Moderator Script for Think-Aloud Testing
Run sessions consistently.
The Open buttons send the prompt text as currently shown below to that site only when you click. Fill in the placeholders first.
Write a moderator script. Product and test goals: [PRODUCT_AND_GOALS]. Session length: [LENGTH]. Participants: [PARTICIPANTS].
Provide a full script: welcome and framing ("We're testing the product, not you"); consent and recording; think-aloud instructions with a short practice task; pre-test questions; task introductions (read verbatim); neutral prompts ("What are you thinking?", "What would you expect to happen?", "Tell me more"); what to say when the participant asks for help ("What would you do if I were not here?"); a rule for when to end a task (after a set time or when the participant gives up); post-task questions; post-test questions; closing and incentive.
Add a list of moderator mistakes (leading, explaining, rescuing too early, laughing at errors) and a table of neutral responses to common participant questions. Include a checklist for observers and a note-taking template. Keep the script under two pages.
Include a table of what to do when the participant goes silent, asks for help, finishes early, or becomes upset, with the sentence to say in each case and the point at which to end the session politely.
Fill in before use
Optional: type your details and the prompt above updates. Nothing is saved or sent.
Replace each bracketed placeholder with your own details, then paste into Any AI or another assistant.