Scripting Down Your Podcast: How Important is it?

Repeat after us — Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches, Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches, Which witch switched the Swiss wristwatches.

Now, try repeating this without looking at the screen. It indeed becomes harder. Sometimes recording a podcast could be as tricky as a tongue twister. Therefore, it becomes crucial to start your podcasting journey by getting an overview of the podcasting script.

Artists usually think that carrying a script around and reading from it might not make them sound natural. But if you know the correct techniques to frame a script, it could become one of the greatest assets for your podcast.

Why is it essential to have a podcast script?

Drafting a script will help you avoid excessive rambling or pauses. Sometimes, while you’re making an episode, it is very natural to drift away from the core topic. This could result in your audience feeling lost, which is the last thing you want. Without a properly drafted script, the post-recording work of editing would eventually increase.

Having a script will help you deliver your message more effectively.

Tips for framing an excellent podcasting script :

Start with making a road map of all the things you would want to discuss in your upcoming episode. An idea might strike you while you’re Netflixing, so this road map will ensure that all your ideas are together. Start with process 4–5 days in advance so that you have way more ideas to choose from.

Making a script might bring out your technical side, therefore try to maintain a conversational tone while drafting it.
While recording, you might go off-script to cover some impromptu topics. Highlighting the points that you don’t plan to miss out, in any case, will eventually help you in the creation of a friendly and well-drafted podcast.

Once you are done with your podcasting script, mark out the specific lines for pauses, laughs, emphasis, and sighs. It will help you maintain the tone of your episode and engaging your audience in a better way.

A bullet script approach is best for interview type podcasts, whereas the word to word script might be more useful in case of audio dramas and podcast with a co-host.

Pick up a music theme and use that in between the transitions of topics within one episode.

The key to a successful podcast is great preparation and quality scripting!

Here’s a sample of a podcast script template:

1. Sponsor message
2. Introduction
3. Musical jingle/sound effects
4. A longer explanation of what’s in store
5. Topic 1

• Main point
• Supporting point
• Supporting data
• Supporting quote

1. Segue
2. Topic 2

• Main point
• Supporting point
• Supporting data
• Supporting quote

1. Sponsor message
2. Topic 3

• Main point
• Supporting point
• Supporting data
• Supporting quote

1. Segue
2. Outro
3. Call to action
4. Sponsor message
5. Musical jingle/sound effects

But making a script shouldn’t interfere with your creative mind. Let it become an additional benefit for your podcasting experience. Make it as casual as you like!

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