Script Writing
When you write a podcast script, it helps to start with a bird’s eye view of your show. Whether you plan to prepare a word-for-word script or want to leave room for ad-libbing, this outline will create a guide that keeps you on track and ensures you hit all the right points. It will also help you prepare transitions and get everything within the allotted time.
Regardless of whether you’re creating a long-form discussion or a short and snappy show, keep topics moving, to keep listeners engaged.
Try to use guests as a way to break up the conversation, pace, and tone of your shows. Use musical backgrounds (known as jingles or music beds) or other non-music interludes (referred to as stagers, sweeps, and IDs) to transition between topics. These topic breaks are typically described as bumpers or sweepers, giving your listeners the time they might need to digest the content you just presented.
Write Your Script for Speaking
Write your script for how you speak to keep your scripts natural-sounding. If you write your script as if you are going to be reading it, it will end up sounding stiff. We speak much more casually compared to the formality of reading and writing. So, write your script in your voice and with the flow of your mind. Read what you write out loud to check if it flows in speaking the way that you imagine. Also, be sure to incorporate your personality into your script. Your script needs to be you, so don't get caught up in using the right words, use the words that you would genuinely use.
Paint Pictures with Your Words
Setting the scene for your listeners is essential as they do not have a visual aid. Now, this doesn't mean that you need to detail every little thing that you talk about. Just be aware that your listeners may need that extra description every so often to aid them in picturing the topics, stories, news, etc. in their heads.
Keep It Concise
Keeping your script concise gives you the room for improvisation and expansion while podcasting. Reading directly from your script takes away from your natural-sounding delivery, so minimize reading by only including words and sentences that you absolutely need on your script. Ensuring that your scripts are directly to the point without unnecessary words or sentences allows you space and time to be creative with your delivery.
Give Yourself Flexibility
This ties into writing your script as if it is going to be spoken aloud. If there are certain words that you want to use, include them on your script. Similarly, if there are certain stories, news pieces, topics, etc. that you want to talk about, include them on your script as well. However, also give yourself different options for vocabulary, stories, news, topics, etc. and the space to explore the thoughts that you have while podcasting. This flexibility can make your podcast that much more interesting. So, on your script, give yourself only what you need to allow yourself that freedom.
Make It Your Own
Everyone's needs are different. If you are podcasting by yourself, depending on your comfort level with podcasting and speaking without notes, you may need more detail or less detail in your scripts. Podcasters just starting out may want to script more of what they say, but be careful not to get caught up in reading your script to the point that you become a boring host. And, remember that different segments of your podcast may require more or less scripting. While an outline might work for the bulk of your podcast, you might want to script word for word things such as intros, a sponsor message, call to actions, plugs, etc.
As each episode is different, they should have their own themes, topics, and lengths to set them apart from each other.
The First Podcast Segment
The first segment should be the most interesting to keep listeners’ attention. This segment should appeal to the entire audience. Broad content is encouraged to serve the majority. News and current events related to the podcast theme are often of interest to an entire audience.
All Subsequent Podcast Segments
All subsequent segments can be more in-depth and focus on specific areas of interest. Depending on the quality of the content, each segment should be no more than 2 – 4 paragraphs. We will go more in-depth on how the intro, outro, and guest questions should flow later on.
What to Include in Your Intro
In the intro of the podcast script, you should consider that this intro will introduce each episode of your podcast. In other words, your listeners will hear it a lot, so it’s likely best to keep it short, say 10 or 15 seconds. That way, the podcast intro won’t get skipped over with the +30 skip setting on most podcast players. So what do you write? Be sure to introduce the host and the title of the show. If you have any co-hosts, now is the time to make them known to your listeners. Now is also the time to give your listeners a preview of what they can expect to hear on the show. If you have something juicy and exciting to share in your last segment, for example, you want to share it right off the bat in order to entice listeners to listen to the whole way through – or at least skip ahead to the segment that most interests them. You will also want to play your intro jingle at this point.
How to be a Good Podcast Interviewer
Being a good podcast host and interviewer is more complex than one might think. It takes special skills to really bring the best out of your guest:
“As a host, there are two ways you can do a show:
“One way is, the host is the star and everything the guest says needs to build up the ego of the host. You don’t have to look far to find shows that meet that criteria where the guest is just incidental and the host is using a platform to pontificate.
“The other way is the guest is the star. To me, that’s the best kind of show. As the host, I want to introduce new and exciting people to my audience.
Podcast Interview Format
If you are running a podcast that includes guests, you have additional considerations to keep in mind when crafting your podcast script.
For instance, you will want to prepare a list of questions to ask your guest and group them based on the different topics you will cover.
Being a good interviewer is an art form in itself. As you’re interviewing, keep in mind that to maintain the conversational flow of the interview, listen closely to the guest’s answers, and ask follow-up questions based on their answers. You don’t have to ask the questions in the order you have laid out.
Podcast Script Templates & Script Elements to Consider
You can search for transcripts of your favorite podcasts on various sites such as Listen Notes – which has a ton of free transcripts available for some of the most popular podcasts.
Polished Podcasting Scripts
A polished, professional-sounding podcast, is similar to what you might hear in a newscast or documentary. The script is written out and rehearsed prior to recording. Generally, this podcast may have particular themes that are explored in sequential order, demanding more structure and precision.
You should also adopt a more conversational tone of voice, speak to your audience and not at your audience. The 2019 Voices Trends Report discusses how a conversational voice is much more appealing and effective in creating an emotional connection with your audience.
Freestyle Podcasting Scripts
Freestyle recordings are most similar to live radio shows or television interviews. Freestyle is an ad-lib, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants recording style that can be an unpredictable and engaging voice. This style may work best for podcasts with more than one host, highlighting their dialogue skills and spontaneity, or for individual podcasters that decide to record a verbal stream of consciousness, especially poets, announcers, and others that are recording impromptu or on location at live events.
When writing a freestyle podcast script, you may only need to include your segment theme and some point-form details within each segment. This way, you can refer to your freestyle script while recording without feeling nailed down to a finalized script.
Yield the best results by combining these two methods and developing your own unique podcasting style. Once you have a listening audience, ask them for feedback about your show and gain valuable information that will help you to improve your podcast. They may even introduce new ideas that will give you an edge over any potential competitors and enhance their listening experience. Ideas that they provide might refer to the length of segments, topics discussed, guests on the show, and so on.
The bullet point approach
This format is one of the most common outlines show hosts use. A bullet-pointed draft is a good choice for a show that is mostly freestyle banter with a cohost or guests like you see on radio shows. These scripts, obviously, don't take a lot of time to jot down, and for some people, they provide just enough structure to get an episode off the ground.
Best for:
Detailed episode outlines are a great in-between option for hosts who want more structure than bullet points can offer, but don't feel the need, or have the time, for a word-for-word script.
A detailed outline typically includes a podcast intro, sponsor ads, music jingles, an outro with closing remarks, and segues where appropriate.
We think this structure suits the majority of podcaster's needs and has all the structural elements needed for a well-executed episode. Download Buzzsprout's detailed podcast script template if you feel this format is the right one for your show!
Best for:
Verbatim scripts can be a bit daunting, but for the right podcast, a word-for-word draft can be beneficial and even necessary.
Best for:
Sponsor message:
Sometimes sponsors will give hosts a script to read from verbatim, and other times the host will be able to craft their own sponsor message. Since these ads often occur in the beginning of a podcast episode, it's important to take the time to craft a quality sponsor message that kicks your show off well, accurately reflects your sponsor's brand, and sounds natural.
Example: "[Your podcast show name here" is sponsored by [insert brand name.] [Sponsor] is a company that [describe company values and products as well as their relevance to your audience.]
Intro
Example: "Hello and welcome to Episode 2 of "How to Start a Podcast," the podcast that teaches you how to create a podcast from scratch. I'm your host, Travis Albritton, and helping me again with the episode today is the self-proclaim number 1 fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars football team, Alban Brooke!"
Lead-in to topic
Example: "In this episode, we're going to tell you which microphone to buy, and which software to use. Because it's really easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options."
Segue
Your segue can be a phrase, a sound effect, or a musical jingle. The important thing is that It serves to provide flow between topic changes and helps create a cohesive episode.
Outro/Closing remarks/Call to action
Example: "In the next episode, we're going to continue to help you frame your podcast by helping you nail down the details that will give structure to your new podcast! Wish you could be featured on a future episode of "Podcasting in Real Life"? You can! Just click on the link in the show notes to submit your application." [Outro music]
Podcast Outro Script
In the outro of your podcast script, you will want to make sure you thank all of the guests that were on your show and recap a bit about what was discussed.
Now is also the time to talk about any exciting future episodes that are coming up, and include a call-to-action for the listener. For example, you may want to promote a special event that is relevant to your podcast and/or brand or entice listeners to become loyal subscribers.
You will also want to play your outro jingle at this point.
Podcast Script Template
Sponsor message
Intro: Duration: ( ___)
Set the stage for your episode. Include details that set up your episode’s theme. State podcast name, why your show exists, who you are, etc.
Opening music jingle & sound effects
[Lead into episode’s content]
Topic 1 / Segment #1: Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Topic 2 /Segment #2: Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Sponsor message
Topic 3/Segment #3 : Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Topic 4 /Segment #4 : Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Outro: Duration ___ )
Closing remarks
summarize episode themes, thank the audience, thank guests, talk about the next episode, and do one final call to action
Call to actions
Sponsor message
Closing music jingle/sound effects
When you write a podcast script, it helps to start with a bird’s eye view of your show. Whether you plan to prepare a word-for-word script or want to leave room for ad-libbing, this outline will create a guide that keeps you on track and ensures you hit all the right points. It will also help you prepare transitions and get everything within the allotted time.
Regardless of whether you’re creating a long-form discussion or a short and snappy show, keep topics moving, to keep listeners engaged.
Try to use guests as a way to break up the conversation, pace, and tone of your shows. Use musical backgrounds (known as jingles or music beds) or other non-music interludes (referred to as stagers, sweeps, and IDs) to transition between topics. These topic breaks are typically described as bumpers or sweepers, giving your listeners the time they might need to digest the content you just presented.
Write Your Script for Speaking
Write your script for how you speak to keep your scripts natural-sounding. If you write your script as if you are going to be reading it, it will end up sounding stiff. We speak much more casually compared to the formality of reading and writing. So, write your script in your voice and with the flow of your mind. Read what you write out loud to check if it flows in speaking the way that you imagine. Also, be sure to incorporate your personality into your script. Your script needs to be you, so don't get caught up in using the right words, use the words that you would genuinely use.
Paint Pictures with Your Words
Setting the scene for your listeners is essential as they do not have a visual aid. Now, this doesn't mean that you need to detail every little thing that you talk about. Just be aware that your listeners may need that extra description every so often to aid them in picturing the topics, stories, news, etc. in their heads.
Keep It Concise
Keeping your script concise gives you the room for improvisation and expansion while podcasting. Reading directly from your script takes away from your natural-sounding delivery, so minimize reading by only including words and sentences that you absolutely need on your script. Ensuring that your scripts are directly to the point without unnecessary words or sentences allows you space and time to be creative with your delivery.
Give Yourself Flexibility
This ties into writing your script as if it is going to be spoken aloud. If there are certain words that you want to use, include them on your script. Similarly, if there are certain stories, news pieces, topics, etc. that you want to talk about, include them on your script as well. However, also give yourself different options for vocabulary, stories, news, topics, etc. and the space to explore the thoughts that you have while podcasting. This flexibility can make your podcast that much more interesting. So, on your script, give yourself only what you need to allow yourself that freedom.
Make It Your Own
Everyone's needs are different. If you are podcasting by yourself, depending on your comfort level with podcasting and speaking without notes, you may need more detail or less detail in your scripts. Podcasters just starting out may want to script more of what they say, but be careful not to get caught up in reading your script to the point that you become a boring host. And, remember that different segments of your podcast may require more or less scripting. While an outline might work for the bulk of your podcast, you might want to script word for word things such as intros, a sponsor message, call to actions, plugs, etc.
As each episode is different, they should have their own themes, topics, and lengths to set them apart from each other.
The First Podcast Segment
The first segment should be the most interesting to keep listeners’ attention. This segment should appeal to the entire audience. Broad content is encouraged to serve the majority. News and current events related to the podcast theme are often of interest to an entire audience.
All Subsequent Podcast Segments
All subsequent segments can be more in-depth and focus on specific areas of interest. Depending on the quality of the content, each segment should be no more than 2 – 4 paragraphs. We will go more in-depth on how the intro, outro, and guest questions should flow later on.
What to Include in Your Intro
In the intro of the podcast script, you should consider that this intro will introduce each episode of your podcast. In other words, your listeners will hear it a lot, so it’s likely best to keep it short, say 10 or 15 seconds. That way, the podcast intro won’t get skipped over with the +30 skip setting on most podcast players. So what do you write? Be sure to introduce the host and the title of the show. If you have any co-hosts, now is the time to make them known to your listeners. Now is also the time to give your listeners a preview of what they can expect to hear on the show. If you have something juicy and exciting to share in your last segment, for example, you want to share it right off the bat in order to entice listeners to listen to the whole way through – or at least skip ahead to the segment that most interests them. You will also want to play your intro jingle at this point.
How to be a Good Podcast Interviewer
Being a good podcast host and interviewer is more complex than one might think. It takes special skills to really bring the best out of your guest:
- A curious nature that has you asking appropriate follow-up questions.
- The foresight to know when to pull the conversation back to the next question so as to not derail the show’s intended flow.
- The courtesy to listen intently to your guest to allow them to truly feel heard.
- The comfortability to embrace a few moments of ‘dead air’ to let the guest breathe, and to allow yourself a moment to digest what was said, as well.
“As a host, there are two ways you can do a show:
“One way is, the host is the star and everything the guest says needs to build up the ego of the host. You don’t have to look far to find shows that meet that criteria where the guest is just incidental and the host is using a platform to pontificate.
“The other way is the guest is the star. To me, that’s the best kind of show. As the host, I want to introduce new and exciting people to my audience.
Podcast Interview Format
If you are running a podcast that includes guests, you have additional considerations to keep in mind when crafting your podcast script.
For instance, you will want to prepare a list of questions to ask your guest and group them based on the different topics you will cover.
Being a good interviewer is an art form in itself. As you’re interviewing, keep in mind that to maintain the conversational flow of the interview, listen closely to the guest’s answers, and ask follow-up questions based on their answers. You don’t have to ask the questions in the order you have laid out.
Podcast Script Templates & Script Elements to Consider
You can search for transcripts of your favorite podcasts on various sites such as Listen Notes – which has a ton of free transcripts available for some of the most popular podcasts.
Polished Podcasting Scripts
A polished, professional-sounding podcast, is similar to what you might hear in a newscast or documentary. The script is written out and rehearsed prior to recording. Generally, this podcast may have particular themes that are explored in sequential order, demanding more structure and precision.
You should also adopt a more conversational tone of voice, speak to your audience and not at your audience. The 2019 Voices Trends Report discusses how a conversational voice is much more appealing and effective in creating an emotional connection with your audience.
Freestyle Podcasting Scripts
Freestyle recordings are most similar to live radio shows or television interviews. Freestyle is an ad-lib, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants recording style that can be an unpredictable and engaging voice. This style may work best for podcasts with more than one host, highlighting their dialogue skills and spontaneity, or for individual podcasters that decide to record a verbal stream of consciousness, especially poets, announcers, and others that are recording impromptu or on location at live events.
When writing a freestyle podcast script, you may only need to include your segment theme and some point-form details within each segment. This way, you can refer to your freestyle script while recording without feeling nailed down to a finalized script.
Yield the best results by combining these two methods and developing your own unique podcasting style. Once you have a listening audience, ask them for feedback about your show and gain valuable information that will help you to improve your podcast. They may even introduce new ideas that will give you an edge over any potential competitors and enhance their listening experience. Ideas that they provide might refer to the length of segments, topics discussed, guests on the show, and so on.
The bullet point approach
This format is one of the most common outlines show hosts use. A bullet-pointed draft is a good choice for a show that is mostly freestyle banter with a cohost or guests like you see on radio shows. These scripts, obviously, don't take a lot of time to jot down, and for some people, they provide just enough structure to get an episode off the ground.
Best for:
- Shows featuring cohost and frequent guest appearances and interviews
- Requires less preparation than other methods
- Provides some structure with plenty of opportunity for improvisation and ad-libbing
- Loose show structure can make for an easier editing experience
- Less structure means more opportunity to forget important points, ramble, get side-tracked, etc.
Detailed episode outlines are a great in-between option for hosts who want more structure than bullet points can offer, but don't feel the need, or have the time, for a word-for-word script.
A detailed outline typically includes a podcast intro, sponsor ads, music jingles, an outro with closing remarks, and segues where appropriate.
We think this structure suits the majority of podcaster's needs and has all the structural elements needed for a well-executed episode. Download Buzzsprout's detailed podcast script template if you feel this format is the right one for your show!
Best for:
- Shows with a cohost
- Interview-styled podcasts
- Provides flow and structure to an episode, while still being casual
- Ensures hosts thoroughly cover main topics as well as supporting points and data
- Takes more preparation and editing than more free-style approaches
Verbatim scripts can be a bit daunting, but for the right podcast, a word-for-word draft can be beneficial and even necessary.
Best for:
- Audio dramas
- Solo show podcasts
- Shorter, education or advice-oriented shows
- Allows hosts to be confident they are thoroughly communicating all their content
- Adds professionalism and structure
- It can take practice for hosts to learn the art of reading a script naturally
- Can make the recording process tricky, since the format doesn't allow for many mistakes
- Can lengthen the process of creating an episode (from script preparation, recording and post-production)
Sponsor message:
Sometimes sponsors will give hosts a script to read from verbatim, and other times the host will be able to craft their own sponsor message. Since these ads often occur in the beginning of a podcast episode, it's important to take the time to craft a quality sponsor message that kicks your show off well, accurately reflects your sponsor's brand, and sounds natural.
Example: "[Your podcast show name here" is sponsored by [insert brand name.] [Sponsor] is a company that [describe company values and products as well as their relevance to your audience.]
Intro
Example: "Hello and welcome to Episode 2 of "How to Start a Podcast," the podcast that teaches you how to create a podcast from scratch. I'm your host, Travis Albritton, and helping me again with the episode today is the self-proclaim number 1 fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars football team, Alban Brooke!"
Lead-in to topic
Example: "In this episode, we're going to tell you which microphone to buy, and which software to use. Because it's really easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options."
Segue
Your segue can be a phrase, a sound effect, or a musical jingle. The important thing is that It serves to provide flow between topic changes and helps create a cohesive episode.
Outro/Closing remarks/Call to action
Example: "In the next episode, we're going to continue to help you frame your podcast by helping you nail down the details that will give structure to your new podcast! Wish you could be featured on a future episode of "Podcasting in Real Life"? You can! Just click on the link in the show notes to submit your application." [Outro music]
Podcast Outro Script
In the outro of your podcast script, you will want to make sure you thank all of the guests that were on your show and recap a bit about what was discussed.
Now is also the time to talk about any exciting future episodes that are coming up, and include a call-to-action for the listener. For example, you may want to promote a special event that is relevant to your podcast and/or brand or entice listeners to become loyal subscribers.
You will also want to play your outro jingle at this point.
Podcast Script Template
Sponsor message
Intro: Duration: ( ___)
Set the stage for your episode. Include details that set up your episode’s theme. State podcast name, why your show exists, who you are, etc.
Opening music jingle & sound effects
[Lead into episode’s content]
Topic 1 / Segment #1: Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Topic 2 /Segment #2: Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Sponsor message
Topic 3/Segment #3 : Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Topic 4 /Segment #4 : Duration ___ )
Main point
Supporting point
Supporting data/ reference
Supporting quote
Case Study/Example/Anecdote
Conclusion
Segue (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Outro: Duration ___ )
Closing remarks
summarize episode themes, thank the audience, thank guests, talk about the next episode, and do one final call to action
Call to actions
Sponsor message
Closing music jingle/sound effects
