How to write a killer podcast script

A good podcast script plans what you will talk about, is written for the ear in casual, short sentences, and has a clear intro, a few topics in a sensible order, and an outro. Below are guidelines for each part and a simple blueprint for a short show.

The internet connects you with people who share your interests, opinions, and passions. By writing in forums or starting a blog, you can take part in that exchange of views.

But writing is not the only way to reach people who watch the same shows, like the same sport, or follow the same events. Podcasts have become a big part of this exchange of opinions. Podcast platforms let millions of listeners stream or download your show, and many podcasters also publish their episodes on video sites.

The recording and the talking are the biggest part of a podcast, but no recording session goes well without a good, structured script. This article gives you some guidelines and a blueprint for a killer podcast script.

Podcast groundwork: the script

Of course you could just start recording and upload your podcast, but if you want to sound professional, you need to plan a little. Listeners are used to a certain style and structure from radio shows, so why not follow in those successful footsteps?

Preliminaries

First, decide on the content of your podcast. The topics can differ, but some questions are always the same:

• Will your podcast cover one topic or more?
• Will you include an interview, or a Q&A?
• Will you include content from other sources, for reviews or as references?

There is no fixed length for a podcast. Many shows keep a regular length that listeners can count on, and mix it up with the occasional short episode of a few minutes, or a longer one when an interesting guest comes for an interview.

Also plan the audio breaks you want to use. These include jingles and musical interludes, background sounds, and transitions between topics. They are not meant to distract your listeners: they show that you are changing the topic and give the audience a short break to take in what you have said.

Writing the script

When you write your script, keep the following points in mind.

Language

Keep the language and style of your script casual, conversational, and friendly. Don't be afraid to show enthusiasm, or disapproval, depending on the topic. Use technical terms only when they are really needed.

Write for the ear instead of the eye. Use clear language and short sentences.

Contractions make you sound more casual and conversational. Write "don't" and "there's" instead of "do not" and "there is".

Components

Besides the topics you talk about and any interview, your podcast should have a few key components.

One is the introduction, which sums up in two or three sentences what you are going to talk about. A quick introduction of yourself and of the recurring theme of your podcast, if it has one, belongs there as well.

Another is the closing, in which you thank your audience and your guest, and give a short outlook on the next episode in one or two sentences. This is also the place to ask your audience for feedback or for topics they would like to hear.

Structure

If you talk about several topics, start with the most interesting one. That way you keep the attention of your audience. After that, you can move on to more detailed and specific topics.

Within each topic, make sure your listeners can easily follow your train of thought. Don't make them replay the podcast just to understand what you are hinting at or where you are coming from.

Research

Make sure your research meets your quality standards. If you are going to review a movie, read reviews on IMDb and in popular magazines and newspapers as well. If you talk about a news topic, make sure your facts are up to date.

Tips and tricks

Here are some more tips that help you write the best script for your podcast:

• Time yourself while you read one page of your script aloud. Then you can estimate how long the whole episode will be.
• Read your script aloud before you record it, to find sentences that sound wrong and grammar mistakes.
• The Spell Checker helps you find grammar mistakes as well.
• Writing has a rhythm. Vary the length of your sentences to give your recording a pleasant rhythm.
• Offer your script to your listeners as well, next to the podcast. If you do, use clear, consistent formatting and avoid spelling mistakes.
• Pay attention to punctuation. Commas, dashes, and periods mark pauses of different lengths, and question marks and exclamation marks change your tone.
• Use an easy-to-read font, a font size of about 14 points, and 1.5 line spacing, so the script is easy to read.
• If a sentence would run over onto the next page, put a page break before it. Turning a page in the middle of a sentence disrupts your reading.
• Spell out abbreviations and symbols, so they are easier to read aloud.

For more on writing words that are meant to be spoken, see the best way to write a speech.

Blueprint: what your script could look like

The structure of your podcast depends on your topics, your audience, and your personal preferences. As a starting point for a short show of about 15 minutes, consider this outline: