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Composing a Podcast Script: Tips and Guidelines

Podcast Script

The first known use of the word ‘podcast’ was in 2004 by Ben Hammersley, a BBC journalist, and Guardian columnist. Due to the saturation of podcasts globally, it is essential to ensure that there is a uniqueness to attract more listeners. One of the best ways to do this is to have a solid podcast script. Coming up with a good script can be pretty tricky. Luckily, we have gathered essential tips and guidelines to aid your composition of a podcast script.

What are Five Tips and Guidelines for Drafting a Podcast Script

Podcast Script

Listening to a podcast may seem seamless, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Below are some significant tips for drafting a podcast script to avoid missing your way into the art of podcasting.

 

Podcast Script Templates

 

For newbies, navigating the murky waters of drafting a podcast script may be difficult. For this reason, there are templates to guide you in the right direction for drafting. Some general but critical features that your podcast script must contain should follow a template that includes an intro that is simple and concise. A template should also outline the sections and transitions containing questions for the guest(s) and other related discussions. Finally, the guest’s responses and deliberations may be summarized or highlighted at the conclusion. A quick listen to the Matrix Green Pill podcast will reveal an excellent level of precision and conciseness. One that presupposes that the host of the podcast undoubtedly has an outline or template for each podcast episode.

 

Podcast Delivery Notes

 

Now armed with your template, it is essential to back it up with delivery notes. Some people prefer to stick with the outline, especially with years of experience under their belts. However, for those without much experience, it is essential to accompany your template with delivery notes. With delivery notes, it is easy to know specific things to say without fumbling, stuttering or using fillers.

 

Flow and Direction

 

Granted that a podcast script is needed for direction and mapping, one must also avoid the pitfall of monotony and rigidity. Listeners may lose interest when it is evident that the interactions between the guest and the host is being read or very stifled. Likewise, it is essential to leave room for riffing. Riffing would mean that words written on the script or marked down need not be said in the exact way they are written. In the podcast, it is acceptable to substitute some words or phrases for what is written in the script.

 

Interview Script

 

A podcast interview script may also be an essential tool for podcast scripting. A typical interview script should entail critical questions about the area of specialization or the topic placed before the interviewee. Interview scripting may require the interviewer to research before drafting the interview script. An interview script is a must-have part of podcast scripting for orderliness and precision. In the Matrix Green Pill podcast, the concise manner of questioning and the subtle directions given by the host show that interview scripting is a big part of the podcast episodes. Scripting has helped the hosts eradicate unnecessary details and make the best out of the time allotted to learn from the experiences and stories of business leaders, entrepreneurs and other innovators who are shaping the future of Dubai and the Middle East.

 

Conclusion

All the above tips may require time and patience, especially for starting out. However, they are undoubtedly essential tips for excellent podcast scripting. The Matrix Green Pill podcast is a perfect example of a great podcast with well-composed scripting.

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Further reading

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How To Write Podcast Show Notes

Like a well-crafted podcast script, podcast show notes can greatly interest listeners in a particular episode. They also help attract new fans to...

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