In the following article, we ask ourselves what Ava’s outline might have looked like. We derive this outline from her finished script.

Before you write a script for your video abstract, you should know how to structure your argument. It helps if you summarise each dramaturgical section of your structure in one sentence. You should think about how long you want to give this section in the finished video. If you are clear about this, it will be easier to work on the actual script.

To illustrate this, we will now examine Ava’s final script. In doing so, we will be guided by the dramaturgical sections (pick up, basic information, discussion, central message, epilogue)

We will answer the following questions: * Which script numbers (numbers in the right-hand column of the script) can be assigned to which dramaturgical section? How long does a section last according to Ava’s plan? (See “Script number and timing”) * How can the section be summarised in one sentence? (See “Summary”) * How did Ava elaborate this content in the finished script? (See “Comment”)

Note that distinguishing sections of a video abstract is not strictly an exact science. Given the necessary transitions or taking into account existing images and possible image sequences, the parts cannot always be sharply divided.

Part 1: Pick up

• Script number and timing: Numbers 1 and 2; estimated time: 15 s
• Summary: Communicate the beauty of marine ecosystems while contrasting it with the (human) threats they endure.
• Comment: This is a very well written exposition – it allows us to show beautiful (stock) images of the marine environment while quickly introducing the main situation, which is that this environment is under threat.

Part 2: Basic information

• Script number and timing: Number 3; estimated time: 22 s
• Summary: Introduce the inconsistent situation: not all species of cetaceans deal with stress in similar ways.
• Comment: This part introduces the problem that the written article addresses. Central to the argument is the point that multiple stressors require multifaceted analyses, including diverse species. The introduction of a concrete example with the North Atlantic right whale is particularly nice here. Remember that abstract ideas are difficult to convey – so if you have an illustrative example ready, the information section is a good moment to engage your audience with it. That is definitely something you would not do at this point in a written abstract.

Part 3: Discussion

• Script number and timing: Numbers 4–8; estimated time: 132 s
• Summary: Discuss what stressors are, why it is difficult to identify individual stressors as well as the possible methodology to do so. Mention that there are models to address the complexity.
• Comment: Compared with the other parts, this one is the longest, corresponding to the relative length of the middle part in the classic dramaturgy. Remember that you do not need to include the whole argument from the written article – you only need to summarise and illustrate your research.

Part 4: Central message

• Script number and timing: Number 9; estimated time: 28 s
• Summary: Concepts need to be adapted and applied on a case-to-case basis, always dependent on available data.
• Comment: Again, a nice touch here: we combine the central message with a return to the example of the North Atlantic right whales. The audience enjoys a come-back to something they have already heard, it gives a sense of closure – especially if it is an illustrative example.

Part 5: Epilogue / send-off

• Script number and timing: Number 10; estimated time: 28 s
• Summary: Further studies are needed, especially interdisciplinary ones.
• Comment: In a sense, this part continues the central message. However, it does so in a very general way: It extends the current inquiry into an area where many more studies are needed to get to the bottom of the research question.

The structure of Ava’s video abstract

Summarising, Ava’s first draft for her video abstract might have been structured as follows:

1. Communicate the beauty of marine ecosystems while contrasting it with the (human) threats they endure.
2. Introduce the inconsistent situation: not all species of cetaceans deal with stress in similar ways. (Introduce example of North Atlantic right whale)
3. Discuss what stressors are, why it is difficult to identify individual stressors as well as the possible methodology to do so. Mention that there are models to address the complexity.
4. Concepts need to be adapted and applied on a case-to-case basis, always dependent on the available data.
5. Further studies are needed, especially interdisciplinary ones.

Deepen your understanding

If you would now like to start with outlining your video abstract, step 5.3 offers you an interactive tool. Have fun!

Lizenz