Use Google Docs' AI to Draft and Refine Narration Scripts
What This Does
Google Docs' built-in Gemini AI lets you generate first-draft narration scripts directly in your working document — without switching to a separate chatbot — and then refine them for reading level, tone, and length while keeping everything in one place.
Before You Start
- You have a Google account with access to Google Docs
- You have Google Workspace (Gemini features are available on most Workspace tiers; check your account)
- Your SME content is available to paste into or alongside the document
Steps
1. Open a new Google Doc for your course script
Go to docs.google.com → click + Blank → title it with your course and module name (e.g., "HIPAA Training — Module 2 Script").
What you should see: A blank document ready to type.
2. Paste your SME content into the document
Copy the SME's source material (slides exported to text, meeting notes, a Word doc) and paste it at the bottom of your document below a heading like "SME Source Material."
What you should see: Raw source content in the document, which Gemini can access.
3. Access the Gemini AI sidebar
Click Extensions in the top menu → select Gemini → the Gemini sidebar opens on the right. Or look for the Gemini icon (sparkle) in the top-right toolbar.
What you should see: A chat-style sidebar where you can type instructions to Gemini.
4. Prompt Gemini to draft your narration
In the Gemini sidebar, type your instruction. Be specific:
"Using the SME source material at the bottom of this document, write a narration script for Module 2 of a HIPAA training course. Audience: hospital administrative staff with no clinical background. Reading level: 8th grade. Write in second person, present tense. Organize by these objectives: 1) Identify what counts as protected health information. 2) Explain the minimum necessary standard. Insert the draft at the top of the document."
Click Submit → Gemini generates and inserts the draft.
What you should see: A narration draft inserted into your document, with the source material still below for reference.
5. Refine with follow-up instructions
If you want to adjust the output, type follow-up prompts in the sidebar:
- "Shorten this to 400 words"
- "Make the tone less formal — this is for frontline staff, not executives"
- "Add two examples from a hospital setting"
What you should see: Gemini updates the selected text or appends a revised version.
6. Use Proofread for a final polish
When you're satisfied with the draft, click Tools → Proofread with Gemini → review suggestions for clarity, tone, and grammar.
Real Example
Scenario: Your SME gave you a 25-page PDF on workplace safety regulations for a manufacturing training course. You need a 300-word module introduction.
What you type: "Write a 300-word narration script introduction for a workplace safety module for assembly line workers. Use the safety regulations content pasted below. Start with a relatable scenario a line worker might experience. Write at a 7th grade reading level. Second person voice."
What you get: A draft introduction starting with something like: "Imagine you're midway through your shift and the equipment you're using starts making an unfamiliar sound..." — ready to review and edit in the same document you'll continue developing.
Tips
- Keep your style guide (tone, reading level, banned jargon) in the document header — Gemini can see it and will apply it automatically
- Use "Suggest edits" mode rather than "Direct edit" when you want to see exactly what Gemini changed
- For sensitive content (HR policies, legal compliance), always verify Gemini's output against the source document — it can occasionally paraphrase in ways that change meaning
Tool interfaces change — if a button has moved, look for similar AI/magic/smart options in the same menu area.