RTA 102/108: PSA Scripts - Editing Tips

FORMATTING

● Does the script adhere to the script template provided (elements, line spacing and slug
formatting, etc.)?

STRUCTURE AND STYLE

● Does the PSA make the organization/cause interesting?

● Does the PSA make a clear appeal (ethical, logical, emotional or some of each)?
● Do you think the PSA will appeal to/resonate with its target audience?
● Is the dialogue conversational? Does it “read” well?
● Does the PSA grab your attention in the first few seconds? Does it hold your attention
throughout?
● Is the language/wording simple and accessible?
● Is the language appropriate for the target audience (and does it compliment the
goals/mission of the organization/cause)?
● Are the sentences short and clear rather than long and complicated (including use of
subordinate clauses)?
● Is there one distinct thought/message per sentence? Do ideas follow a logical flow?
● Are the words “that” and “which” used and, if so, can they be eliminated? Are contractions
used where possible?
● Does the PSA use active rather than passive language?
● Is the ending strong enough to motivate listeners to take action? If so, do we know exactly
what we should do? (Visit a website, change a behaviour, etc.)

CONTENT/ INFORMATION

● Are the key messages of the PSA clear and do these messages focus on and align with the
organization/cause?
● Does the PSA create the impression that a problem exists? Does the organization’s and/or
cause’s goals align with the problem?
● If statistics are used, are they easy to understand? Are they correct… recent?
● If there’s a website, is the address correct?
● Is there any info missing or that would help you understand the organization/cause better?

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

● Is the ad 30 seconds in length (i.e. about 80 - 100 spoken words)?

● Are there at least two voices (an announcer counts as one)?
● Is there at least one music cue? At least one sound effect?
● Does the tone come through in the read and does it compliment the organization, message,
and audience?
● If humour is used, is it effective or might it be considered in bad taste?
● If drama is used, is it effective or does it feel melodramatic?
● Do all of the elements compliment each other and work well together?