Creating a script for your podcast is a great way to stay focused on your show since when you wing it, it can be easy to get distracted and forget some important talking points that you wanted to cover. If you plan for your show ahead of time by creating a simple script or outline, you can make sure that you hit all of the important topics and points that you want to make while still sounding conversational.
But don’t worry, creating a podcast script doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming! The goal is to create something simple and straightforward that will help you deliver your message clearly so that you can make your show as amazing as possible. You can opt for a script that you will read word-for-word, or you can create a basic outline that allows room for you to say what feels natural in the moment. (Spoiler alert: we prefer the latter!) Either way, you’re setting yourself up for success by taking this small extra step. Here are some tips for creating your podcast script:
Do your research before you write
If you plan to include any facts or statistics, make sure to have them ready so that you can easily insert them into your show whenever needed.
Start with your topic and the main points you want to hit
Create a simple outline with these topics and add bullet points for anything you want to say in the episode. This keeps you on track during the episode and ensures you don’t forget anything important!
Include an intro
When writing your episode script, remember to introduce the topic. This is different than your regular podcast intro, it’s your episode intro where you can share what the topic of the episode is and why it will be helpful to your audience. This is a great way to hook your new listeners that may be wondering if your show is right for them.
Keep it conversational
While a script can be a great way to make sure nothing important get’s left out, you don’t want to sound like you’re reading from a script. Try to keep your tone conversational as if you’re talking to a close friend, not reading a T.V. ad. This will build trust with your audience because it feels more natural and friendly.
Add notes
Are there any words you want to really enunciate? Any dramatic pauses you want to include? Clips you want to be inserted later during editing? Add notes for these things in your script so that you can make it all sound natural. Even if you think you’ll remember it all, you could end up forgetting when you’re focused on reading, so adding notes will ensure that you deliver it just the way you want to.
Be authentic
Remember, this is your podcast so don’t forget to be yourself! Share your unique experiences and takes on things. Adding your personality into your script (with things like jokes and anecdotes) will set you apart from other podcasters and help you develop a crowd of raving fans.
Add a call to action at the end
What natural next step should your listeners take after listening to your episode? Is it signing up for your email list? Check out your product? Leaving a review? Sharing your show with a friend? Remember to add this to the end of your script so you can make the most of the time that you have your listener’s attention!
These simple steps won’t take you long but will make a world of difference in the quality of your show. Your audience will be able to tell that you came prepared to pack in the value and they will appreciate you for it! Plus, it will make recording and editing way easier for you too—a double win!
Want to hear more about what it takes to be a great podcast host? Read more of our favorite posts here:
6 Tips for Naming Podcast Episodes
9 Podcast Recording Tips Every Great Host Follows
The Best Productivity Tips for Podcasters
