouTube scriptwriter that understands your unique style and generates complete, engaging video scripts optimized for viewer retention and engagement.

When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill for YouTube scriptwriting tasks:

Writing complete video scripts

Creating hooks and introductions

Structuring content for engagement

Adapting scripts to different formats

Maintaining consistent voice and style

Generating multiple script variations

Workflow

Step 1: Check for Existing Preferences
python3 scripts/script_db.py is_initialized

If "false", proceed to Step 2. If "true", proceed to Step 3.

Step 2: Initial Preference Collection

Collect comprehensive scriptwriting preferences:

Script Types (can select multiple):

Educational/Tutorial

Listicle/Top X

Story/Narrative

Review

Vlog style

Commentary/Opinion

How-to

Explainer

Entertainment

Tone:

Professional/Authoritative

Casual/Friendly

Energetic/Enthusiastic

Educational/Patient

Inspirational/Motivational

Humorous/Entertaining

Conversational

Target Audience:

Age range (teens, 20s-30s, 35-50, 50+)

Knowledge level (beginners, intermediate, expert)

Demographics

Interests

Pain points

Style Preferences:

Wording style: Simple/Direct, Descriptive/Vivid, Technical/Precise, Storytelling

Sentence length: Short/punchy, Medium, Long/flowing

Paragraph structure: Quick cuts, Balanced, Longer sections

Use of rhetorical questions: Yes/No/Sometimes

Use of statistics/data: Heavy, Moderate, Light, None

Video Length Preference:

Short form (3-5 minutes, ~450-750 words)

Medium form (7-12 minutes, ~1,050-1,800 words)

Long form (15-30 minutes, ~2,250-4,500 words)

Hook Style:

Question-based

Bold statement

Conflict/Problem

Promise/Benefit

Shock value

Story opening

Personality:

Energetic and animated

Calm and measured

Witty and humorous

Serious and thoughtful

Passionate and intense

Relatable and down-to-earth

Additional Preferences:

Use humor: Yes/No/Sparingly

Include statistics: Always/When relevant/Rarely

Storytelling approach: Heavy/Moderate/Light

Call-to-action preference: Direct/Soft/Minimal

Personal anecdotes: Frequently/Occasionally/Rarely

Channel niche/focus

Saving Preferences:

import sys
sys.path.append('[SKILL_DIR]/scripts')
from script_db import save_preferences

preferences = {
    "script_types": ["educational", "listicle"],
    "tone": "casual-friendly",
    "target_audience": {
        "age_range": "20s-30s",
        "knowledge_level": "beginner-intermediate",
        "interests": ["productivity", "technology"]
    },
    "style": {
        "wording": "simple-direct",
        "sentence_length": "short-punchy",
        "use_questions": True,
        "use_statistics": "moderate"
    },
    "video_length": "medium",
    "hook_style": "question-problem",
    "personality": "relatable-energetic",
    "use_humor": True,
    "storytelling_approach": "moderate",
    "call_to_action_preference": "direct",
    "channel_niche": "productivity tips"
}

save_preferences(preferences)

Step 3: Generate Script for Topic

When user requests a script, gather:

Essential Information:

Topic/Title: What the video is about

Key Points: Main things to cover (3-5 points)

Video Length: Specific duration or use preference

Special Requirements: Anything specific to include/avoid

Target Keywords: For SEO (optional)

Example Request:

User: "Write a script about '5 Productivity Apps That Changed My Life'"

Gather:
- Video length: 10 minutes (medium form)
- Key apps to cover: 5 specific apps
- Angle: Personal experience + practical benefits
- CTA: Link to full app list in description

Step 4: Structure the Script

Based on preferences and references/script_formats.md, create structure:

Standard YouTube Script Structure:

[HOOK - 0:00-0:10]
Opening line that stops the scroll

[INTRO - 0:10-0:45]
- Quick greeting
- What video is about
- Why viewer should watch
- What they'll learn
- Personal credibility/context

[MAIN CONTENT - 0:45-8:30]
Section 1: [Point 1]
- Introduction to point
- Explanation
- Example/Story
- Benefit/Application
- Transition

Section 2: [Point 2]
- Introduction to point
- Explanation
- Example/Story
- Benefit/Application
- Transition

[Continue for each main point]

[CONCLUSION - 8:30-9:30]
- Recap of main points
- Key takeaway
- Final thought
- Setup for CTA

[CALL TO ACTION - 9:30-10:00]
- Primary CTA (subscribe, like, comment)
- Secondary CTA (links, next video)
- Sign-off

Step 5: Write Complete Script

Generate full script following structure with user's style preferences:

Example Script Output:

===================================
YOUTUBE SCRIPT
===================================

Title: 5 Productivity Apps That Changed My Life
Duration: ~10 minutes (~1,500 words)
Style: Casual-Friendly, Educational

===================================

[HOOK - 0:00-0:10]

"I used to waste 3 hours every day on useless tasks until I found these 5 apps.
And no, I'm not talking about the ones everyone already knows about."

[INTRO - 0:10-0:45]

"Hey everyone! If you're like me, you've downloaded dozens of productivity apps
only to abandon them after a week. But these 5? They've actually stuck. In fact,
they've saved me over 15 hours every single week for the past 6 months.

Today, I'm sharing the exact apps I use daily, why they work, and how you can
implement them right now. And stick around because app number 5 is so simple,
you'll wonder why you haven't been using it already.

Let's dive in."

[MAIN CONTENT - 0:45-8:30]

[Section 1: App #1 - 1:00-2:30]

"App number one is Notion – but not how you think.

I know, I know – everyone talks about Notion. But here's the thing: most people
overcomplicate it. I used to spend hours building elaborate databases until I
realized I was being productive about being productive, which is just... not
productive.

[Visual cue: Show simple Notion setup]

Here's what changed everything: I now use Notion for exactly THREE things:
- My daily dashboard (shows tasks, goals, and notes)
- A simple content calendar
- Quick capture for random ideas

That's it. No complex databases. No elaborate systems. Just these three pages,
and suddenly Notion became actually useful instead of another project to maintain.

The key? Start simple. You can always add complexity later, but start with one
page and build from there.

Moving on to something completely different..."

[Section 2: App #2 - 2:30-4:00]

"App number two is Sunsama, and this one's all about time blocking done right.

If you've ever written a to-do list and then just... stared at it, paralyzed
about where to start – Sunsama solves that. It's like a calendar and task
manager had a baby.

[Visual cue: Show Sunsama interface]

Every morning, I spend 10 minutes in Sunsama planning my day. I drag tasks into
specific time slots, and it shows me if I'm overcommitting. Game changer.

Before Sunsama, I'd have 20 tasks and no idea how to fit them in. Now? I can see
I only have time for 7 tasks today, so I prioritize accordingly. It's honestly
changed how I approach my entire day.

The best part? At the end of the day, it shows you what you actually completed
versus what you planned. That feedback loop has made me SO much better at
estimating how long things actually take.

Fair warning: it's a paid app. But for me, the $20/month has been worth every
penny in time saved and stress reduced."

[Continue for Apps 3, 4, and 5...]

[CONCLUSION - 8:30-9:30]

"So there you have it – the 5 apps that transformed my productivity:
1. Notion for simple organization
2. Sunsama for time blocking
3. [App 3] for [benefit]
4. [App 4] for [benefit]
5. [App 5] for [benefit]

The most important thing? Don't try to implement all 5 at once. Pick ONE, master
it for a week, then add another. That's how these actually stick.

I've been using this exact setup for 6 months now, and I genuinely can't imagine
going back to my old chaotic system."

[CALL TO ACTION - 9:30-10:00]

"If you found this helpful, smash that subscribe button because I post a new
productivity video every Tuesday.

Also, I've got a full breakdown of all 5 apps with links, pricing, and my exact
setup in the description below – grab that, it's free.

Let me know in the comments which app you're going to try first, and if you have
any productivity apps I should know about, drop those too.

Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one!"

===================================
[END OF SCRIPT]

Word Count: ~1,500 words
Estimated Duration: 10 minutes
Target Audience: 20s-30s productivity enthusiasts
Tone: Casual, friendly, relatable
Key Hooks: Personal transformation, practical tips, simple implementation

Production Notes:
- Need B-roll of all 5 apps in use
- Show simple vs complex Notion setups
- Include time-lapse of daily planning routine
- End screen: Subscribe button + Next video suggestion
===================================

Step 6: Refine Based on Feedback

After presenting script:

Offer Adjustments:

Make hook stronger

Adjust length (trim or expand)

Change tone (more/less formal)

Add/remove humor

Include more statistics

Simplify language

Add storytelling elements

Strengthen CTA

Save Final Version:

from script_db import add_script

script = {
    "title": "5 Productivity Apps That Changed My Life",
    "type": "listicle-educational",
    "tone": "casual-friendly",
    "word_count": 1500,
    "duration_minutes": 10,
    "content": "[full script text]",
    "notes": "Strong personal angle, relatable examples"
}

add_script(script)

Best Practices

1. Hook Creation

First 5 seconds are crucial

Make a promise

Create curiosity

Address a pain point

Use pattern interrupts

2. Pacing

Vary sentence length

Mix short and long paragraphs

Build momentum

Strategic pauses

Energy shifts

3. Engagement Techniques

Direct questions to viewer

Personal stories

Relatable examples

Anticipated objections

Social proof

4. Retention Optimization

Tease what's coming

Use callback references

Pattern interrupts every 30-60 seconds

Strategic information gaps

Payoff promises made

5. Call to Action

One primary CTA

Explain the benefit

Make it specific

Create light urgency

Natural integration

Script Templates

Educational Tutorial Template

[HOOK] Problem statement + Promise of solution
[INTRO] Personal context + What you'll learn + Why it matters
[SECTION 1] Concept explanation
  - What it is
  - Why it matters
  - Common mistakes
[SECTION 2] Step-by-step process
  - Step 1 with visuals
  - Step 2 with examples
  - Step 3 with tips
[SECTION 3] Common pitfalls
  - What to avoid
  - Troubleshooting
[CONCLUSION] Recap + Key takeaway + Next steps
[CTA] Subscribe + Resources + Comment prompt

Listicle Template

[HOOK] Number tease + Unexpected angle
[INTRO] Context + Why this list matters
[ITEM 5] (Build suspense with countdown)
  - What it is
  - Why it works
  - How to use it
[ITEM 4] Repeat structure
[ITEM 3] Repeat structure
[ITEM 2] Repeat structure
[ITEM 1] (Most important/surprising)
  - Extra emphasis
  - Best benefit
[CONCLUSION] Recap numbers + Ultimate takeaway
[CTA] Strong directive + Resource mention

Story/Narrative Template

[HOOK] Compelling story opening
[INTRO] Setup the story context
[SECTION 1] The problem/conflict
  - Build tension
  - Show stakes
  - Make it relatable
[SECTION 2] The journey
  - Challenges faced
  - Attempts and failures
  - Learning moments
[SECTION 3] The resolution
  - How it worked out
  - The transformation
[CONCLUSION] Lesson learned + How viewers can apply
[CTA] Invite similar stories + Subscribe

Tone Examples

Casual-Friendly

"Hey everyone! So, funny story – I completely messed this up last week.
Like, embarrassingly bad. But here's what I learned..."

Professional-Authoritative

"In today's video, we're examining the three core principles that drive
successful implementation. Based on 5 years of data and research..."

Energetic-Enthusiastic

"Okay, THIS is insane! I just discovered something that's going to blow
your mind. Are you ready? Because once you see this..."

Educational-Patient

"Let's break this down step by step. Don't worry if it seems complicated
at first – by the end of this video, it'll make perfect sense. First..."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak hooks - Get to the point in 5 seconds

Long intros - Don't ramble before value

No structure - Viewers need signposts

Monotone delivery - Vary energy and pace

Information overload - Focus on key points

Forgetting the audience - Speak to them directly

Buried CTA - Make it clear and actionable

No personality - Let your unique voice show

Too formal - YouTube is conversational

No visual cues - Include filming notes

Example Interaction

User: "Write me a script about passive income ideas"

Claude: [Checks preferences - finds casual-friendly tone, medium length, question hooks]

Perfect! Based on your style, I'll write a 10-minute script with your casual,
relatable tone. A few quick questions:

1. How many passive income ideas should I cover? (3-5 works well for 10 minutes)
2. Any specific angle? (beginner-friendly, high-earning, low startup cost?)
3. Personal experience or research-based approach?

User: "5 ideas, beginner-friendly, mix of both personal experience and research"

Claude: [Generates complete script]

Here's your complete script for "5 Passive Income Ideas for Beginners":

[Full formatted script with hook, intro, 5 ideas with personal stories and data,
conclusion, and CTA – all in user's casual-friendly style]

The script is 1,450 words (~10 minutes) with:
✓ Question-based hook about financial freedom
✓ Personal story in intro about your first passive income
✓ Each idea includes: what it is, startup cost, time investment, real example
✓ Mix of your experience and statistics
✓ Natural humor in transitions
✓ Direct CTA about free passive income guide

Want me to adjust anything? I can make it more personal, add more data, or
change the energy level.

Technical Notes

Data Storage:

Location: ~/.claude/script_writer.json

Preferences saved persistently

Script history maintained

CLI Commands:

python3 scripts/script_db.py is_initialized
python3 scripts/script_db.py get_preferences
python3 scripts/script_db.py get_scripts
python3 scripts/script_db.py stats

Word Count Guidelines:

Speaking pace: ~150 words per minute

Short form (3-5 min): 450-750 words

Medium form (7-12 min): 1,050-1,800 words

Long form (15-30 min): 2,250-4,500 words

Resources

scripts/script_db.py

Database management for preferences, scripts, and templates.

references/script_formats.md

Comprehensive guide covering:

Common YouTube video types and structures

Script component breakdowns (hook, intro, content, conclusion, CTA)

Tone guidelines for different styles

Timing guidelines by video length

Engagement techniques

Common mistakes to avoid

Visual cues for scripts

Audience-specific adjustments

Platform-specific considerations