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 get into the details of these steps. ...
Full Answer
How to create a podcast outline?
Phase One: Plan Your Podcast
- Choose Your Category, Genre, or Niche. A solo podcast works best if you don’t stray from your base topic. ...
- Create Weekly Themes. Once you have your niche, create weekly or monthly themes – depending on your upload schedule. ...
- Write A Script. ...
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.
How to create a simple podcast?
- Install Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin to your WordPress site and link it to your podcast hosting provider.
- From your WordPress dashboard, go to the “Podcast” plugin. ...
- Inside the plugin’s “Settings” under “Feed Details”, include details about your podcast to finish creating the RSS feed. ...
How do you build a podcast?
Podcast Tips: 7 Strategies to Build a Successful Show that Thrives
- Define a Successful Podcast. First thing's first: success means many different things to many different people. ...
- Have a “Why”. When you run a podcast, things don't always go to plan. ...
- Play The Long Game. ...
- Make It Sustainable. ...
- Don't Get Stuck On “The Launch”. ...
- Take Control. ...
- Don't Rely On Audience Participation. ...
How do you write a podcast outline?
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 structure of a podcast?
There are three basic podcast segments every episode should have, no matter what. An intro, the main content, and an outro. You could also include special segments, like rapid fire questions, or fun games that you play with your guests from time to time!
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.
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 structure?
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 are the contents of a podcast?
In a little more detail, a podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme, like cycling or startups. You can subscribe to the show with an app on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you like on your headphones, in the car or through speakers.
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 3: Conduct your interviews, transcribe them, pull quotes. ... Step 4: Write the first episode script.More items...
How do you make a podcast intro?
These tips are tried and true lessons in how to make the best podcast intro ever.Keep Your Script Short. When writing your intro's script, try not to go overboard. ... Be Picky About The Music. ... Put Your Call To Action At The End. ... Change Your Intro Up. ... Have Your Brand Ready. ... Keep It Legal. ... Have A Consistent Pattern.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 ...
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 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.
Can you use a verbatim script for a podcast?
Verbatim scripts can be a bit daunting , but a word-for-word draft can be beneficial and even necessary for the right podcast. This podcast format is best for audio dramas, solo show podcasts, and any host who prefers to read a script.
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.
What should the majority of an interview be?
The majority of the interview should be your guest sharing and elaborating on their POV. You’re just there to keep the conversation on the tracks and dig deeper when necessary. There are nine tips to we suggest to keep top-of-mind in order for a smooth interview: Don’t get caught up in the mechanics.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
