AI Script Writing

Understanding AI-Assisted Script Writing

AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT can significantly streamline your script writing process. They understand the Markdown Teleprompter syntax and can help you create scripts optimized for on-camera delivery. This page covers two distinct approaches to working with AI:

1. Interactive Script Writer - A conversational AI workflow that guides you through script creation from scratch
2. Quick Formatter - A direct approach to format existing content into teleprompter-ready scripts

Both approaches use system prompts that teach the AI about MDC (Markdown Components) syntax and teleprompter best practices.

Approach 1: Interactive Script Writer

What It Does

The Interactive Script Writer is a comprehensive prompt system that transforms your AI assistant into a scriptwriting consultant. Instead of simply formatting text, it engages in a structured dialogue to understand your content needs before generating an optimized script.

How It Works

The prompt guides the AI through a multi-step reasoning process:

1. Discovery Phase - Identifies content type (YouTube video, presentation, course lesson, etc.)
2. Information Gathering - Asks contextual questions based on your content type
3. Content Collection - Requests key points, outlines, and specific requirements
4. Delivery Preferences - Clarifies pacing, pauses, and emphasis needs
5. Script Generation - Outputs a complete, formatted teleprompter script
6. Refinement - Offers iterative improvements based on feedback

When to Use This Approach

• Creating scripts from scratch without existing content
• Need guidance on structure and pacing
• Working on complex presentations or educational content
• Want AI to suggest optimal use of MDC components
• Prefer collaborative, consultative workflow

Download the Full Prompt

Setup Instructions

For Claude Projects:

1. Create a new Project or open an existing one
2. Navigate to "Project Knowledge" or "Project Instructions"
3. Copy the entire content from the downloaded prompt file
4. Paste it into the instructions field
5. Save and start a new conversation

For ChatGPT:

1. Go to ChatGPT Settings → Custom Instructions
2. Paste the prompt in the "How would you like ChatGPT to respond?" section
3. Or create a custom GPT with the prompt as instructions
4. Start chatting

Usage Example

You: I need a script

AI: I'd love to help! Let me understand what we're creating.

What type of content is this for?
- YouTube video (long-form)
- Short-form content (TikTok/Reels/Shorts)
- Course lesson/training
- Live presentation
- Sales/marketing video
- Other

You: YouTube video

AI: Great! A few questions to help me create the perfect script:

1. What's the main topic/subject?
2. Who is your target audience?
3. What's the primary goal? (educate, entertain, sell, inspire)
4. Approximate duration/length?
5. What's your channel's tone? (casual, professional, enthusiastic, calm)

[Continues with contextual questions, then generates formatted script]

Approach 2: Quick Formatter

What It Does

The Quick Formatter is a streamlined system prompt that converts existing content into teleprompter-ready Markdown with appropriate MDC components. It focuses on formatting rather than content creation.

How It Works

You provide your content (outline, bullet points, or prose), and the AI:

• Formats it as clean, readable Markdown
• Adds appropriate MDC components based on context
• Structures paragraphs for easy teleprompter reading
• Applies best practices for on-camera delivery

When to Use This Approach

• Already have written content that needs formatting
• Quick conversions of existing scripts
• Simple, straightforward formatting needs
• Learning MDC syntax through examples
• One-off script formatting tasks

System Prompt

Copy this prompt and paste it into your AI assistant's system instructions:

You are a teleprompter script formatter. Convert user text into Markdown with MDC components for Markdown Teleprompter.

# Output Rules

1. Always output as raw Markdown in a code block
2. Keep paragraphs short (1-2 sentences max) for easy reading
3. Use standard Markdown formatting:
   - **bold** for emphasis on key words
   - *italic* for subtle inflection
   - --- for visual section breaks
   - # Headers for major sections
4. Use MDC components strategically - only when they add value

# MDC Components Reference

## Block Components
Block components require opening :: and closing :: tags with content between them.

**Alert Component**
Highlighted callout box for important information.

Syntax:
::alert{type="info"}
Your important message here
::

Available types: info, warning, tip, danger

**Cue Component**
Stage directions or physical actions to perform.

Syntax:
::cue
[Walk to the whiteboard]
::

## Inline Components
Inline components are single-line declarations with optional parameters.

**Chapter Component**
Creates navigation markers and section breaks.

Syntax:
::chapter{title="Section Name"}

Note: Title is optional. Chapters help with keyboard navigation.

**Speaker Component**
Indicates who is speaking (for multi-person scripts).

Syntax:
::speaker{name="Host"}

**Speed Component**
Changes scroll speed at this point. Value is a multiplier.

Syntax:
::speed{0.5}

Values: 0.5 = half speed, 1 = normal, 2 = double speed

**Pause Component**
Pauses the teleprompter scrolling.

Syntax:
::pause           (manual resume required)
::pause{5}        (auto-resume after 5 seconds)

# Component Usage Guidelines

**When to use ::chapter**
- Major topic transitions
- New sections of presentation
- Logical breaking points for navigation

**When to use ::speed**
- Slow down (0.7-0.9) for complex technical terms
- Speed up (1.1-1.3) for familiar recap sections
- Emphasize key points with slightly slower delivery

**When to use ::pause**
- After rhetorical questions (2-3 seconds)
- Before major transitions (2 seconds)
- After complex explanations (3-5 seconds)
- Before Q&A sections (5+ seconds)

**When to use ::cue**
- Physical actions: [Point to screen], [Walk to podium]
- B-roll reminders: [Show product demo], [Display chart]
- Technical cues: [ADVANCE SLIDE], [Start video]

**When to use ::alert**
- Learning objectives (type="info")
- Critical warnings or disclaimers (type="warning")
- Pro tips or best practices (type="tip")
- Safety or legal notices (type="danger")

**When to use ::speaker**
- Interview or dialogue scripts
- Multi-presenter content
- Panel discussions
- Narrative scripts with characters

# Best Practices

1. **Paragraph Length**: Maximum 1-2 sentences per paragraph. This makes reading easier and reduces eye strain.

2. **Natural Breaks**: Add blank lines between paragraphs for visual breathing room.

3. **Strategic Component Use**: Don't over-format. Use components only when they genuinely improve the delivery.

4. **Speed Changes**: Place speed controls before the section you want to affect, not after.

5. **Pause Timing**:
   - 2 seconds: Quick pause for effect
   - 3-5 seconds: Processing time for complex info
   - 5+ seconds: Interaction moments

6. **Chapter Organization**: Use chapters to break content into 2-5 minute segments for easier navigation.

# Output Format

Always output the formatted script inside a markdown code block. Do not add explanations outside the code block unless the user asks for clarification.

Now, I'm ready to format your content for the teleprompter.

Usage Example

You: Format this for teleprompter:

Welcome everyone. Today we're going to talk about three ways to
improve your sales process. First, qualify leads better. Second,
personalize your outreach. Third, follow up consistently.

AI: [Outputs formatted script with appropriate MDC components]

Choosing the Right Approach

Tips for Better Results

General Tips

• Be Specific About Duration - Specify your target length: "5-minute presentation", "10-minute YouTube video", "30-second elevator pitch"
• Describe Your Audience - Help the AI calibrate complexity: "technical audience familiar with APIs" vs "complete beginners to programming"
• Specify Tone and Style - Guide the delivery approach: "conversational and enthusiastic" vs "formal and authoritative"
• Provide Context - Share relevant background: "This is part 3 of a series" or "Following up on last week's topic"

For Interactive Script Writer

• Answer Questions Thoroughly - The more detail you provide during the discovery phase, the better the output
• Request Specific Components - If you know you need chapters or cues, mention it: "Include chapter markers for each main point"
• Iterate Freely - Ask for adjustments: "Make the opening more engaging" or "Add more pauses after technical terms"

For Quick Formatter

• Structure Your Input - Well-organized input text produces better formatted output
• Include Notes - Add inline notes like [PAUSE HERE] or [EMPHASIZE THIS] to guide formatting
• Specify Component Preferences - Request specific components: "Add chapters for each section" or "Include B-roll cues"

Working with Different Content Types

YouTube Videos

Key Characteristics: Strong hook within first 5-10 seconds, chapter markers for viewer navigation, B-roll cues for visual interest, clear call-to-action at the end, retention tactics.

Recommended Components: ::chapter for major sections, ::cue for B-roll reminders, ::pause before transitions, ::alert{type="tip"} for CTAs, ::speed{0.8} for key points.

Educational/Course Content

Key Characteristics: Clear learning objectives upfront, deliberate pacing for comprehension, knowledge checks and practice prompts, incremental complexity building.

Recommended Components: ::alert{type="info"} for objectives, ::pause{3-5} after complex explanations, ::speed{0.7} for technical terms.

Presentations

Key Characteristics: Slide alignment, professional tone, audience interaction moments, time-sensitive delivery.

Recommended Components: ::chapter aligned with slides, ::cue for slide changes, ::pause{5} for Q&A.

Short-form Content (TikTok/Reels/Shorts)

Key Characteristics: Immediate hook (first 2 seconds), fast pacing, visual-first approach, quick payoff.

Recommended Components: Minimal MDC usage, bold for emphasis, one ::cue for visual hook.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Over-Format

Using too many MDC components can make scripts cluttered and harder to read. Use components purposefully, not decoratively.

::speed{0.8}
::chapter{title="Introduction"}
::alert{type="info"}
Welcome to our presentation
::
::pause{2}

::chapter{title="Introduction"}

Welcome to our presentation.

::pause{2}

Don't Ignore Paragraph Length

Long paragraphs are difficult to read on a teleprompter. Break content into 1-2 sentence chunks.

Don't Misplace Control Components

Speed and pause components affect content that follows them. Place them before the section you want to control.

Don't Forget to Reset Speed

If you slow down or speed up, remember to return to normal speed with ::speed{1} when appropriate.

Example Scripts

YouTube Educational Video

::chapter{title="Hook"}

::speaker{name="Host"}

What if I told you that **90% of developers** are using Git wrong?

::pause{2}

Today, I'm showing you the three commands that changed everything for me.

---

::chapter{title="The Problem"}

## Why This Matters

Most tutorials teach you `git commit` and `git push`.

::speed{0.8}

But here's the thing: **Git is a time machine**, not just a save button.

::speed{1}

::cue
[B-roll: Git commit graph visualization]
::

Business Presentation

::chapter{title="Opening"}

::speaker{name="CEO"}

Good morning everyone.

::pause{2}

Today's Q4 results show something remarkable.

::cue
[ADVANCE SLIDE - Q4 Results]
::

---

::chapter{title="Results"}

## Revenue Growth

We've achieved **32% year-over-year growth**.

::speed{0.8}

This represents our strongest quarter in company history.

::speed{1}

::pause{5}

Let's look at each segment...

Troubleshooting

AI Outputs Wrong Syntax

Problem: The AI uses incorrect MDC component syntax

Solution: Remind the AI of the correct format: "Please use block syntax for alerts: ::alert{type='info'} content ::"

Script is Too Long/Short

Problem: Generated script doesn't match desired duration

Solution: Be explicit: "This should be a 5-minute script, about 750 words"

Too Many/Few Components

Problem: Over-formatted or under-formatted output

Solution: Adjust instructions: "Use fewer MDC components, keep it simple" or "Add more chapter markers and pauses"

Paragraphs Too Long

Problem: AI creates long paragraphs

Solution: "Break this into shorter paragraphs, max 2 sentences each"

Additional Resources

• MDC Components Documentation - Complete component reference
• Markdown Syntax Guide - Standard Markdown formatting
• Keyboard Shortcuts - Navigate your scripts efficiently

Summary

AI-assisted script writing in Markdown Teleprompter offers two powerful approaches:

1. Interactive Script Writer - Best for creating new content with AI guidance through a conversational workflow
2. Quick Formatter - Best for quickly formatting existing content into teleprompter-ready scripts

Both approaches leverage MDC components to create professional, delivery-optimized scripts. Choose the method that fits your workflow, and don't hesitate to iterate and refine your outputs.

The key to success is clear communication with your AI assistant about your content type, audience, goals, and delivery preferences. The more context you provide, the better your results will be.