The extent that you will script your podcast will depend largely on the type of pod it is and how many narrative elements you’re including. Every second of the show may be intensely scripted or maybe very little of it. However, there is always a need, at a certain level, to put down an episode structure and bring in concise, lively and direct writing. The real skill is scripting your intros and outros so they are informative and entertaining, but also sound exactly like your host would sound if they were speaking off the cuff.
Script
From bullet points to full sentences
Tips & Tricks
Even chat podcasts start with a script of some kind. Scripts help structure an episode, make sure you cover everything you want and keep things under control. The more tightly the episode is controlled at the scripting stage, the less editing the episode will need before it’s ready for publishing. You want to capture your own unique speaking style in your script. Remember: written style is often more formal than conversational speech, and you want to avoid an overly formal tone. Read your script aloud to see if it sounds conversational.Burning Question
Do I need to script everything that I say? This depends on your and your show. It’s common practice to write out intros, questions and outros and say them as scripted. For other sections, some producers write everything out, other stick to bullet points or key words. Everyone has to find a system that works for them. The trick is to sound like you’re not reading from a script, but simply talking naturally.Common Mistake
Letting people speak without a script. This depends on the show. A complicated story with narration, voice clips and atmo sound will need a detailed script. But even casual interview shows need to be helped along by a script that outlines how the show will unfold and gives it structure (even if you aren’t scripting out the answers of your guests). If your episode is too haphazard and random, listeners will struggle to follow along.Links
- Article: How to Write a Podcast Script
- Article: How to Write a Podcast Script: Templates and Tips for Beginners
- Resource List: Writing a Podcast Script
TIPS from OUR Network
- Casual, free-flowing conversations can take hours of planning!
- With experience, when you start ad-libbing your voice becomes more active and less monotone.