As a Dom, and within a framework of consent, prior negotiation, limits discussed and specific activities already practiced and tested I would usually direct a scene in the following manner which was taught to me by a Pro-Domme many years ago... I start days before the session by writing a script. Read more… Usually 4 A4 pages, each page is a "scene", so a session involves 4 scenes. A page is quite a simple breakdown of which activities will be occuring, in which order and for what duration each activity should last. Each activity will also include notes on what toys, equipment or accessories are required for each act. And what background music or sound effects should be playing (from a pre-chosen playlist). It's not a dense wall of text, just bullet points printed large. In addition to this there is a 1st page, the intro. The intro has the title of the session writ large and notes on protocol levels required for the duration and details of the opening ceremony where (usually) the sub will kneel, offer me their collar and request that I collar them as a symbol of handing over power/control for the duration. Then they will offer me an item (such as a paddle if it's an impact play session) and they state they give me permission to punish, funish or reward them for the duration (differs depending on pre-negotiated activities). And then I ask them to state clearly what their slow/pause/stop safewords will be. I remind them that at any time they can request a break for water or to go to the toilet. Then we'll begin the scripted scenes. A 1 page, 1 hour scene will typically be broken down into 4 10 to 15 minutes activities including time to change between positions/activities/equipment/furniture/location. I understand this might sound way too structured to some people who prefer more spontaneous play. That's ok, I'm not saying this is the one true way, this is just what works for me. I can be subject to time blindness and getting lost in the moment. Without this timetable of events and order of play I might easily lose track of time or forget to include a particular activity that the sub had requested. This keeps me on track and prevents the whole session from running over time if we have a limited time frame to work within. And in case anyone's curious, there is still wiggle room within the session. The script is only a guideline. It is possible and entirely reasonable to adapt the scenes and activities as they progress through the session. Things can go off-script, one has to be ready to compensate, cancel, increase or decrease an activity's level, style or duration at any given moment based on reading the subs reaction or obvious feedback. The script isn't set in stone but is a very useful tool for my style of play and to keep me on track. I also don't use a script every time I engage with a partner. If you know each other well enough sometimes you just act spontaneously and let passion guide you both. Or sometimes you just both say "hey should we go upstairs and play after dinner?" And there's no time for scripting. So to answer the original post: I like to plan my scenes quite meticulously and these are usually the most rewarding sessions. But sometimes it's fun to just to see how things pan out.