FAQ — Dramaturgy for Video & YouTube Courses

Dramaturgy is the architecture of attention. In courses, it defines the order of beats, stakes, reveals, and rewards that keep learners engaged. It’s not just storytelling; it’s pacing, modularity, cognitive load management, and clear goals inside every lesson.

Aim for 4–8 minutes with a single learning objective. Complex topics can be a cluster of short lessons connected by a recap and a quick exercise. Keep retention peaks every 30–60 seconds via micro-hooks, questions, or on-screen changes.

A reliable pattern: Hook (problem/benefit) → Map (what we’ll do) → Do (demo/steps) → Transfer (how to use it) → Check (micro-quiz or task) → Recap (one-sentence summary). Repeat the pattern across modules.

Use authentic stakes: time saved, mistakes avoided, or a small “win” demonstrated in seconds. State a measurable outcome and preview the payoff clip in the first 10–15 seconds. Avoid vague superlatives—anchor to a specific task.

Not required. For natural delivery, outline beats and transitions rather than full scripts. If you use a prompter, write in spoken language and insert intentional pauses. Always rehearse the lesson map out loud.

Use B‑roll to illustrate verbs and milestones. Target 6–12 meaningful cutaways per 5 minutes. Avoid decorative filler—every insert must clarify, contrast, or confirm a concept. Prefer screen captures and close-ups of the task.

Batch-produce modules and release 2–3 lessons per week. Pin a recap/live Q&A once per module. Cadence matters less than consistency—set expectations in the intro and keep a predictable rhythm.

Use YouTube for discovery and teasers, and an LMS for structured learning, progress, and assessments. Hybrid works: public intro + private modules, linking to assignments and resources in your LMS.

Split by outcomes, not difficulty. Provide a base path and optional “pro tracks” with advanced challenges. Use branching timestamps, and end each lesson with a fork: Continue → Advanced example → Practice task.

Cut on thought units. Use natural breaths as edit points. Average shot length 3–7 seconds, longer for demos. Add subtle motion (screen zooms, highlights) to reset attention every ~40 seconds.

Video drives motivation, worksheets drive transfer. Provide a one-page exercise per lesson with prompts and a checklist. Include an answer key or exemplar to reduce uncertainty and improve completion.

Track early retention (0–30s), completion, and post-lesson task submission. Add one frictionless question per lesson (“Was this actionable?”). Iterate on the first 60 seconds and recap density—it moves most metrics.

Provide accurate captions, readable slides (≥18pt), high-contrast visuals, and describe key actions verbally. Offer transcripts and keyboard-friendly resources. Accessibility increases watch time for everyone.

Use a talking head to introduce and to bridge sections; switch to screen for doing. Face boosts trust and parasocial motivation; screen boosts clarity. Alternate with intention, not habit.

Weekly office hours, peer showcases, and small accountability squads. Keep prompts specific and time-bound. Close feedback loops in ≤72 hours to sustain momentum.