How to Write a Podcast Script? [5 free templates]

Podcasting has become a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. According to Demandsage, there are over 5 million podcasts and 464.7 million podcast listeners globally.

With millions of shows vying for listeners’ attention, what sets the extraordinary apart from the ordinary? It all begins with a compelling podcast script. An engaging script is the blueprint that transforms your thoughts, ideas, and stories into a captivating auditory experience.

But scripting has benefits beyond that. It helps make your podcast recording more efficient and smooth and reduces the scope for errors. Moreover, it also enables you to rehearse and prepare better.

Have a brilliant podcast idea bubbling inside your creative mind, ready to captivate audiences, but worried about writing a script? Worry not; this blog has your answers! In this blog, we will take you through the whys and hows of writing a podcast script, along with sharing five free templates to get you started.

How To Write A Podcast Script?

Recording and publishing a podcast is easier than a few years ago, especially with the wide range of publishing software available. What may seem challenging, however, is podcast script writing.

Here’s how you can write your podcast script easily:

Use An Engaging Intro

The first step is to write a welcoming intro. Most podcasts typically begin with a theme music and a short message introducing the host and the episode. If you have a co-host or guest, introduce them here as well.

For example, “Welcome to [podcast name]. I’m your host [your name] and today we’ll be talking about [topic]. So without further delay, let’s get started!”

Guest Introduction

If you are doing interview podcasts, the next essential element is the guest introduction. Add a few sentences about your guest, their achievements, presence on the show, and expertise. 

Segues 

Segues are sound effects used as transitions to indicate the beginning of a new part of your episode. You can use segues when switching to a new (but connected) idea. 

Another addition to segues is the podcast sponsors’ message. Some sponsors provide a word-for-word script to insert into your podcast, while some provide a basic outline. 

While adding these transitions, it is essential to add them organically and cohesively. 

Outro And CTA

The outro comes at the end of your podcast. You can summarize the main topics of your episode and express gratitude to the audience and guests. You can also give a teaser for future episodes and announce events to keep your listeners hooked.

Another part of the outro is the call to action. Ask your listeners to leave reviews, subscribe, and share your podcast. You can also ask them to sign up for your newsletter and share your social media handles for feedback.

Five Free Templates For Different Podcasts

Here are five free templates you can use to make a podcast script for your show:

For Solo Shows

Hosting a solo show can feel challenging, especially since you have to speak for the entire team. That is why a script is more important for solo hosts. Once you have determined the main points you want to cover, you can create a full script or a detailed outline. 

Template

• Intro (Duration)

• Greet your audience 
• Introduce yourself
• Give a summary of your episode’s content

• Segue

• Your theme music or sponsor message

• Topic 1 (Duration)

• Discuss the main topic
• Add supporting points that include data and quotes.

• Topic 2 (Duration)

• Discuss your next topic or idea
• Add supporting points that include data and quotes. 
• Consider discussing the connection between two ideas.

• Segue

• Add your CTA or sponsor message

• Topic 3 (Duration)

• Discuss your third topic. 
• Add data, quotes, and supporting points to make it more engaging and authentic.

• Closing (Duration)

• Recap the most essential points of your episode
• Promote your next episodes
• Thank the audience for listening

• Outro (Duration)

• Add CTA
• Share your social media handles

• Closing theme

For Interview Shows

Interview shows are a lot different than solo shows. They are conversational and have more room for improvisation. That is why it is best to make a loose structure that guides you and your interviewee. 

You can outline the interview questions and highlight topics you want to discuss. The idea is to have a basic foundation so that conversation flows easily and casually. And remember to share the outline with your guest beforehand. 

Template

• Intro (Duration)

• Greet your audience 
• Introduce yourself
• Give a brief introduction of what your episode is about
• Briefly talk about your guest, including their achievements, backgrounds, etc.

• Guest Introduction (Duration)

•  Welcome your guest to the show. 
• Give them the space to introduce themselves. 
• You can ask a personal or icebreaker question 

• Segue

• Your theme music or sponsor message

• Question 1 (Duration):

• Since this is the first question, consider asking something basic to build a base for other, more in-depth questions.

• Questions 2, 3, 4,… (Duration)
• Closing (Duration)

• Recap the most essential parts of your interview
• Thank your guest and the audience for listening

• Outro (Duration)

• Add CTA for yourself and your client
• Share your social media handles

• Closing theme

An important thing to remember while writing an interview podcast script is not to be rigid. Give yourself room to deviate from the script. An interview is a conversation, so your replies should not be monotonous. They should be reactive and build on the guest’s response. 

For Co-Hosted Shows

Having a podcast script for podcasts with co-hosts is beneficial in many ways. For one, it ensures the co-hosts don’t interrupt each other. For another, it helps spread the podcast time evenly between all. 

Therefore, your script should be loose, like an interview podcast script, to allow easy conversation. 

Template 

• Intro (Duration)

• Greet your audience 
• Brief introduction by all co-hosts
• Co-host 1: Give a brief idea of your episode

• Topic 1 (Duration): Can be covered by co-host 2 with inputs from co-host 1

• Discuss the main topic
• Add supporting points that include data and quotes.

• Topic 2 (Duration): Can be covered by co-host 1 with inputs from co-host 2

• Discuss your next idea
• Add the connection between two ideas.

• Segue

• Add your CTA or sponsor message

• Topic 3 (Duration): Can be covered by co-host 2 with inputs from co-host 1

• Discuss your third topic. 
• Add data, quotes, and supporting points 

• Closing (Duration)

• Co-host 1: Recap your episode
• Co-host 2: Express gratitude

• Outro (Duration)

• Co-host 1: Add CTA
• Co-host 2: Share your social media handles

• Closing theme

Your script should clearly define which parts will be covered by which co-host. For example, co-host 1 can briefly discuss the episode while co-host 2 can start the main discussion. However, even when scripted, your conversation should sound natural. Each idea should be a continuation of the previous one. 

Minimalist Scripts

Minimalist, or freestyle script, is a basic script typically used by seasoned podcasters. It provides a concrete structure for an episode without going into too much detail. The aim of this script is to make the editing easier. 

So, the podcast script can look as simple as this one:

• Intro (Duration)
• Topic 1 (Duration): Main topic
• Topic 2 (Duration): Topic name
• Segue
• Topic 3 (Duration): Topic name
• Closing (Duration)
• Outro (Duration)
• Closing theme

Word-for-Word Scripts

As the name shows, this podcast script is for podcasters who prefer their scripts to be entirely written in advance. So, the script contains everything, from the topic of discussion to pauses and laughs. 

This type of script leaves little room for improvisation or spontaneous conversation, as every word spoken by the host is written beforehand. 

Template

• Intro (Duration)

• Introduction with scripted lines 
• Brief overview of the episode

• Segue

• Your theme music or sponsor message

• Topic Introduction (Duration)

• Lines to discuss the main topic, along with possible pauses and expressions

• Topic 2 (Duration)

• Lines to discuss your next topic, along with expressions

• Segue

• Add your CTA or sponsor message

• Topic 3 (Duration)

• Lines to discuss the main topic, along with expressions

• Closing (Duration)

• Recap, thank you, and teaser for the next episodes

• Outro (Duration)

• Add CTA

• Closing theme

Using precise language, marking pauses and other expressions, and rehearsing well when using word-for-word scripts are essential. 

Tips To Write An Engaging Podcast Script

Here are the tips that will help you write an engaging podcast script:

Be Conversational 

Your script should be a reflection of yourself and how you usually speak. One way of ensuring your script is natural is to read it out loud. This way, you can ensure your script flows naturally and does not sound rigid or robotic. 

This becomes especially important when using AI voices to record your podcast. Select a software that sounds natural and human-like. You can also use text-to-speech voice cloning software to record your podcast. 

Keep It Simple

Keep your podcast script simple and to the point. Refrain from writing complicated sentences that the listener or host might have difficulty following. Use simple words to share your ideas. And remember, fluff is your enemy. A podcast script has much room for improvisation but none for fluff or fillers. 

Allow Some Deviation From The Script

Your podcast script is there to support you, not restrict you. Therefore, always leave room for improvisations and deviations. They make your podcast more natural and fun. The best way to improvise is to prepare and research well. The better your preparation, the more your chances of doing spontaneous (and excellent) improvisations. 

Annotate Your Script

Your podcast script is personal to you. So, feel free to annotate it with essential points. This comes in handy, especially for first-time podcasters. You can add little notes like “emphasize this point” or “take a pause here” to make your episode natural and conversational. 

You can also underline words, bold them, and add lines to indicate different things. This also helps people using word-for-word scripts. 

Add Timestamps And Conduct Rehearsals

Adding timestamps helps you stick to the show’s duration. You can define the length of each segment on your script. This works as a reminder for you during the recording process. 

Regardless of the type of podcast script you use, rehearsal is essential. It helps you better prepare for your final recording. 

Conclusion 

A podcast script can make your life much easier and the recording process more efficient, structured, and organized. Armed with this knowledge and these five templates, you can let your creativity flow and record episodes that will take your audience by storm. 

However, remember that podcasting is ultimately a creative process. And so is writing podcast scripts. Feel free to adjust these templates to meet your needs. Do not shy away from experimenting and injecting your personality into every word you write. 

Whether you’re telling stories, educating, or entertaining, your podcast has the potential to resonate deeply with your audience. So, seize the opportunity, start creating, and let your podcasting journey unfold. 

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