how to make a good podcast script

^{Podcast Script Tips for Beginners}

• Keep it conversational. The biggest challenge of writing a podcast script is keeping it conversational. If you aren’t careful, reading a podcast script can lead to a flat, monotone delivery.
• Use delivery notes. Another trick every good podcast script includes are delivery notes. These are notes within your script that indicate pauses, emphasis, laughs, sighs, and other dramatic effects.
• Allow for some riffing. Just because you write a podcast script before your recording doesn’t mean you are bound to it. ...
• Describe the scene. Podcasting is an audio medium, which means our audience doesn’t have any visual cues. ...
• Maintain a reasonable pace. The best podcast episodes maintain a consistent space that keeps listeners engaged. A good pace is not too fast and not too slow.

Should you write a script for your podcast?

Writing podcast scripts is a personal thing. Some people choose to fully script entire shows word for word. Whilst others have just a title and improvise the rest. However you choose to plan out your episodes, it’s best to have something to refer too, even if it’s a rough script. There’s no right or wrong type of podcast script.

How to write a podcast script [5 free script templates]?

Podcast – Script. Name: ... Have your conclusion and at least 5 seconds of music before ending your podcast. Subtopic 5. Jesse: The last step of making your podcast is saving your podcast as a .mp3 file. Save your work normally, then go to File in the top menu bar. Scroll down to “Export as a .mp3” and save your pod cast as “podcast ...

How to write a killer podcast script?

• Theme: Eating healthy meals on a budget.
• Topics: Meal planning for the week, 200-400 calorie dishes worth trying, snacking right, and what foods to avoid.
• Length: 20-40 minutes.

How to plan your podcast with scripts, templates?

Podcast Script Outline Templates. When you write a podcast script, it helps to start with a bird’s eye view of your show. This outline will create a guide that keeps you on track and ensures you hit all the right points. It will also help you prepare transitions and get everything in within the allotted time.

How do you write a perfect podcast?

How To Create Interesting Podcast EpisodesTalk about things you're interested in. ... Focus on your target audience. ... Tell lots of stories. ... Help your audience take the next step. ... Ask your listeners questions and report their responses. ... Stay on topic and don't wander too much. ... Invite unique experts onto your show.More items...•

How long is a script for a podcast?

It can be long-form (anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes) or quite short (5 to 20 minutes) depending on the content. Either way, you should work from a detailed script to ensure that the information you present is accurate, well-researched, cited appropriately, and easily digestible for your listener.

How long is a script for a 30 minute podcast?

I've previously asked him about how he puts together his episodes, and he told me that he spends a few hours carefully writing a script of what he is going to say, and finds that he uses approximately 3000 words per script for each 30 minute episode.

What should my first podcast say?

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 I 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.”

How many words is a 4 minute podcast?

Podcast Script should be Optimized for Words Per Minute You should aim for 150-160 words per minute speaking speed when working on your podcast.

Is there a template script for podcast?

The simplest intro template looks like this: “Welcome to [podcast name], where we discuss [podcast topic or tagline]. I'm [host name], and with me is [co-host name]. Today, we'll be talking about [episode topic] with our special guest, [guest name].

What makes a good podcast?

To create the most engaging podcast, your topic should be something that you are knowledgeable and passionate about. The creator and host of the podcast, “With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus” came up with the idea for her completely improvised podcast with guests because she is an avid improviser.

How do you structure a podcast?

The Three Act Podcast StructureAct 1: Setup. In the first act of the episode, your goal is to establish a setting, introduce the characters and their relationships, and build the world they live in. ... Act 2: Confrontation. The second act is the part of the story that raises the stakes. ... Act 3: Resolution.

How many words is a 30 minute podcast?

3000 words for 20 minutes episode. 4500 words for 30 minutes episode.

How long should my podcast episodes 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.

What should you not do in a podcast?

If you're thinking of starting a podcast, here are a few mistakes I'd recommend avoiding:Spending too much money. ... Believing LibSyn is the only hosting option. ... Not respecting your niche. ... Not using a subtitle. ... Not actively collaborating with other podcasting hosts. ... Having unrealistic expectations. ... Inconsistency.

How many words is a 10 minute podcast?

The general rule for speech giving is 100 to 200 words per minute. With this in mind, a 10-minute speech would require 1,000 to 2,000 words.

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 end a podcast script?

What Should I Include in my Outro? How to End a PodcastThank them for listening. ... Point them to the shownotes on your website for links to everything that was mentioned in this episode.If possible, offer them a teaser of what's in store on the next episode.Send them to ONE place – your website.More items...•

How do you structure a podcast episode?

Following the three-act structure and moving between inciting incident, first plot point, midpoint, second plot point, and climax will solve your pacing issues. The flow of the story will be smooth, pleasant to listen and rewarding for your audience.

What is podcast content?

Content: Depending on your podcast format, this could be an informational topic, a stand-alone interview or interview topic, or a storytelling bit. Lay out some of the key questions you want to ask your interview subjects or the ideas you want to cover.

How long is an informational podcast?

It can be long-form (anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes) or quite short (5 to 20 minutes) depending on the content.

What are some examples of informational podcasts?

Examples of informational podcasts include RadioLab, TED Radio Hour, and Stuff You Should Know.

How long can a podcast be?

Your podcast can be any length that you choose. The runtime will depend largely on what type of podcast it is, but in general, the shorter the better.

How many people listen to podcasts?

More than half the population of the U.S. has listened to at least one podcast in their lifetime, and nearly one out of three listen to at least one podcast every month, according to The New York Times.

How long is the average commute?

The average American commute is 26.1 minutes, according to CNBC, so try to fit your material within that window. If you’re considering a longer format, check out similar podcasts to yours on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher to see whether you’re on a par with them lengthwise.

How to get listeners to fast forward?

Give them a sense of what you’ll cover during the episode and what segments are coming up next . This helps listeners fast-forward to segments that interest them particularly, builds trust with your audience, and just generally helps everyone know what to expect.

What is a podcast script?

A podcast script is basically a roadmap for your episode — and you can decide how many details you need to make it from point A to Z. A well-done script gives structure, direction, and conciseness to your podcast episode. Having an outline and a written direction for your show can help you feel more at ease and focus on the here and now, ...

What Is a Podcast Script, and Why Use One?

When you think of a podcast script, you might think of a play or movie script— where every word is planned out in advance. You might be hesitant to adopt a script for this reason; won’t scripting your podcast essentially rob it of its casual, free-flowing, and conversational feel? Won’t reading off of a page make you sound stilted and monotone?

What is the most intimidating part of starting a podcast?

Podcasting. One of the most intimidating aspects of starting a podcast is writing the podcast script. After all, you’re probably getting into podcasting because you like to talk, not write, right? But as all seasoned podcasters know, producing a podcast without a script is a lot like starting a road trip without GPS.

What is a bullet point outline for podcasts?

Many podcasters simply create a bullet-point outline for their episodes. They may have years of experience under their belt, or they may just be really good at talking eloquently off- the-cuff. Either way, minimalist hosts may need a template as simple as this one:

What do podcast sponsors do?

Some podcast sponsors send word-for-word scripts that you simply need to read, then insert into your podcast episode. Other sponsors simply give you a set of talking points that you and your co-host are expected to discuss in a way that matches your show’s style.

How to level up remote podcasting?

If you’re looking for a way to level up your remote podcasting game, consider writing podcasting scripts for your upcoming episodes. Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, a solo recorder, or a co-host, you’ll find that your production will benefit in endless ways from a podcast script.

What is the most popular podcast format?

The most popular podcast format is the conversational/interview show. Audiences love the easy-going nature of conversations, where listeners feel that they’re simply sitting in on a talk between friends (whether the content is comedic, educational, or simply friendly banter).

Why does my show need a script?

A script is a handy tool for podcasting. It is a fully-customizable skeleton of your episode and a styling tool that guides you in creating the overall feel of your show. Additionally, it makes sure your show flows well, is free of unnecessary pauses, and is natural-sounding.

Why is flexibility important in podcasting?

Your flexibility when podcasting is important. This involves including specific words, stories, topics, news, or anything you want to use in your script as a starting point to the conversation . The objective is to create space to explore the thoughts you have about the topics while podcasting.

How to prepare for a podcast?

Depending on your experience level and whether you are podcasting with guests or a co-host, prepare a script that is practical and easy to follow. For example, when podcasting with guests create a list of questions and key points in advance. This way your guests will be prepared and know what to expect. Alternatively, if you are podcasting with a co-host plan the episode beforehand. Write out who should discuss what topic, how to hand off topics, as well as the over plan of the episode to avoid confusion.

Why is script important?

When used well, a script not only gives you the flexibility you need to communicate effectively, but as well ensures that you sound natural while hitting all the key points in each episode. It provides structure and guidance.

How to write a script for a speech?

1. Write your script for speaking. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to write a script for speaking. Simply write as if you were talking out loud. That is, write it in your voice with the flow of how you naturally talk, plus use words you would genuinely use. It needs to be the authentic you.

Why is it important to have a brief outline for podcasting?

A brief outline gives you room for expansion and creativeness while podcasting. It also allows you to remain natural-sounding. You can keep it short by only incorporating words and sentences you need, which ensures that you are including the key points of importance.

Do podcasters write out every word?

Some podcasters write out every word, while others create an outline. There are even those who write down the title and nothing else. So, which podcast scripting is right? None of these options is either right or wrong. In fact, most podcasters go for something in-between.

What does "mixed" mean in podcasts?

Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.

How to make a good podcast?

This is one of the keys to a great podcast—you want each listener to feel like you’re speaking directly to them. Script, sketch, and perform your podcast with an image of your ideal listener in your mind. Imagining your target listener will help you shape the terminology you use and the overall tone of your podcast.

What to do if you're interested in making a podcast?

If you’re interested in making a podcast, you probably already like listening to them. Look for common factors in the podcasts you like listening to, and use them to help you brainstorm the format and focus for your own podcast.

How to promote your podcast?

Promote your podcast as many different ways as possible. In addition to having a strong social media presence, rely on things like old fashioned word-of-mouth. Don’t be shy about telling everyone you know to give your podcast a listen. And ask them to tell their friends!

How to build a dedicated audience for a podcast?

Let your audience know that you want to engage with them. If you want to build a dedicated audience, don’t let your podcast be a one-way street. Give your audience numerous ways to get in touch with you. This will help them feel like they have a real connection to your podcast, and it gives you valuable audience feedback.

What is a monologue in podcasts?

Monologue, in which a single host speaks on a given topic. Multiple host, in which two or more hosts banter back and forth. Narrative, which is similar to a monologue but focuses on a particular story. Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.

What do you need to know when analyzing a story?

If you’re relating a story or analyzing a topic, you need to research the issue in detail. Listeners must be able to hear and feel your mastery of the topic.

What is the first thing to note about podcasts?

The first important thing to note is that the script will determine the pace of the show. You should take into account what style of podcast you are scripting and adjust your writing style accordingly. For example, if you are planning a laid-back chat show style podcast then a mass of highly scripted lines will be incredibly jarring for your listeners. By starting to script with show style in mind you will quickly determine what pace works best.

How long should an intro be for a podcast?

While how much time this may be will differ slightly from podcast to podcast, 2-4 minutes is a good amount of time to spend on an intro. A fast intro can be off-putting to viewers who are tuning in for the first time so ensure that you have a moderate pace to ease listeners into the beginning of the show.

Why do podcasts have jingles?

A jingle will help in establishing the show’s name to the listener in a way that is pleasing to hear. Having this repeat at the start of your podcast goes a long way in creating a distinction between your work and others.

What is the theme of the chat show podcast?

Hand in hand with show pace is the theme of the show. Coming back to the chat show podcast, you probably don’t want to begin with a segment dense with facts and information as this will undermine the conversational tone used for the rest of the show.

How does music affect podcasts?

Music goes a long way in setting the tone in a podcast. It’s no secret that music can affect mood (listen to any movie soundtrack for example), and understanding the tone of your show and picking your music accordingly adds to the production value significantly.

Where are the ads on Criminal Podcast?

Criminal podcast places its ads at the top of the episode. This way the sponsors are at the forefront of the podcast and the branding is over within the first minute. Once over, the pace and tone of the podcast set in. Being true crime oriented, the narrator jumps right into the story accompanied by backing music that sets the tone incredibly effectively.

Why do you need background music for a show?

The background music also helps your show stand out from the crowd. Having a catchy piece accompany your voice will give the listener multiple points of interest in the mix , this encourages active listening which increases audience engagement with what is being said. Just make sure it doesn’t distract from the script itself!