Podcast Script Writing: Tips and Best Practices from Industry Experts
Not all podcasts use scripts and not all of them need to. It depends on the type of podcast you’re creating. While interview-style podcasts might use a general outline, and a conversational podcast doesn’t need it at all, a narrative podcast SHOULD have a script. Narrative podcasts take listeners through gripping stories, which is why a script is your greatest tool in making your stories worth listening to.
You can absolutely hear the difference between a podcast where the host is working from a thoughtful, well-researched script and one where the host is totally winging it. If you want to create a narrative podcast that is informative, gritty, creative, heart-pumping, or all of the above, you have to go into the recording with an outline of the episode and a well-planned script.
In this article, we'll explore how to create a narrative podcast script drawing off the expertise of industry legends.
How to write a podcast script
Having a podcast script template in place before the recording gives your show purpose whether you want to entertain, educate, inspire, or inform.. It clarifies the objective of the episode and outlines the story you’re going to tell (while leaving room for flexibility, of course). Here’s what you need to know.
1. Set your standards
A podcast script template gives you more control over the final product so that you can create something valuable for your audience. By not setting up a script according to predefined standards, you are leaving the substance of your episode up to chance — and you might end up with a big flop at the end of the recording.
Kelsey McKinney, co-host of Normal Gossip, says this about using a script to ensure amazing quality in her podcast:
‘We knew we wanted to have a script, but we wanted to fasten that script in such a way that it made you feel like you’re just eavesdropping on me and a friend chatting at a bar. Something that’s visceral and comforting but also structured behind the scenes.’
McKinney believes creating scripts allows her to be optimally prepared so that the script is the first piece of ‘art’ in the process. It takes the pressure off having to be spontaneous so that she knew that her show was a hit before it was even recorded.
2. Write with flow in mind
Your narrative podcast script is essentially a roadmap to follow during your episode. It helps you to ensure a smooth flow from topic to topic that will keep your listeners engaged. A good script generally includes an introduction, main segments, transitions, and a conclusion. You want to build it in a way that grabs the audience’s attention from the start with a hook or compelling question. This initial moment sets the tone for your podcast and encourages listeners to stay tuned.
This American Life is the perfect example of a narrative podcast that masters ‘flow’. In each episode, you are taken through the fascinating story of a well-researched piece of investigative journalism. Shows often include interviews, sound bites, transitions, and more, but you can tell that the script has been crafted to take you through an escalating story.
3. What’s your style?
Your podcast is an extension of your brand, so think carefully about what you want to talk about in your script, and how you want it to sound. You want your audience to feel as if they are listening in on a conversation with a friend, so write it in a conversational tone. Use everyday language and be authentic to establish a genuine connection with your audience. We also recommend reading it out loud beforehand, so you can hear what sounds natural and which parts might need an edit.
Suchandrika Chakrabarti has been involved in a number of podcasts including Black Mirror Cracked and Freelance Pod, and says it’s all about following your passion for a subject that you love. If you love it, there is bound to be a community of people who will love it too. Let your personality shine through your script. Share personal anecdotes, use humor when you can, and express your passion for the subject matter. Create scripts that reflect your own style and interests, because that is what will keep your audience coming back for more.
4. Tell a story
Listeners are wired to respond to narratives. Incorporate storytelling elements like plot, conflict, point of view, and resolution in your podcast to captivate your audience. While your podcast may focus on explaining or teaching information, there is always room to include human elements. Pro tip: Suspending listener expectations like hiding a key detail until the end, engages your audience even more.
Ira Glass, the host of "This American Life" emphasizes the importance of focusing on compelling stories and characters. He encourages podcasters to uncover the human story and to show genuine empathy in the process.
You also don’t have to be wedded to a particular storytelling format. Varying your content formats, such as interviews, solo episodes, or panel discussions, adds depth and keeps your podcast fresh. Experiment with different approaches to cater to different listener preferences.
5. Cut the fluff
The benefit of having a script is knowing what you want to talk about and editing out any potential off-topic points.
This way, you’ll be able to identify the golden nuggets of your show and will be able to further refine it as you edit the script. It is a lot easier to edit the script before the recording than to try to create something valuable out of an unfocused recording.
As you edit, remove any unnecessary fluff or repetition to ensure your script is concise and to the point. Use active verbs and simple language to enhance clarity and readability.
6. Putting it all together
When you’ve used all of these tips to create excellent scripts, it’s time to practice, practice, practice. The more familiar and comfortable you are with your script, the better it will come across and the more you can go ‘off script’ without risking quality.
Note that, while having a script is advisable you have to leave room for play and spontaneity. Being open to organic sections will make your podcast even more engaging, but it’s having the script in the first place that allows you to go in all the right directions.
Scripting with the best
Don’t know how to write a narrative podcast script for your show? Get in touch with Pod People to partner with experts who can help you throughout the entire podcasting process; from scripting to marketing and beyond. Pod People provides full-service production so that you can focus on the parts of the process that you love.
By following the best practices we've discussed and heeding the advice of scripting titans like Quentin Tarantino and s, you'll be well on your way to producing amazing content that resonates with your listeners. Share a bit about your project with Pod People and find out how we can help your show reach new heights.