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.
Full Answer
How do you write a podcast script?
Write clearly. Listeners only hear it once, unless they replay it. You can‟t count on them to do that, so your meaning has to be clear the first time your listeners hear it. Interview-style podcast – script the introduction and closing and outline the questions. Never script the answers because they can sound stilted when people read them.
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.
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 scripts for your podcast?
These Podcast Script Writing Tips Will Improve How You Interact With Listeners
- Write Your Podcast Script Based On How You Speak. I suggest that you write your podcast script in a way that mimics how you regularly talk. ...
- Paint Visual Images For Your Listeners. ...
- Keep Your Podcast Script Template Short & Sweet. ...
- Be Flexible With Where You Want To Take Your Script. ...
- Own The Argument. ...
- Takeaway. ...
How do I write a podcast script?
Here are a few tips that will help you craft an engaging podcast script.Keep it conversational. The biggest challenge of writing a podcast script is keeping it conversational. ... Use delivery notes. ... Allow for some riffing. ... Describe the scene. ... Maintain a reasonable pace. ... Be yourself. ... Show introduction. ... Guest introductions.More items...•
How do you structure a 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...
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.
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.
Should I write a script for my podcast?
You should script your episode. At least to some degree. In the real world, it's unusual that complete scripts are written. More commonly, the bulk of a show will be planned out with bullet points, and the host will script the set-piece elements.
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:
What is podcast script example?
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 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.
How many words is a 5 minute podcast?
Word Count per Speech LengthSpeech LengthSlow (100 wpm)Average (130 wpm)1 minute100 words130 words5 minutes500 words650 words10 minutes1,000 words1,300 words15 minutes1,500 words1,950 words6 more rows
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 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.
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.
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.