Before you start podcasting, if you do not wish to come off as a complete amateur there’s a bunch of things you can do to craft podcasts the right way.
A format, some preparation and planning go a long way in you getting the best out of your podcasts. And here in this post I will go over some tips and tricks to plan your podcast brilliantly.
Podcasts sound like effortless conversations because that’s exactly what the host intends to achieve.
A podcast that sounds like two or three people speaking their heart out is good for engagement. It’s what gets people listening more and more and turn to followers of the episodes.
But, there’s lot of effort behind-the-scenes.
Top podcasts plan to achieve this format of conversation. And to replicate the success they enjoy you need to unravel the mysteries of talking that way with the help of a podcast script and template.
Create a script but podcasting doesn’t mean you have to read verbatim from the paper you wrote.
It’s a guide to propel your efforts.
Writing a podcast script
A podcast script is about creating a flow, so there’s no lingering stops in the conversation you’re planning on creating.
There are multiple ways to smoothen transitions. You could use music, soft jingles in the background, have a guest drop-by and so on.
Since you’re going to cover a different topic with each episode, use different jingles and music backgrounds to cover the different themes.
Use Podcast segments to structure the story
Podcast segments can make a big difference in how you tell your story.
In addition, here are podcast segments you can use.
Your podcast intro
The intro should very well introduce the host and describe briefly who the content is for and what it will cover.
If there are co hosts or guests its now you ought to introduce them.
Tell them in advance as a sort of preview what you’re going to talk in the podcast. Skip to the segment that keeps them interested most.
The First Segment
The first segment is your hook. Make it snappy and sizzling to grab reader attention, hook them and interest them in the first few seconds. The segment should appeal your audience and serve them.
To that order, you could talk about news, recent events and such things.
All Subsequent Podcast Segments
Other podcast segments can talk about more indepth areas covering areas of interest. The segments each shouldn’t occupy two or more paragraphs to build sustained interest in what you’re saying.
With guests you have some more details to iron before you host your podcast.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your guest grouping them in core sub topics that you will theme the interview around.
Being a good interviewer requires practice. Lots of it.
Maintain the flow of conversation and listen for hints. Listen closely to answers and ask more questions based on the answers you get. You can buck the order of questions if you feel the flow of conversation is taking you elsewhere. The goal is to keep things interesting.
Where to Find More Podcast Script Templates
There are many templates you can find for conducting interviews which begin with an introduction of the guest.
There’s still a better thing you can do which is listen to podcasts in your niche and understand how they structure them. The number of segments they use, special effects jingles plus overall style of narrative.
Other elements worth considering
There are a few different elements you can consider with a podcast script.
1. Polished Podcasting Scripts
A polished podcast script is similar to what you might hear in a professional release. You might have heard it before. It’s rehearsed before recording. The order is tighter than than a drum beat and is followed through sequentially.
But when it comes to your podcast a conversational approach is much better. It sounds appealing and strikes a chord with your audience.
2. Freestyle Podcasting Scripts
Freestyle recordings similar to live shows is recorded on the fly.
There may be multiple hosts. An engaging voice, a consistent though unpredictable voice and announcers on the hum are elements of such a script.
With such a script only include your core theme of the podcast and segment themes along with some bare bone details on how to proceed to the finalized script.
Ultimately the style you choose should yield to the unique voice you have. Ask for feedback and gain valuable ideas to score a place in listener’s hearts. This is what gives you an edge over others. You may include several new ideas as you progress in your attempt to creating compelling podcasts.