Podcasting is a great tool for businesses, but you need to have an interesting one to attract an audience. Discover how to write a killer podcast script now.
The concept of podcasts isn’t as new as you might think. Podcasts only gained traction in 2005; the same year “podcast” was named the word of the year, but before podcasts, there was radio. Podcasts can be seen as remediated radio content that focuses on a particular topic or theme.
With podcasts taking the world by storm, it is important to make sure your podcast listeners keep coming back for more. The best way to ensure good content is to take the time to write a good script.
Keep reading to find out how to write an engaging podcast script.
Keep It Conversational
When tuning in to a podcast, you don’t want to listen to a flat, monotone delivery of what is essentially a lecture. The best podcasts focus on their tone and speech patterns when recording to make sure they don’t bore audiences.
When you’re getting started writing your podcast script or outline, you’ll want to pretend you’re having a conversation with a friend about the topic. If you use words most people won’t understand without explaining them or speaking too formally, listeners won’t be engaged. If you can’t keep your podcast listeners engaged, you won’t have an audience.
Use Delivery Notes
To help your recording sound more natural, you should include delivery notes in your script. These notes can indicate:
- Pauses (for laughter or emotional response)
- Emphasis (making your point, separating topics, etc.)
- Other dramatic effects (music, soundscaping, etc.)
These delivery notes are not necessarily to be read verbatim, they’re more of an outline to allow the conversation to flow naturally from topic to topic. This will not only make your podcast sound natural, but it will also help breathe life into your show. These delivery notes and outlines can make your podcast sound more genuine and unrehearsed if you’ve read through them and use them to steer the flow of a conversation.
Leave Space for Spontaneity
When writing a podcast script, it’s easy to get stuck thinking you have to follow it word for word. Going off script can be a good thing during recording as it can lead to content you might not have thought of before. Plus, you can always edit out what you don’t like at the end.
Just make sure you don’t go off on irrelevant tangents when you go off script. This will just waste your recording time and take more time to edit out later.
Outlines are intended to be more loose, but don’t be afraid to let the order of your outline change if the conversation flows that way naturally.
Be Yourself
The most important aspect of writing a podcast script or outline is to be yourself. Don’t pretend to be something or someone you’re not just because you think that’s what the listeners want.
Go Write a Brilliant Podcast
Taking the time and effort to write a podcast outline or script can make a big difference. A script or outline will help keep recording time to a minimum, and you can ensure everything you want to include will be recorded. When you’re making a podcast, you want to produce the best possible results; sticking to a “plan” will help you achieve that goal.
Want to start your podcast journey with a bang? Our podcast production services can help you create top-notch sounding podcasts that will set you apart from your competition. Send us your audio files today to experience the difference yourself!