Tips for creating an effective video PSA

Summary

In this video, Kristen Kirby, Director of Community Relations for Menard Public Schools, and Elizabeth Mentley, Manager of Cardinal TV, provide essential tips for creating an impactful Public Service Announcement (PSA). They discuss various types of PSAs, including spokesperson, voiceover, live action, and silent treatment, with examples to illustrate each. The key to a successful PSA is keeping the message simple, direct, and visual. They also emphasize the importance of planning, organizing facts, scripting, and storyboarding. The video aims to inspire students to create meaningful PSAs that resonate with audiences, offering guidance and support throughout the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 A PSA (Public Service Announcement) is a short video designed to raise awareness, inform, or promote behavior change.
• 😀 A PSA should include the five W's: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
• 😀 The message in a PSA should be simple, direct, and targeted to viewers.
• 😀 Before creating a PSA, it’s essential to gather facts, plan, and write a script.
• 😀 A storyboard helps map out the visuals to accompany the script in the PSA.
• 😀 There are different types of PSAs: Spokesperson, Voiceover, Live Action, and Silent Treatment.
• 😀 The Spokesperson PSA features a well-known figure addressing the audience directly to draw attention to the cause.
• 😀 Voiceover PSAs use a narrator whose voice is heard while the visuals match the script, without showing the speaker.
• 😀 Live Action PSAs use scenes that show a dramatic situation where the viewer infers the message, such as the dangers of texting and driving.
• 😀 Silent Treatment PSAs use compelling visuals with no spoken words, often relying on text and music to convey the message.
• 😀 It’s important to keep PSAs simple, short, and conversational to maintain viewer engagement.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a PSA (Public Service Announcement)?

A PSA is a quick message used to promote something, raise awareness, convey information, or promote behavioral change. It can be used to address a problem or issue and is typically broadcast on television or other media platforms.

What are the 'Five W's' that should be included in a video PSA?

The Five W's include Who, What, Where, When, and Why. These elements are crucial for providing a clear and direct message in a PSA.

What is the importance of having a plan before creating a PSA?

Having a plan ensures that the message is organized and focused. It includes gathering facts, writing a script, and creating a storyboard to guide the visuals that will accompany the message.

What is a storyboard in the context of a PSA?

A storyboard is a visual representation that maps out the video sequence. It helps to plan the visuals and ensure that they align with the script and the message.

What are the four different types of PSAs suggested in the script?

The four types of PSAs are: 1) Spokesperson PSA, where a high-profile person speaks to the audience, 2) Voiceover PSA, where a voice narrates the message over visuals, 3) Live Action PSA, which involves dramatizing a situation, and 4) Silent Treatment PSA, which conveys the message with compelling visuals and minimal or no spoken words.

Can a PSA combine different styles? If so, how?

Yes, PSAs can combine different styles. For example, a PSA could combine elements of live action and voiceover or integrate visuals from a silent treatment PSA with a spokesperson's presence. Creativity is encouraged in developing an effective message.

What is the benefit of using a spokesperson in a PSA?

A spokesperson can draw attention to the cause, leveraging their high profile to engage the audience. The spokesperson's unique delivery can make the message more memorable.

How does a voiceover PSA differ from other types of PSAs?

In a voiceover PSA, the message is delivered through a voice that narrates the script while visuals play on screen. The person speaking is not seen, and the focus is more on the message and how it aligns with the imagery.

What is a live action PSA, and how does it communicate the message?

A live action PSA dramatizes a situation or story, where the audience infers the message from the actions of the characters, rather than being directly told. This style creates an immersive experience, making the audience feel involved.

Why might a silent treatment PSA be more powerful than a spoken message?

A silent treatment PSA can be more powerful because it relies on compelling visuals and natural sounds to convey the message. It engages the viewer's emotions directly, often creating a stronger impact than a spoken message.

What are the final tips provided for students working on PSAs?

The final tips for students are to keep the message simple, short, and conversational. It's also important to remember that the creators are available for help, and they encourage students to reach out if they have questions.