If you’ve never broadcast live before, rather than just “shoot from the hip,” you’ll want to create an outline or script so you can keep yourself on track.
A successful Facebook Live script usually follows a general outline like this:
Introduce yourself | Tell the viewer who you are, a bit about your background, and other ways they can connect with you, either through your blog or your social media accounts. Keep it SHORT. |
Engage your viewers | Acknowledge people as they join. Thank them for joining. Ask where they’re checking in from, and so forth. |
Tell them what to expect | Tell them how long your video is and the benefits they’ll get by watching it. (In old-time sales lingo, this is the “tell ‘em what you’re about to tell ‘em” phase.) |
Deliver your content | Make sure you provide the value you promised them in the headline (this is the “tell ‘em” part of the presentation). |
Recap the content | Summarize the presentation. (Tell ‘em what you told ‘em.) Bring your Facebook Live full circle, reminding them what you promised, showing how you delivered on the promise, and summarizing the benefits they now have. |
Engage your viewers | Answer any questions they might have, or ask for their response to the content. |
Close with a powerful “call to action.” | What, exactly, do you want the viewer to do now? Don’t wimp out – tell the viewer very specifically what to do next. |
Engage your viewers | Thank them by name, express appreciation for their time, and let them know how to reach you or get more information. |
Let’s look at some examples to show how you might tailor your script.
The first is an example for someone who might be doing a Facebook Live about generating leads. The second is an example for someone who might be promoting a weight loss or health supplement product.
After the examples, we’ll go over a few important notes about using scripts.
Sample Facebook Live Transcript — Lead Generation Presentation
Introduction:
“Hi, my name is Scott. I’ve been using the awesome combined power of live video and social media marketing to successfully generate leads every single day for my company.”
Engage Viewers:
“Before we get started, as you join in today, let me know where you’re checking in from.” As viewers identify themselves, greet and thank them by name.
Deliver Your Valuable Content
Preview: “In this video I’m going to teach you how to generate more leads than you’ll ever need for your business using easy video and social media marketing.”
Content: Spend 7-10 minutes delivering the content, based on your compelling headline, and making sure you address all the promises you made in your promotion.
Summarize Content: Remind them what you promised, show how you delivered on the promise, and summarize the benefits they now have
Engage Viewers:
“Tell me what questions you have, and let’s take a few minutes to address them.”
OR:
Ask two or three questions yourself, and ask your viewers to respond:
“Did this video give you enough useful information to begin your own video/social media marketing campaign? Text ‘1’ for yes, ‘2’ for no.”
Call to Action:
“If you or one of your downline wants more detailed information or coaching about this awesome technique, text ‘3’ and I’ll reach out to you by Messenger. Otherwise, be sure and head over to my website at www.TestEntrepreneur.com for more free training and useful marketing tips and strategies.”
Engage Viewers:
“Thanks, (name your viewers) for jumping on with me today. Remember, if you have any social media or video marketing questions, you can always reach out to me on Facebook or at my website, www.TestEntrepreneur.com. It’s been a blast being with you today.”
Sample Facebook Live Script – Product Presentation
Introduction:
“Hi, my name is Margaret. I’ve been using a combination of vitamins and herbs to improve my health, increase my energy, and lose 24 pounds in the last three months without starving myself or making my family miserable.” (NOTE: Do NOT mention your product or company by name at this stage!)
Engage Viewers:
“Before we get started, as you join in today, let me know where you’re checking in from.” As viewers identify themselves, greet and thank them by name.
Deliver Your Valuable Content
Preview: “In this video I’m going to show you how to improve your stamina and mental clarity, boost your energy levels, and lose those extra pounds without depriving yourself of your favorite foods.”
Content: Spend 7-10 minutes delivering the content, based on your compelling headline, and making sure you address all the promises you made in your promotion. REPEAT: Do NOT mention your product or company by name!
Summarize Content: Remind them what you promised, show how you delivered on the promise, and summarize the benefits they now have
Engage Viewers:
“Tell me what questions you have, and let’s take a few minutes to address them.”
OR:
Ask two or three questions yourself, and ask your viewers to respond:
“Did this video give you enough useful information to begin your own journey toward optimal health? Text ‘1’ for yes, ‘2’ for no.”
Call to Action:
“If you or anyone you know wants more detailed information or coaching about these awesome techniques, text ‘3’ and I’ll reach out to you by Messenger. Otherwise, be sure and head over to my website at www.TestEntrepreneur.com for more free training and useful health tips and strategies.”
Engage Viewers:
“Thanks, (name your viewers) for jumping on with me today. Remember, if you have any health or wellness questions, you can always reach out to me on Facebook or at my website, www.TestEntrepreneur.com. It’s been a blast being with you today.”
A Few Important Tips About Using Scripts
- Read through your script out loud a few times. Practice in the mirror. Get comfortable saying what you intend to say.
- Use your script to keep you on track – don’t try to read it word for word during your Facebook Live.
- Remember – the whole purpose of Facebook Live is to engage with your audience. Have fun. Relax. Create relationship. Don’t be so stuck on the script that you ignore your viewers!
- Your goal is to look and sound natural, conversational, friendly, and engaged with the people watching your Facebook Live.
- Use an easel or clipboard to position your script in the same line of sight as your device’s camera, so you won’t have to keep looking up and down while you’re broadcasting (think TelePrompTer). Otherwise, use a sticky-note posted on your screen.
- If you’re doing a Facebook Live about your product or service, your goal is to create enough curiosity and interest that your viewers will reach out to you for more specific information. Mentioning your product or service by name will guarantee they’ll rush over to Google and look for reviews about your product. We all know that there are tons of people online specializing in negative reviews. Don’t give your viewers the excuse to ditch your Live!
- Relax. Be You. Don’t try to be anybody else. Just be your best self, warts and all. That’s how you come across to your viewers as genuine, authentic, and real. And that authenticity is the foundation of the relationships that will help you build your business.
- Practice makes perfect! You’re going to want to do a “dry run” or “dress rehearsal” on camera, at least for your first Facebook Live. That way you can evaluate the lighting, background, camera and microphone position, sound quality, and eliminate any potential problems before you get in front of your audience.