First let's start by defining what is a podcast script:
Your podcast script is basically a roadmap for all your episodes. A well written script gives you structure, direction and summary to your podcast episodes. Having a script will help you feel more comfortable, at ease and focused on the content of your episodes rather than being stressed on how you are going to fill your episode time. Not to mention that having a script will help you reduce mistakes and cut down the editing time dramatically. When writing your script it's always handy to start with a bird's eye view of your show. This outline will create a guide that keeps you on track and ensures you hit all the right points.
We recommend all beginners to prepare some kind of a podcast script before recording. Talking intelligently, smoothly and clearly is challenging for the first time if you do not practice. During the recording you can focus on your mechanics such as enunciating, removing filtered words and most importantly controlling your tone and volume. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to reduce your script to a simple outline including a few notes.
Let's talk about the main components of a good podcast script:
- Podcast Introduction (Including music). A podcast intro has three key qualities: It's short, welcomes the listeners to the episode and includes a brief pitch about the podcast. Generally speaking you will be able to use the same script for each episode to make it consistent. Your intro should look like this: "Welcome to [podcast name], the show that [brief podcast pitch or tagline]. I’m [host name] and today we’re talking about [episode topic] with [guest name]. We also have a surprise guest for you at the end of the show, so make sure you listen all the way through.”
- Guest introduction. If you are interviewing guests in your podcast, you need to introduce them before, this is when the guest introduction comes in place. Be sure to always include contextual and essential information about your guests that will help your audience understand why they are invited to your show. The guest intro should look like this: "Now it’s time to welcome [guest name] to [podcast name]. She/he/they are here to [purpose of guest: provide expertise, answer questions, tell their story, etc.]. Hi, [guest first name], thanks for joining us.”
- Sponsor ad messages. The sponsor's messaging script will depend on how much control the brand wants over their ad placement within your show. Some sponsors send word-for-word scripts that you simply need to read, then insert it into your podcast episode while others will give talking points where you can add in conversational elements that are unique to your show. In both cases you need to know exactly what you want to say so your ads sound as natural as possible.
- Podcast Outro & Call to action: Your podcast outro is your opportunity to thank your guests for tuning in to your show, recap what you have discussed and finally announce upcoming events, promotions and episodes. The outro is the perfect place to include some kind of a call to action if there's something you want your audience to do. Most calls to action include rating and reviewing your show, joining or subscribing to your social media channels, getting in touch with feedback and questions, etc...
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