How To Write A Podcast Script That Gets Heard
Last week we briefly discussed podcasting and how you could use it to start engaging with your audience in a whole new way. But how do you go about writing a script for your podcast? What do you talk about? How long should the scripts be? We have researched enough to have an idea of what works and what doesn’t.
Do you want to learn how to write a podcast script and give your audience the best audio experience? If yes, then read this article.
What is a podcast script and why do you need one?
A podcast script is a written version of the spoken words you’d use for your podcast. It helps you prepare for recording and makes sure that you don’t forget anything important in your podcast.
Writing a script ensures that your episode is well-organized and flows smoothly. It also helps you to remember all the elements you want to include.
When writing a podcast script, you can either start with the dialog and then add in the narration, or vice versa.
Once you have a basic outline of your episode, you can begin filling in the details. Remember to keep your podcast script conversational – after all, that’s what makes podcasts so engaging!
And if you get stuck, don’t worry – just read this complete guide to learn how to write a podcast script and see how easy it is to create a great episode.
Type of podcast scripts
There are a few different kinds of podcast scripts.
- The informative podcast script. This one is all about the information you want to convey. It’s a guide that helps your listeners understand something new or different, or even just a way for them to learn more about you and your brand.
- The conversational podcast script. This one is all about having a conversation with your listeners, where you talk about things that are important to them and what matters to them most. It’s not about imparting knowledge, but instead, it’s about connecting with them on a personal level and building a relationship with them by sharing stories and talking about things that matter most in their lives right now!
- The funny podcast script (also called an “explainer”). This kind of script tells stories in a humorous way, often using humor as its primary form of communication so that people can get more out of what they hear than just plain facts or information alone!
How to decide on a topic and format?
You’ll want to decide on the topic of your podcast before you start writing the script. The topic can be anything that interests you, but it’s best to choose something that is at least somewhat relevant to your listeners. The more you know about them, the better you’ll be able to tailor your podcast to their interests.
You should also decide on how long each episode will be. The length of time will depend on how much information you have for each episode and how quickly you want to release episodes. If you don’t have enough content for a full hour-long episode, consider releasing shorter episodes instead of one long one.
Write out the general outline for an episode in bullet points or paragraphs, including what topics will be covered in each section and any other important details like guest appearances or special announcements (e.g., “This week’s guest is [name]”).
How to create a script outline?
Let’s talk about how to write a podcast script.
First, you’re going to want to create an outline for your podcast.
Podcast script outline:
- Introduction: introduce the topic and your guest, explain why you’re doing this podcast and why it’s important to them (the reader)
- Body: what are you going to talk about? Why is it interesting? What will you cover?
- Conclusion/Podcast outro: wrap up the podcast with a final thought or sentence that leaves your reader excited for what’s next
Here are some things you need to keep in mind when creating an outline for your podcast:
- Outlines are meant to be flexible.
- You shouldn’t obsess over details like word count or the number of episodes you plan to record (or the number of episodes you plan to publish).
- The most important thing is that you have a basic idea of what each episode will cover so that when you’re recording it, there are no surprises!
You can use the following questions as inspiration:
- What is the purpose of this podcast?
- What kind of information am I trying to convey?
- Who is my audience?
Podcast Intro
If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, one of the first things you will look for is how to start a podcast script, because a great intro will set the tone for your show and introduce your listeners to what they can expect.
Tips for a great podcast intro
- This is the title of your podcast.
- What type of episode is it? (e.g. episode 1, episode 2)
- Who is this podcast for? (e.g. teenagers who are struggling with their sexuality)
- Why should they listen to it? (e.g. because you’re going to give them all the advice they need to help themselves feel more confident in their own skin)
- What will they learn from this episode? (e.g. what steps they can take to be happier with who they are as a person)
The body of a podcast script is where you can really bring the audience into your world. It’s where you can explain the topic in detail, and tell them what they can expect from the episode.
Here is how the simplest intro template looks:
Hi, my name is (insert your name here) and this is (insert the name of your podcast).
This podcast is all about (insert your podcast’s topic). In each episode, we’ll explore (insert the main topics of your show).
So if you’re interested in (insert your podcast’s topic), then this is the show for you.
I’ll be releasing new episodes (insert how often you’ll be releasing new episodes) so be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date.
Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show.
Body of a podcast script
Here are some tips for making sure your podcast script has a strong body:
- Give context for why this is important to you and/or your listeners
- Make it clear why this matters today, in 2019, or in 2020 (if it’s a current issue)
- Make sure the language is accessible to all audiences
Podcast outro Script
How to end a podcast script is again an important question.
Your outro is your last chance to make an impact on your listeners. This is where you’ll thank your guests for coming on the show and let your audience know what to do next.
You don’t want your outro to sound like an afterthought, so be sure to put some thought into it.
You can do this by:
- ending on a thought-provoking question that leaves the listener wanting more
- reminding them of something they learned earlier in the episode
- giving them some actionable advice or recommendations for follow-up research
- If you’re having trouble coming up with an ending, try going back through your script and thinking about what you want listeners to take away from it. Then use those ideas as inspiration for your closing remarks!
How to make a good podcast script?
If you want your podcast to be successful, you need to have a consistent format. This doesn’t mean that every episode has to be exactly the same, but you should have a basic template that you follow. This way, your audience will know what to expect.
Here’s how to script a podcast that will make a difference.
- Know your audience
The first thing you need to do when writing a podcast script is to figure out who you’re talking to. Who is going to be listening? How old are they? What do they care about? What do they know about the topic you’re discussing? You want to create a script that speaks directly to them and isn’t just filled with jargon or unfamiliar words.
- Make it conversational
Remember: your podcast script should sound like you’re talking to someone over coffee—not like a press release! Keep it casual, make it conversational, and use the same kind of language that you would use if you were telling someone about this topic in person.
- Keep it short and sweet
If all of your podcast scripts were longer than 15 pages, nobody would ever read them! It’s better for listeners if you keep things short and sweet—that way they can get through the whole thing without getting bored before they even get to the good stuff!
With a little practice, you’ll be able to perfect your podcast script format and deliver engaging episodes that your listeners will love.
The benefits of using a podcast script
There are a number of benefits to using a podcasts script, including:
1. It helps you stay on track:
With a podcast script, you won’t have to worry about forgetting what you want to say or going off on tangents. Having a written guide will help you stay focused and stay on topic.
2. It allows you to be prepared:
Scripted podcasts tend to flow more smoothly and sound more polished than improv episodes. If you want your podcast to sound professional, then using a script is the way to go.
3. It gives you a chance to practice:
Reading your script aloud before you hit the record will help you catch any errors and ensure that your delivery is smooth and natural.
4. It allows you to inject personality:
Your podcast should be a reflection of your personality, and a script can help you achieve that. injecting some humor or your own unique perspective will help your podcast stand out from the rest.
5. It helps you connect with your listeners:
A well-written script can help you connect with your listeners on a personal level. By sharing your story and being vulnerable, you’ll create a strong bond with your audience that will keep them coming back for more.
Podcast scripts can be a valuable tool for any podcaster, whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been at it for years. So don’t be afraid to give them a try!
Podcast script template examples
These podcast trailer script examples will give you steps for writing your own.
Best podcasts tell a story and why not tell a story in your podcast trailer. Here’s an example number 1:
of how you could do that:
“Hello, world. My name is _______ and this is my podcast, ________. It’s a show about ________. But it’s not just any show about ________. It’s the story of how I turned my ________ into a ________. It’s the story of how I went from ________ to ________. It’s a story about ________, ________, and ________.
So, if you’re interested in ________, if you’re looking for a ________ podcast, or if you just want to hear a good story, then this is the show for you.
Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy it.”
This is the 2nd example:
Welcome to episode [number] of [podcast name]. I’m your host, [name].
On today’s show, we’re going to talk about [topic]. This is a topic that’s been on my mind for a long time, and I finally decided that it was time to bring it into the light.
[Topic] is an issue I see in the world around me—it’s something that affects me and everyone around me, but we don’t often talk about it. It’s not something that brings people together; rather, it separates us and creates divides. But I think it’s important to bring it into the light so we can all start having conversations about it and working toward solutions.
Today’s episode is just the beginning of what will hopefully be many more conversations about [topic]. I hope this episode helps you begin thinking about the ways in which [topic] affects your life and the lives of those around you, as well as ways in which we can work together toward solutions.
If you’re stuck on where to start, you can start from these 2 examples.
How to Write a podcast trailer script?
A podcast trailer is a short audio clip that gives listeners a taste of what your podcast is all about. Think of it as an extended elevator pitch; it should be interesting, engaging, and make people want to hit the subscribe button. So how do you write a podcast trailer script that accomplishes all of those things?
There are a few key elements to keep in mind when writing your podcast trailer script. First, make sure you introduce yourself and your podcast in a way that will pique listeners’ interest. What makes your podcast unique? Why should people tune in? Secondly, be sure to include excerpts from a few of your best moments from the episode to give people a sense of what they can expect. And finally, end on a strong note that will leave listeners wanting more.
FAQs
1. Do I need a script for my podcasts?
The answer is no but it depends.
If you’re hosting a podcast and inviting guests on, then yes, it’s helpful to have some sort of structure in place for your show. You’ll want to make sure that your guests feel comfortable and that the flow of conversation stays smooth.
But if you’re doing solo podcasts, where you just talk into the mic and record it, there’s no need for a script. Just let yourself go and enjoy the process!
2. How to write a podcast teaser script?
When writing a podcast teaser script, you’ll want to focus on creating a short, concise, and attention-grabbing message that will leave listeners wanting more. Keep it under 60 seconds, and be sure to include a hook that will make listeners want to tune in.
3. How long should a podcast script be?
Podcast scripting is flexible, and there is no set length that you should aim for. However, in general, you’ll want to keep your scripts relatively short so as not to lose listeners’ attention. Try to keep each episode under 30 minutes for the best results.
4. What should I include in my podcast ending script?
In your podcast ending script, you’ll want to thank your listeners for tuning in and let them know where they can find more episodes. You can also include a call to action, such as asking listeners to subscribe to your show or leave a review.
Conclusion
That’s it! Go ahead and try it. Podcast scripts can be a helpful tool for any podcaster and writing a podcast script is simple. Now that you know-how, writing podcast scripts will become easy. You’ll get better with each successive episode, and before long you’ll be able to churn them out faster than ever. And the next time you give yourself writer’s block, remember that there are online tools like us to help you get unstuck. But the most important tools of all? Your creativity and wit. I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors, and I hope that this article has helped at least one person on their way to podcasting success!
