how to write an outline for a podcast

1. First, map out the key topics. Start by laying out the major topics or questions you know you want to cover. ...
2. Add talking points. Next, add a sentence or a bullet point for each talking point or question you might cover. ...
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 ...
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.
5. Share with your co-host or guest. With any creative technique or project, it’s important to be open to constructive feedback. ...

Full Answer

How to go about starting a podcast?

• Choose a topic you’re passionate about and you’ll stick to
• Research your target audience to come up with a plan for your show
• Decide on your podcast title, description, and artwork
• Buy and setup your equipment
• Prepare for recording your first episode
• Record your first episode
• Edit and publish the episode
• Launch and promote your podcast to the world!

How to measure the success of a podcast?

• Reviews on Apple Podcast or other players
• Website traffic (if the podcast is hosted there)
• Social media chatter
• Anecdotal feedback

How to start you own podcast?

How to Start a Podcast: Every Single Step for 2021

1. What's Your Podcast For? So firstly, why do you want to make a podcast? ...
2. Who is Your Podcast For? So first day, get the big question in: Who are you making this podcast for? ...
3. Give Them a Reason to Listen Whether you're providing information that will help someone to lose weight (in the case of our personal trainer), or doing a really entertaining ...

More items...

How to create your first podcast?

• Set a definite date and time for publishing
• Have one evergreen recorded podcast (As a backup plan)
• Mention Website link at the start & end of Show notes
• Use an animated video overlay and publish your podcast on YouTube.
• Connect with best minds in your industry by inviting them to be a guest on your podcast show.

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].

How do you layout a podcast script?

If you want to script your podcast in more detail, you can organize it similarly to this:Topic 1 Header (Duration) Main Point. Supporting Point. Supporting Point. Supporting Data/Reference. Case Study/Example/Anecdote. ... Segue.Topic 2 Header (Duration) Main Point. Supporting Point. Supporting Point. Supporting Data/Reference.

How do you outline a solo podcast?

9:0411:03Solo Podcast Ideas, How to Script or Outline Episodes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApproach. I want you to just outline it I want you to have something outside of your head instead ofMoreApproach. I want you to just outline it I want you to have something outside of your head instead of just hitting record. And talking and losing your train of thought. And then pausing.

What is the format of the podcast?

Your Guide to 8 Popular Podcast Episode FormatsFORMATPROS1. Solo EpisodeStrong connection to listeners, Keeps things fresh2. One-On-One InterviewMore exposure, Meet more people3. Panel InterviewMore perspectives, More exposure4. Co-Host ConversationalFun to make, Control over content4 more rows

How do you storyboard a podcast?

Creating a Narrative Podcast: A Step-By-Step GuideStep 1: Develop the podcast season's focus and episode topics. ... Step 2: Write a detailed storyboard for each episode. ... Step 2.5: Start keeping track of your production cycle. ... Step 4: Write the first episode script. ... Step 8: Add music and FX, and normalize the podcast audio.

How do you write a podcast intro?

Podcast Intros: 10 Tips to Get Your Listeners HookedIntroduce Your Podcast.Start With a Question. ... Set the Tone for Your Podcast. ... Choose the Right Music. ... Create a Tagline. ... Write Your Intro Beforehand. ... Mention a Website or Call to Action. ... Include Disclaimers When Needed. ... More items...•

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 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.

Do Solo podcasts do well?

Solo episodes are great backups for slow content seasons. Sometimes a guest will cancel suddenly or there's a blank spot in the queue — try a solo episode! Even if you have a solo episode recorded and produced doesn't mean that you need to publish it right away. Save it for a rainy day when the content's slow.

How big is a 1 hour podcast?

The average hour-long audio podcast is about 25 MB. Specifically it's . 46 MB per minute assuming that, like most audio podcasts I've seen, it's encoded at 64kbps mono. If it's a stereo podcast, or at a higher bit rate, it will be bigger.

What podcast format is most popular?

Interview1. Interview. Probably the most popular podcast format, the interview is pretty much exactly what it sounds like - an interview. Usually there is one host that's interviewing one guest but there can also be multiple hosts or multiple guests on the episode.

What are the three types of podcast formats?

Read on to learn all about podcast formats and which one is the ideal fit for your next show.Narrative-style podcast. Narrative-style podcasts tell the stories — stories of people, businesses, or brands. ... Solo Podcast. ... Co-hosted podcast. ... 1:1 interview podcast. ... Panel podcast.

How a script is written?

Script writing (or screenwriting) is the process of writing stories in the screenplay medium. Script writing is writing down the movement, actions, expression and dialogue of the characters in screenplay, in screenplay format. The process of writing a novel, a poem, or essay, is entirely different than script writing.

How do you write a good podcast description?

What Makes A Podcast Description Good?Explain your podcast clearly. ... Make your podcast summary easily searchable. ... Be concise. ... First Sentence - Start by relating to your audience! ... Second Sentence - Your second sentence should introduce the hosts, the format of your show, and how often you release content.More items...

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.

Why is it important to outline your podcast?

Outlining your podcast helps you uncover some unknown risks and also helps you make your show unique. This exercise, when iterated, can help you create a podcast that you’ve been imagining. Of course, before you get there, you’ll also see and discover a lot of good things and not so good ones too.

Why is it important to treat your podcast like a project?

Treating your podcast like a project helps you tackle all of the above questions and more. The most important of them all is that it helps you focus on your goal. A podcast that has a definitive goal and all dependencies and resources tracked, is sure to head in the right direction.

What is the third phase of a podcast?

Well, the ears of your listener. This is the third phase of your podcast project – Distribution and Test. It’s not good enough to put them in your listeners’ ears, but more important to get to understand what they think about it. Get them to open their thoughts and mouths.

What happens when your brain is noisy?

When your brain is noisy, you sometimes find it difficult to communicate that noise to someone else. Perhaps you are looking for some help. But you just don’t seem to get the words right to form your question!

Is it good to have an idea for a podcast?

Having an idea for a podcast is a good first step. But usually , it’s communicating that idea to someone else, that makes it better. Outlining your podcast helps you communicate your new podcast idea better.

Do you get anxious when you plan?

I know you are getting anxious. Yes, once you plan, you get into the weeds of the creation process. This is where you are actually doing a lot of the hard work – artwork, recording, etc.

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.

What is script writing?

Scripts are a fully-customizable skeleton of your episode and a styling tool that helps create the overall feel of your show, as well as keep it flowing, natural-sounding, and free of excessive rambling or pauses . No matter your show's style or format, script writing allows creativity to flourish by keeping show hosts focussed, ...

What is call to action?

A call to action is an announcement that requires some effort on the part of your listener. Do you want your audience to subscribe to your podcast or write a review? Sign up for your newsletter? Let them know by including a simple statement at the end of your episode.

Why do we need a verbatim script?

The structure of a verbatim script allows hosts to be confident they are thoroughly communicating all their content and adds a professional feel to the episode. But just because you have a script doesn't mean you can't veer from it now and then.

Episode intro

Your intro can be the most scripted part, as it's arguably the most important section of your show. The first few minutes can be when your listener decides to commit to the whole episode or switch to another podcast. It's got to be engaging, give a clear outline of what is going to be talked about on the podcast and leave the listener wanting more.

Guest intro

Obviously, this only applies if you have a guest on your show. Often in these shows, the host will ask the guest to "tell the audience a little about yourself" or "can you talk us through your backstory" - try to avoid this if you can.

Sponsor slot

Another optional section of your script depends on if you have sponsors or not and your agreement with them. Some like to have the same ad slot for every episode, in which case you'll only have to script it once. Where others like to break up the monotony of a sponsor slot and get creative with it for each episode.

Talking points

This is usually the main section of your show. Often this can go on for over an hour, so there is no need to script this. Unless, of course, you have a narrative show or tightly produced episodes that require a narrative structure. But for most podcasts, they'll only need talking points or questions.

Segment

This is not essential by any means, but some shows like to have some kind of segue into another component of the show that is used to break up a long interview. This could be a series of questions that are asked in the middle of every episode, or an interesting fact or anecdote interjected at a certain point.

Outro

It's good at the end of every episode to finish off with an outro, instead of the conversation finishing abruptly. This could contain a summary of the episode with key takeaways and a call to action telling people where they can find out more about what was discussed in the episode.

Recap

So that's an outline of the components of a podcast script along with some real examples to get you started. A podcast script is not what you might traditionally think a script to be, more a guide to keep the episodes on track. You can mix and match different components which will be different depending on your unique format.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

Why is rehearsal important?

Another benefit of rehearsal is that you can work out who will say what and when. This will keep you and your co-host (s) from talking over one another, a blemish on your recording that is just about impossible to remove during editing.

My Outline

Episode Intro

Guest Intro

Sponsor Slot

Talking Points

• This is usually the main section of your show. Often this can go on for over an hour, so there is no need to script this. Unless, of course, you have a narrative show or tightly produced episodes that require a narrative structure. But for most podcasts, they'll only need talking points or questions. Depending on your episode format you can split u...

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Segment

Outro

Recap