Should You Script Your Podcast Show?

Starting a podcast show can sometimes be a daunting task because of the preparation you need to make before sitting behind the mic and hitting the record button. Are you considering whether you should script your podcast show or not? Then this article is going to help you make a better and more informed decision.

Download the first chapter of The Storytelling Series: Beginners’ Guide for Small Businesses & Content Creators by Obehi Ewanfoh.

What is a Podcast Script

These seeming preparations involve writing a script or an outline. A podcast script is basically a written document in the form of an essay that contains all you will say in your podcast episode word for word and still give room for spontaneous thoughts and words.

As a beginner, you might consider scripting your podcast to ensure your train of thoughts and all you will say are intact.

It sometimes helps beginner podcasters to record their podcast successfully; after all, not everyone can perform spontaneously. Therefore, scripting your podcast is good; however, it depends on the nature of your podcast show.

If you are recording a solo podcast working with a podcast script is recommended. It enables you to understand your topic and keep flowing in the direction of what your topic is about without trailing off. But if you have a co-host, recording in accordance with your script can be slightly off.

Recording with a script can detach the mutual connection you are supposed to have with your audience when you channel your focus only on the script. When recording your podcast, let your focus be on your audience.

It’s important to create a mutual connection with them through your words.

As much as scripting your show is deemed good, you should focus more on the audience to ensure they are flowing with your discussion topic.

If perhaps you have a guest or co-host, it’s advisable you draft your bullet points or questions you want to ask them without writing a complete script for the show. This helps you quickly glance at things you want to discuss or ask them.

How Lengthy can a podcast script be?

The Length of your script depends gravely on how you want to structure your script. Do you want to put down everything you want to say a word for word?

Some podcasters choose this style when scripting their podcast, but its con is that you will be more focused on reading out the script, which makes it unnatural.

Also, you can choose to make your script snappy as possible. By that, you only write out your bullet points in your script.

What better way can I write a podcast script?

Having a stipulated guideline before recording your podcast is vital. Thence, these are the steps to follow when scripting your podcast;

• Intro: your introduction is the first to be considered. Make a snappy introduction about yourself and co-host if you have one. Head over to introduce your topic. Let your listeners know what you are about to discuss so they can raptly listen to the show.
• Transition: consider creating room for a transition effect in your script. It detects when you segue into a new episode. This transition could be spoken words or music jingles.
• Outro: when done discussing the topic at hand, giving a brief recap of all you have discussed should be nailed in the outro section.
• Call To Action: the ending part of your script is your CTA, where you ask your listeners to take necessary actions you want them to take, like subscribing or commenting on your show.

Keep Your Script Conversational

Writing a script for your podcast is the easiest way to create a structure for your show and determine how it flows with your listeners but what you ought to consider most is how conversational your script is.

Keeping your script conversational enables you to spin your words naturally and equally create a connection between you and your audience.

Reading a verbatim script will create a complete departure between you and your audience, leading to monotone delivery.

Thence, when writing your script, don’t get bound by it; always give room for spontaneity so that your listeners will understand and drill value from what you are saying.

Create Images In Your Listeners Mind

When recording your podcast, ensure to make descriptions when possible. Try to describe scenes, people, or videos. Knowing your podcast is audio, making vivid descriptions helps your listeners create images of what you are discussing at hand and have a deep understanding of your topic.

Concluding note on whether You Should Script Your Podcast Show

A podcast script is like a roadmap; you use it to prepare yourself and what you will say during your recording process.

Using a script will give your podcast a particular style your listeners might love. But, always try to avoid reading your script word for word. Ensure to keep it conversational so your content will sound natural and engaging.

Download the first chapter of The Storytelling Series: Beginners’ Guide for Small Businesses & Content Creators by Obehi Ewanfoh.