For many Podcasts, there’s something inherently casual about them.  They’re loose; they’re personal; they may even contain errors.  If that list of qualities gives you anxiety, you might be feeling that the best thing you can do is to script it out.  Let’s talk about if that’s actually true, and what you can do to ensure your scripted Podcast isn’t as boring as reading a grocery list.

1. Don’t do it.

   • The first thing you should do is evaluate if you even need to script out your show.  For many, it can feel like a safety net.  It can also make your Podcast sound stilted and too rigid.  Do you have multiple people involved on the show?  Is it your area of expertise?  Is it some form of commentary?  All of those might benefit from not having a script. If you’re talking about something you know very well or are passionate about, you might not need it as much as you think you do.

2. Make bullet points:

   • This is just good advice for any podcaster.  If you’ve decided that you want to script something out, outline your main points.  Think back to your essay writing days!

3. Are you good at scripting in a natural voice?

   • This part can be very difficult for someone that is not an experienced writer.  How do you make it sound like you’re just having a normal conversation and not reading in front of the class?  Try setting up your recording equipment and reading over your bullet points, expanding where it feels right.  Imagine you’re talking to someone you know very well.  Once you’ve done that, listen back to it.  THAT’S your script.  That’s how you say the things you wanted to say.  Copy that, or perhaps even use a service to make a transcript for you. (We actually use Otter.ai here at The Podcast Space and we love it!)

4. Write too much:

   • It’s better to have more content than you need rather than having to hang onto every last word, no matter how boring they might end up being.  Which leads us to…

5. Find an editor:

   • Another set of ears is always a good thing to have around.  It’s easy to get lost in what you’re doing and forget that ultimately someone else is going to have to listen to all of this.  Having an editor throughout the process to evaluate your script and then the subsequent audio can bring you back down to earth.  Both of you should listen back once you have your “final” version and listen for moments where it drags or feels repetitive.  Those could be things that you rewrite or cut out.

6. Rehearse:

   • How do you make a good Podcast?  Practice.  Read the script over and over.  Get your timing right.  Make sure it still feels like something you would say.  Are there words or phrases that consistently trip you up?  Find another way to say it or cut them out altogether.  This is especially true if you’re doing a narrative Podcast.  Make sure everyone knows their parts. Also, record each time you rehearse.  You never know when some part of the “practice” ends up being better than last take!

7. Spice it up:

   • Where can you add some flavor to your script?  Are there opportunities to use music or sound effects?  Perhaps think about getting other people involved to mix up the voices that the audience hears.

8. Don’t be afraid of silence:

   • Pay attention to the other media you consume.  Movies, television, and even public speakers are not afraid to let things get quiet from time to time.  Don’t feel the need to fill every moment of the recording with your voice or someone else’s.  Refer back to the previous point: could the sound of the wind be enough to carry the listener to the next bit of narration?  Car tires on gravel?  The sound of food cooking on the stove?  These are quieter moments that give your script time to breathe.

9. Are there other materials you can give the listener?

   • Is it a work of fiction?  Perhaps fans of the show would like to read a little more about the backstory of a character or the history of the world that you just don’t have time to include in the show.  Bits and pieces of lore can give listeners something to engage with between episodes.  This can even be an opportunity to create bonus material if you’re running a subscription model or Patreon.  If it’s non-fiction, is there research you need to cite?  Also, consider providing the transcript of the show in case you have people that don’t have the ability to listen right away or perhaps have a difficult time accessing audio content.

10. Take notes from others:

    • Again, this is sound advice for any podcaster.  Always be listening to other people doing what you’re doing.  What do you like?  What can you make better?  Never stop learning from what others are doing well, or not so well.

Scripting out a Podcast can be an invaluable tool for making sure you get your facts right or crafting a unique and complex story.  However, never stop looking for those moments you can go off script and introduce a little spontaneity into your show!

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