How to Outline a Podcast Episode in 4 Steps (w/ Examples)
- Do keyword research to find topics..
- Do research on your guest..
- Schedule a pre-interview to determine main talking points..
- Use the notes from the pre-interview to outline the Introduction, Transition, Interview, & Conclusion.. We’re going to...
Full Answer
How to outline a podcast episode?
How to Outline a Podcast Episode in 4 Steps (w/ Examples) 1 Do keyword research to find topics.. 2 Do research on your guest.. 3 Schedule a pre-interview to determine main talking points.. 4 Use the notes from the pre-interview to outline the Introduction, Transition, Interview, & Conclusion.. We’re going to... More ...
How do I plan my first podcast?
Let’s start by going over the 10 essential steps of planning your podcast. 1. Brainstorm Podcast Topics: Make a list of subjects that you’re both passionate and knowledgeable about, take a look at what’s already out there, and determine how your podcast will function as an extension of your content strategy. 2.
How do you write a good podcast introduction?
2. Introduction: A monologue-style intro outlining your guests and what you plan to talk about on your show. 3. Segue: This can be achieved using music or podcast sound effects. 4. Topic 1: Discuss the first topic for about three minutes. 5. Vocal Segue: “We are going to move on and talk about…” or “In other news this week…”
What should be the first segment of a podcast?
The First Podcast Segment. The first segment should be the most interesting to keep listeners’ attention. This segment should appeal to the entire audience. Broad content is encouraged to serve the majority. News and current events related to the podcast theme are often of interest to an entire audience.
What do you say in the first episode of a podcast?
How to structure your intro episodeAddress your audience, welcome them to the show.Introduce yourself as the host of the show. Include your name. ... Mention what inspired you to start your podcast. ... Talk about the release schedule. ... Explain the podcast's structure. ... Say goodbye and share where people can find more:
How do you structure your first podcast?
How to Plan Podcast Episode Structure in 10 Easy StepsPlan for the length of your episodes.Have a theme for an episode.Use three-acts for engaging podcast episode structure.Plan podcast episode pacing.Introduction, back sell and greet the audience.Raise some early questions you want to address.More items...
What are the 5 steps to start a podcast?
Five step podcasting plan:Structure your show.Frame your episodes with an intro and outro.Decide on including an interview.Practice hosting skills.Upload your podcast to the internet.
How do you outline a podcast episode?
Create a visual outline to guide each podcast episodeFirst, map out the key topics. Start by laying out the major topics or questions you know you want to cover. ... Add talking points. ... Get the sequence right. ... Add imagery or video. ... Share with your co-host or guest.
What is the correct sequence of podcast?
There are three basic podcast segments every episode should have, no matter what. An intro, the main content, and an outro.
What is a podcast format?
What is a Podcast Format? Podcast formats are ways to organize your show's content. They are delivery methods that give your podcast a structure. The right format will keep your content organized and make it accessible to your listeners. Without a strong format, your show will seem disjointed and messy.
How long should podcasts be?
The length of your podcast also depends on your subject, industry or genre. It could be that around 15-20 minutes perfect for your listeners. But maybe your specific audience wants more in-depth, exploratory information; in which case, 45-90 minutes would provide more value.
How do you start a podcast script?
The easiest intro to script follows this basic setup: “Welcome to [podcast name], the show that [brief podcast pitch or tagline]. I'm [host name] and today we're talking about [episode topic] with [guest name]. We also have a surprise guest for you at the end of the show, so make sure you listen all the way through.”
What is Kate's podcast called?
Kate is in charge of finding relevant topics for her organization’s podcast called The Mindful Marketer. One of the main themes of the show is content marketing. She opens up Google and…. Types in content marketing a to see what queries Google auto-suggests.
How long should a guest introduction last?
The ideal guest introduction in an interview-based episode is done by the host and shouldn’t last more than 30 seconds (that’s a long time in the podcast world). Yes, the guest’s credibility is important. But it’s much less important than the meat of the episode.
How to outline your story in 6 easy steps
A podcast outline (or script) is the roadmap for your episode. It helps you map out your talking points and plan the sequence of topics you plan to cover. It's a simple, flexible technique to help all types of podcasters stay organized and produce compelling shows.
1. First, map out the key topics
Start by laying out the major topics or questions you know you want to cover. A great place to start is with the traditional storytelling structure of beginning, middle, and end. Don't worry too much about the order or details yet, just get the main parts out of your head. This is a quick flexible way to brainstorm the centerpieces of your show.
2. Add talking points
Next, add a sentence or a bullet point for each talking point or question you might cover. There are no rules for how much detail to add, do what works best for you. You'll be referencing these as you record your podcast, so try and keep them short, snappy, and easy to scan as you're talking.
3. Get the sequence right
Seeing your episode at this level lets you make connections between themes and concepts you might otherwise miss if you wrote a script in a word document. Re-read your outline so far. Look for points that feel out of place. Perhaps your transitions need some tweaking or a topic appears without a proper introduction.
4. Add imagery or video
While imagery probably won't make an appearance in your podcast, this is a great technique for kickstarting new ideas. Experiment by adding images or video clips that relate to your topics. You can have them on-hand and reference the details when recording to tell a more vivid story.
5. Share with your co-host or guest
With any creative technique or project, it’s important to be open to constructive feedback. Now that the first version of your outline is done it's time to ask for specific feedback on the sequence and talking points from your co-host or team. Make sure you stay open to suggestions and improvements and try not to take criticism personally.
You're ready to record!
Now that you've finished your outline, you can start recording, confident that your episode has a strong foundation. If you're starting a new show right now, use the free outline template below to start mapping it out or read our full guide on How to plan a podcast.
What is a detailed episode outline?
Detailed episode outlines are a great in-between option for hosts who want more structure than bullet points can offer, but don't feel the need, or have the time, for a word-for-word script.
How long is a podcast?
Most podcasts cover a lot of information in one 45 minute episode, so your listeners will likely appreciate if you reiterate the key points. You can use this section to make announcements, give a teaser for your next episode, or share resources available in your show notes to help listeners.
Why are podcasts so successful?
But the truth is, creativity needs structure to thrive, and the top podcasts are successful because of good preparation and quality scripting. Think of a script as an outline for your podcast, a fully customizable skeleton of your share that makes it tight, clear, and primed for success. It's helpful to choose a podcast script style ...
What is the importance of podcast scripts?
Podcast scripts and outlines are an essential part of creating a successful podcast. The best, tightest, most captivating shows usually don't wing their episodes; the creators put in hard work on the front end so things run smoothly.
Why do podcasts need scripts?
No matter your show's style or format, script writing allows creativity to flourish by keeping show hosts focussed, and it frees up brain space so you can deliver your message more effectively. While the word "script" might conjure up ideas of stilted word-for-word reading, your own podcast script can be as structured or casual as you decide.
How to stay on track in script writing?
To stay on track, organize your outline in order of the story you're trying to tell. Under each heading, you can include relevant key points, supporting data, and anecdotes. If you choose this script style, stay conversational, and try not to read your notes verbatim.
Why is it important to have loose episode structure?
As a bonus, a loose episode structure makes for easier editing since the "mistakes" naturally fit with the style of your show. Just keep in mind less structure means more opportunity to forget important points, ramble, get side-tracked, etc.
How to Outline a Podcast Episode
Today I’m sharing my process for writing outlines. If you've never written an outline for your podcast before, I'm going to teach you how today. What does a podcast outline do for you? It helps you stay focused. It helps you make sure you cover all the topics you want to cover, or ask or answer the right questions.
Highlights, Takeaways & Quick Wins
The purpose of outlining is to keep you focused on the big picture things before you dive into the small details.
Why Outline?
If you’ve never done outlines before for your podcast, I recommend trying it.
How to Start a Podcast Episode Outline
Scotty asked: Do you have your headline set before you plan your attack? Or do you start to write your outline then form an engaging headline from there?
Your Intro Should Introduce You, Your Show, and the Topic of the Episode
If you’re just starting your podcast, it’s important to tell the listener a little bit about yourself. Tell the audience who you are, what you do for work. Tell them how old you are and if you have a family. Tell them what you do for fun in your free time. Talk about your hobbies. Talk about your goals for the future.
Key Points
So you have your main topic. What do you want to talk about or share with your audience about this topic? Do you have any stories that you can share? Do you have any great blogs posts you can mention and discuss?
Spend Time Researching Your Topic and Key Points
You should do some research before you get on the mic. What are other people saying about the thing you're talking about? Bring a couple examples to share. Read related blogs posts. Watch videos.
Why You Should Plan Out Your Podcast
When it comes to B2B podcasts, the more planning you can do beforehand, the better.
How to Structure Your Podcast Episodes in 6 Steps
Fortunately, you only need to take six steps to create a strong podcast structure. Your overarching podcast structure will inform the format for your episodes.
2. Decide on a Format
There are eight episode formats you can ultimately choose from. But, if you’re starting a B2B podcast, we suggest going with one of the following formats:
What should the first segment of a podcast be?
The first segment should be the most interesting in order to sustain listeners’ attention. This segment should appeal to the entire audience. Broad content is encouraged to serve the majority. News and current events related to your podcast subject matter are often of interest to an entire audience.
How to make a podcast?
Brainstorm Podcast Topics: Make a list of subjects that you’re both passionate and knowledgeable about, take a look at what’s already out there, and determine how your podcast will function as an extension of your content strategy. 2.
What is a podcast script?
Podcast Script (Template) 1. Opening: A quick musical jingle or your brand’s sonic logo. 2. Introduction: A monologue-style intro outlining your guests and what you plan to talk about on your show. 3.
What is a topic break in podcasts?
These topic breaks are typically described as bumpers or sweepers, giving your listeners the time they might need to digest the content you just presented. Since each podcast is inherently different, each show should have its own themes, topics, and lengths to set episodes apart from each other.
What are the two voice over styles for podcasts?
There are two voice over styles for recording your podcast that you should keep in mind when writing your podcast script. These include polished and freestyle: 1. Polished Podcasting Scripts. A polished, professional- sounding podcast, is similar to what you might hear in a newscast or documentary.
What is freestyle podcast?
Freestyle is an ad lib, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants recording style that can be an unpredictable and engaging voice. This style may work best for podcasts with a high energy or witty host or when there is more than one host on the podcast, highlighting their dialogue skills and spontaneity.
When will podcasts be released in 2021?
February 9, 2021. It may seem like everybody is launching a podcast nowadays, but that doesn’t mean that each new podcast you hear about just materializes out of thin air. In fact, behind every good podcast is a whole lot of podcast planning. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to start a podcast of your own, you’re in luck.
