Podcasts are an excellent way to connect with your audience. There has never been a better time to start a podcast for your brand, personal hobby, or business. A correctly written podcast can unite the best of different media into one exciting content and engage a larger audience. If you have decided to produce a podcast, you should first prepare a podcast script that will be your roadmap to your long journey. Though most successful podcasts are free-flowing conversations, they are prepared beforehand and based on a correct podcast script. However, the podcast script depends on your podcast format and the episode structure. Well-done writing will help you plan your episodes' direction, design, and effectiveness. You will feel more confident and focus on the recording, reducing mistakes that will shorten editing time later. The podcast script is a guide that will help the podcast host and the guest on every step of recording. There are three types of podcast scripts:
1. Fully script. The fully-scripted podcast plans everything you intend to say, introduce, and discuss during each episode. It will make your way easy from recording to editing.
2. Bullet script. This type is more for the conversation type of podcast. It will allow the host and the guest to stay on the talk flow and do some research or data during the open conversation.
3. Talking points. With this type, you will have only the talking points, and you will let the conversation flow decide in which way it will develop.
If you intend to write a podcast script for your podcast, keep these six podcast script writing tips in mind.
1. Make a good intro
A good intro is a short welcoming accompanied by theme music. The podcast intro will overview the upcoming episodes and let your audience know what to expect. The content may vary every week, but the structure will be the same. Start you.
Intro podcast script Example:
“Hello! Welcome to [podcast name], where we discuss [podcast topic]. I am [host name], and [co-host name] (if existing). Today, we will discuss [episode topic] with our special guest, [guest name]. Let’s start!”
2. Introduce your guest
In case if your podcast has an interview format, you should introduce your guests. It is essential to prepare a guest introduction with the help of a podcast script. Provide necessary information about their profession and background so that your audience knows why they should listen to them.
Example: “Today, our guest is [guest name]. He / She is a [add role, title, experience] with a passion for _______. They're going to go through with us [episode topic]. Hello, [guest name]! Thank you so much for joining us!"
3. Message from the Sponsors
There are cases when podcast sponsors give a text to read during the show. They can also provide a podcast script with talking points on the subject that you and your guest or your co-host should discuss during your show, keeping your show format. It is necessary to plan beforehand what to say and how to present your sponsor's brand, make it sound natural to interest your audience, make them purchase the product, and satisfy your sponsors.
Example: "[Your podcast name] is sponsored by [brand name]. [sponsor] is a company that [describe the company engagement and products]."
4. Make a fluent segue and summary
As the episodes usually have topic changes, it is essential to make a nice transition so that the podcast flows consistently and naturally. Segues may be a sound effect, a phrase, a jingle, or a short video clip. Segues also should be planed during writing your podcast script. After the segue, you can make a summary that will recap all critical points of your episodes as a conclusion for your listeners. The listeners appreciate it when the hosts highlight the key takeaways.
5. Finalize with Outro and Call to Action
With the help of a podcast script, you can prepare an announcement for this section, share resources, or have a closing jingle.
Example: "Next week, we'll have new episodes to help you frame [topic description]to discuss the details that will give answers to your question! [Outro music]."
It is worth mentioning that the end of your podcast can serve as a place for some CTA(call to action). If you want your audience to do some action, include common CTAs like:
-- Rate and review
-- Call-in/get in touch with questions
-- Join the podcast’s group on Facebook(elsewhere)
-- Sign up for your weekly updates, etc.
Also, it was the best part to introduce everyone who had their footprint on the podcast creation and production.
6. Choose the suitable podcast script for your format
As there are different podcast formats, you should choose the correct podcast script according to it.
1. For Solo Shows
If you run your podcast alone, you should prepare a podcast script beforehand to be able to talk 30-45 painless. In the header part, you should outline the essential topics or themes which will help you avoid important points, speak an active conversation tone to engage your listeners.
2. Interview podcasts
This podcast format requires a more detailed podcast script. It is crucial to fix the questions you will ask your guests and prepare an exhaustive list of questions. As the guests are not professionals in podcasting, it will be helpful to provide a list of questions to prepare before the recording. In this way, your interview will flow fluently and will be interesting for the listeners
3. Co-host podcasts
If you run a podcast with a co-host, you should prepare and plan a detailed podcast script, mentioning your names and the subjects in front so as not to mix up during the show. It is also essential to record each host on different tracks, which will help to edit your voices separately. Writing a correct podcast script will be your keyway to producing a clear, interesting, and engaging podcast.
