how to write a script for a podcast

How do you write a podcast script example?

How to Write a Podcast ScriptPodcast Intro (Including Music) If you've listened to many podcasts, you know that most of them have the same introduction each time. ... Welcome / Guest Introduction. Next, if your podcast interviews guests, you'll need to introduce them. ... Message from a Sponsor. ... Segue. ... Outro and Call to Action.

Do people write scripts for podcasts?

There are many ways to go about writing your own podcast script. It could be a word-for-word script (with room for ad-libbing) or simple bullet points to help keep you on track. Regardless, there are a few basic elements that each script should contain.

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 write a script?

How to Write a Script – Top 10 TipsFinish your script.Read along as you watch.Inspiration can come from anywhere.Make sure your characters want something.Show. Don't tell.Write to your strengths.Starting out - write about what you know.Free your characters from clichéMore items...

How to script a podcast?

3. Co-Host show podcast script 1 Interrupting one another. (“This is important and I want to mention it before you move on.”) 2 Making the same argument your co-host made a moment ago. 3 Talking so long people forget your co-host is on the show. 4 Transitioning abruptly from one point to another.

Why do podcasts need scripts?

Writing a podcast script is a key way to ensure your audio is clear, tight, and valuable for your listeners. You don’t have to write out every word you intend to say, but it’s important to have notes for each episode to keep you on track, especially if you’re new to podcasting.

What is the biggest challenge of writing a podcast script?

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. A lot of podcasters find it useful to speak their script (like a rehearsal for their recording) with a speech-to-text tool open to dictate their words.

What are the notes in a podcast script?

These are notes within your script that indicate pauses, emphasis, laughs, sighs, and other dramatic effects. These elements breathe life into your podcast script so it feels natural.

What is podcasting medium?

Podcasting is an audio medium, which means our audience doesn’t have any visual cues. If you refer to something, like an image, person, or video, make sure to describe it well so your listeners can picture it in their mind. Your descriptions should be detailed and vibrant.

Can you edit a podcast script before recording?

Allow for some riffing. Just because you write a podcast script before your recording doesn’t mean you are bound to it. It’s quite alright to go off script during your recording if you think of something important or valuable on the spot. If you decide you don’t like it, you can always edit it out later.

Is a good pace good for podcasts?

A good pace is not too fast and not too slow. There shouldn’t be any long, unexplained pauses. And there shouldn’t be any moments where you talk too fast to be understood. Use segments and transitions to keep your podcast script organized and help listeners understand where they are in your episode.

What is the level of scripting in podcasts?

Some podcasts are not about presenting information, but rather telling compelling stories and entertaining listeners. For podcasts in this genre, a moderate level of scripting strikes the right balance between overly stiff narration and directionless rambling.

What are some examples of informational podcasts?

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

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.

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.

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, ...

Why do podcasts need scripts?

While creating a podcast script can have a varying process depending on your format and preferred style, the fact remains: a script will help you create an organized, structured, and efficient podcast recording.

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.

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).

What is a segue in podcasts?

Segue. Since your episode will likely have several different components, it’s important to plan out your transitions to make the podcast flow naturally and cohesively. You can approach these transitions (or segues) in several ways, including with a jingle, sound effect, or a spoken phrase.

How do you format and write a fiction podcast script?

Back before the internet, screenwriters had to get their hands on hard copies of produced screenplays to learn the craft of screenwriting. These days, if a budding screenwriter wants to learn from the best, they can Google a movie title—along with the keywords " script PDF "—and they have the script right there on their screen.

Fiction podcasts are rooted in radio dramas

On October 30th, 1938, Orson Welles captivated the country with a radio drama adaptation of H.G. Well's novel The War of the Worlds, which tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth. The radio script was written by Howard Koch, who would go on to win an Oscar for co-writing Casablanca.

The rebirth of audio fiction podcasts

The early days of podcasts between the years of 2008 to 2014, gave us popular downloads like We're Alive, The Thrilling Adventure Hour, Our Fair City, and Sayer. Exciting audio adventures that thrilled listeners with zombie apocalypses, old-time radio serials, and sweeping science-fiction landscapes.

Why Hollywood loves podcasts

Movie studios, agents, TV networks, development executives, producers, and streamers all love one thing— intellectual property. The philosophy is that with intellectual property comes instant already-engrained buzz from the IP's original fanbase. In the eyes of Hollywood, it's less risky compared to original spec scripts and pilots.

Can you sell a fiction podcast script?

The majority of non-network fiction podcasts are either self-financed by the writers (and any directing and producing collaborators), or they raise their budgets through crowdfunding ventures. So while it's possible to make money selling fiction podcast scripts, only a few major podcast networks have the money.

How do fiction podcasts make money?

Podcasts make money by selling merchandise, but the majority of podcast revenue comes from advertising. Creators can charge various advertising rates based on their total number of downloads (listens). According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau and Pricewaterhousecoopers, revenue from podcasts could reach $1 billion by 2021.

What are the most popular fiction podcast genres?

According to a 2018 podcast study, Science fiction is the most popular genre for fiction podcasts. A whopping 44% of the podcasts surveyed by the study were science fiction themed, followed closely by Fantasy (23%). The horror genre seems to have slowed down since 2016 but still sits in the third spot for genre podcast popularity.