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Today we’re talking about scripting your podcast. Should you do it? How do you do it? Are there rules or guidelines for writing a script for your podcast?
We’ll get to all of that...but first, I’m going to put you on the hot seat. If you’re a podcaster I’m curious about how you got started. Did you do a little online research and then start buying equipment? Did you have help? And in particular, did you take an online course?
Last summer I published a podcasting course, which actually we just published to our YouTube channel at Market Street Media...and when I was putting it together I wanted to give you something that would literally walk you through the steps of getting a podcast published. In that course I made, I share my screen while I set up an Anchor account, record a trailer, make a logo, and edit audio in Audacity.
But I always want to learn from the best, and if there’s a podcast course out there that absolutely rocked your clock I definitely want to know about it.
Over on Instagram I’m going to share a post that says “Did a podcasting course rock your clock?” where you can jump in and tell me what’s up.
Alright, now let’s talk about scripting for your podcast.
Where do you land on writing a script before you record your podcast? I’ve had clients here in my podcasting studio who do it both ways.
Some come in with detailed, almost down to the word, scripts. Others come in with a loose outline. And others just hit record and see what happens.
As a best practice, I think it makes sense to put together a game plan for every episode. Just the process of putting together a script, even if you don’t stick to it very well, will improve your content.
But let’s talk about a few benefits of putting together a script for your show:
Writing a script keeps your content clear and concise
For some people, it’s easy to ramble or get off on a tangent. That’s okay in small doses, but your listeners might not love it.
Saves you time during editing
If you lose your train of thought, your script will get you back on track (possibly without needing to even edit) Without a script, fixing long pauses, re-starts, and other hiccups can be a headache.
Helps you say what you mean and mean what you say
Some people (myself included) can express themselves much more effectively and accurately through writing rather than speaking. With a script, you can ensure you’re saying what you truly intend to say.
Scripting saves you from ums, ahs, and filler words
We’ve all had those cringe moments where we listen back to what we thought was a pretty articulate conversation and we discover the horror of all the filler words we use. Yes, I’m looking at you “So” and “Kinda” Scripts are killers for fillers.
Easily repurpose your content into other formats
Written words are the backbone of creative content. Once your ideas are down on paper (or in a Google Doc) it’s easy to turn that writing into blog posts, Instagram posts, LinkedIn posts, and more. If you script ahead of time, you don’t have to spend as much time going back and transcribing your show.
Those are a few of the benefits of scripting out your podcast episode before you record.
Now let’s talk about how to script your episode. If you simply google “podcast script template” you’ll find lots of examples, and I’ll share an example over on our website at podcastingforfunandprofit.com
But here’s the general format you might want to use:
Right at the top is a great place for a SPONSOR MESSAGE if you’ve got one.
Next, you want to quickly introduce who you are and what the topic of the day is.
After that, a little music jingle or audio branding is good.
Next, you can offer a little longer explanation of the episode and maybe tease a little bit about your guest. This is also a good time to share any housekeeping updates about the podcast or something that’s new with you.
Now you can get into the meat of your episode, and start rolling out your main topics.
For each topic, introduce the big idea and then write a few bullet points to help your conversation. A few ideas for solid bullets for each topic would be: a few supporting quotes or pieces of data. If you’re talking with a guest, you can throw in something your guest has posted or written and have them respond.
Once you’ve worked through your topics or your interview, think about inserting a brief wrap segment. In this segment you can share a big takeaway and deliver a call to action for your listeners.
This is also a good place to tease your next episode.
That’s about it.
And again, this scripting can be as simple as writing a few keywords on a post it note, or you can do what I’ve done here and literally write out a script word for word. The trick is to do what works best for you and to do what’s going to provide the best service to your listener.
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Providing transcriptions of your podcast episodes can significantly enhance accessibility and reach a broader audience. Transcriptions cater to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring that your content is inclusive. They also benefit listeners who prefer reading over listening or want to reference specific parts of an episode quickly. Additionally, transcriptions improve your podcast’s SEO, as search engines can index the text, making your content more discoverable. Offering transcriptions on your website or as downloadable files adds value for your audience and demonstrates your commitment to accessibility. Incorporating transcriptions into your podcast strategy can lead to increased engagement and a more diverse listener base.
Your podcast artwork is often the first impression potential listeners have of your show, making it crucial for attracting attention and conveying your podcast’s essence. Design a visually appealing and professional cover that reflects your podcast’s theme and personality. Use high-contrast colors and clear typography to ensure readability, even at smaller sizes typically displayed on listening platforms. Incorporate imagery or icons that symbolize your content, helping to communicate your podcast’s focus at a glance. Ensure your artwork meets the technical specifications of major podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, to maintain quality across platforms. Compelling podcast artwork not only draws in new listeners but also reinforces your brand identity and professionalism.
Selecting the appropriate equipment is fundamental to producing a high-quality podcast. Start with a reliable microphone that suits your recording environment, whether it's dynamic for noisy spaces or condenser for controlled settings. Investing in good headphones ensures accurate sound monitoring during recording and editing. Additionally, consider acquiring a pop filter to minimize unwanted sounds and a sturdy stand to maintain microphone stability. A quality audio interface can enhance sound clarity, especially if you're recording on a computer. Proper lighting and a quiet recording space also contribute to professional-sounding episodes. By carefully choosing your equipment, you set a strong foundation for your podcast’s success.
Plan your questions in advance, ensure good audio quality for both parties, and create a comfortable environment for your guest. Interviews add variety and different perspectives to your show.
Popular options include Audacity, which is free and user-friendly, and Adobe Audition, which provides advanced editing features. Choose software that fits your skill level and editing needs.
A podcast hosting service stores your audio files and distributes them to various platforms. It provides essential analytics, ensures reliable delivery, and often offers tools for monetization and audience engagement.
Ensure you have rights to any music or content used, obtain necessary permissions for guest appearances, and adhere to copyright laws. Consider including disclaimers and privacy policies as needed.
Creating an efficient podcast editing workflow streamlines the production process and ensures consistent quality. Start by establishing a standard procedure for each editing session, including importing audio files, organizing tracks, and labeling segments. Use reliable editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition to perform essential tasks such as noise reduction, trimming unwanted sections, and balancing audio levels. Incorporate a checklist to ensure that all steps, such as applying compression, equalization, and adding intros/outros, are completed systematically. Allocate specific time blocks for editing tasks to maintain focus and productivity. Additionally, save templates or presets for common editing settings to speed up the process. Regularly review and refine your workflow to identify efficiencies and adopt new techniques or tools that enhance the editing process, resulting in high-quality podcast episodes.