How to Write a Podcast Script [8 Free Script Templates]
Effective communication is a foundational part of a podcast's success. Creating an episode script before you record your podcast is a simple way to prepare for your recording sessions so you can convey your message clearly and concisely.
Using a podcast script can also:
- make podcast recording and editing more efficient
- reduce excessive rambling or pauses
- help guest interviews go smoothly
In this guide, we break down the essential elements of a good outline and share template options so you can create your own podcast script!
CONTENTS:
Podcast script template example
Before you write your own script, it can be helpful to have a podcast script example PDF to give you a starting point.
In this example, each section includes a spot for your main podcast topics, segment duration, key points, and sponsor ads placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the episode.
[Sponsor message]
[Opening music jingle and sound effects]
Intro: Duration: ( ___) Set the stage for your episode. Include details that set up your episode's theme. State name of podcast show, why your show exists, who you are, etc.
Topic #1: Duration:( ___ )
1. Main point
2. Supporting point
3. Supporting data
4. Supporting quote
[Segue] (can be a sound effect, short musical clip, or a phrase)
Topic #2: Duration:( ___ )
1. Main point
2. Supporting point
3. Supporting data
4. Supporting quote
[Sponsor message]
Topic #3: Duration:( ___ )
1. Main point
2. Supporting point
3. Supporting data
4. Supporting quote
Closing remarks or recap: Summarize the main points you covered, tease an upcoming episode, etc.Summarize the main points you covered, tease an upcoming episode, etc.
[Sponsor message]
[Closing music jingle or sound effect]
You can download our printable podcast outline template PDF, or an easy-to-edit Google Doc template so you can customize your own podcast script! Just copy and paste the Google Doc template into your own Google Doc file to make edits.
Common podcast script elements
Scripting podcast segments is a great way to add structure to your show, even if the rest of the episode is ad-libbed.
Here are some common elements you can use to customize your own template.
Intro
Your podcast intro lets you give listeners an overview of the episode up front and helps you capture your audience's attention at the outset.
The content of this segment will change from week to week, but the structure shouldn't vary much.
Example: "Hello and welcome to [podcast title], the show that [insert concept of show or tagline]. I'm [host name].
In today's episode, we will discuss [insert talking points] with [guest name]. We'll discuss the ins and outs of [episode topic] and offer listeners a special surprise at the end. Be sure to listen all the way through for the details!"
Guest intro
Jotting down some basic facts about your podcast guest helps establish rapport and get off to a strong start.
Example: "Our guest today is [guest name]. They are a [insert role, title, experience] with a passion for _______.
They're going to share with us [episode topic]. Hi, [guest first name]! Thanks so much for joining us!"
Sponsor message
Sometimes podcast sponsors give hosts a script to read from verbatim, and other times the host crafts their own sponsor message.
It's important to create a quality sponsor message that kicks your show off well, reflects your sponsor's brand, and sounds natural.
Example: "[Your podcast name] is sponsored by [insert brand name]. [Sponsor] is a company that [describe company values and products as well as their relevance to your audience]."
Segue
A well-placed segue can make your podcast flow between topic changes and help create a cohesive episode. Segues can be a phrase, sound effect, or musical jingle.
Summary
A good summary recaps the main points of your episode for listeners.
Most podcasts cover a lot of information in one episode, and listeners appreciate it when hosts reiterate the key takeaways.
Outro
You can use this section to make announcements, give a teaser for your next episode, play a closing jingle, or share resources to help listeners.
Example: "Next week, we'll continue to help you frame your podcast by helping you nail down the details that will give structure to your new podcast! [Outro music]."
Call to action (CTA)
A call to action is an announcement that requires action from your audience. You can ask listeners to follow you on social media, leave a rating or review, etc.
The content of your CTA will change over time based on your sponsors, show content, and current merchandise.
Limit your call to action to one clear thing you'd like from your audience. More than one CTA can overwhelm listeners.
Example: "Want to ask a question on a future episode of "Podcasting Q&A"? Click on the link in the show notes to record your question in a voicemail! [Outro music]."
8 Podcast script examples
Podcast scripts vary based on the type of podcast you have. Use these script templates as a guide, and make changes to suit your own podcast format!
#1. Minimalist or freestyle
If you enjoy ad-libbing, a basic list of questions might be all you need.
These scripts don't take much time to make and can provide just enough structure to get an episode off the ground.
A loose episode structure also makes for easier editing since the "mistakes" naturally fit with the style of your show.
[Music intro]
[Speaking introduction]
Section I (Duration: ______)
Notes:
Section II (Duration: ______)
Notes:
Section III (Duration: ______)
Notes:
Recap
[Call to action]
[Outro or teaser for next episode]
#2. With a cohost
We strongly recommend using a script if you record with multiple podcast hosts.
A script ensures you and your guest don't talk over each other, get confused about what's coming next, forget key points, or confuse listeners.
[Music intro]
[Sponsor message]
Intro: Set the stage for your episode. Give your listeners a brief overview of what you plan to cover and what they can expect.
Topic #1: Duration: (____)
Cohost name:
[Segue]
Topic #2: Duration: (____)
Cohost name:
[Segue]
Outro: Duration: (____)
Cohost name:
Recap
[Call to action]
[Sponsor message]
#3. Fully scripted
A word-for-word draft is an excellent option for audio dramas and some solo shows, but it takes practice to learn the art of reading a script naturally.
Try to write in pauses, laughs, and off-script comments to avoid sounding stilted. This delivery style doesn't allow for many mistakes and can add time to your editing in post-production.
[Music intro]
[Sponsor message]
Act I Duration: (____)
-Establish setting and introduce main characters
-Inciting incident: The problem or question that the character-or you-is trying to solve or answer.
-Turning point: The character turns in a new direction in response to the inciting incident).
Act II Duration: (____)
-The struggle: The attempt to solve the problem or question at hand. This is the "rising action" of the plot where you can develop your narrative arc.
[Sponsor message]
Act III Duration: (____)
-Climax: Theme reaches its most intense point of conflict
-The resolution: Episode's conflict is resolved and the story ends
Closing remarks and or teaser for next episode
[Call to action]
[Sponsor message]
#4. Solo-host
Many solo podcasters (especially beginners) find it saves time and energy to make a detailed outline.
Under each main point, include relevant key points, supporting data, and anecdotes. If you choose this script style, stay conversational, and try not to read your notes verbatim.
This outline gives you enough structure to make recording easier but is casual enough to allow for verbal slip-ups.
[Music intro]
[Sponsor message]
Intro: Duration: (____)
Topic #1: Duration:(____)
Main point
-Supporting point
-Supporting data
-Supporting quote
[Segue]
Topic #2: Duration:(____)
Main point
-Supporting point
-Supporting data
-Supporting quote
[Sponsor message]
Topic #3: Duration:(____)
Main point
-Supporting point
-Supporting data
-Supporting quote
Closing remarks or recap
[Sponsor message]
[Closing music jingle or sound effect]
#5. Interview-style
A good podcast interview requires preparation. This script can help you keep a free-flowing, conversational tone with your guest.
Email your guest your outline a week or so before the interview so they have plenty of time to prepare. Tell them what questions you plan to ask, and craft your script around those questions.
[Music intro]
[Sponsor message]
Speaking intro: Give listeners a bird's eye view of the episode to hook their interest.
Guest introduction: Include your guest's basic bio, including accomplishments, title, and experience.
Question #1. (Duration: ____)
Question #2. (Duration: ____)
[Sponsor message]
Question #3. (Duration: ____)
Episode recap and closing remarks
Sneak peek or teaser of next episode
Call to action: Give your listeners one thing to do like subscribe to your show, sign up for a newsletter, or join a giveaway.
#6. Q&A
Q&A-styled podcasts answer listener questions and are generally fairly straightforward in their format. You can use this guide as a general outline and customize it where you see fit.
[Music intro]
[Sponsor message]
Intro: Duration: (____)
Question #1: _______ Duration: (____)
-Main answer
-Supporting data
-Relevant examples
Question #2: _______ Duration: (____)
-Main answer
-Supporting data
-Relevant examples
Question #2: _______ Duration: (____)
-Main answer
-Supporting data
-Relevant examples
[Summary]
[Outro]
#7. Tutorial or how-to
Podcast episodes that feature tutorials involve a lot of steps with important details you don't want to forget.
Use this template as a guide whenever you teach your listeners a skill or walk them through a multi-step process.
[Music intro]
Intro: Duration: (____) Set up the problem you'll solve for your listeners and what they'll know by the end of the episode.
What listeners should know: ________ Duration: (____)
Let your listeners know what they need before committing to this project (things like time, a certain amount of knowledge, etc.)
Materials needed:________Duration: (____)
Give your listeners a comprehensive list of what they need to purchase or download. You can include a shopping list in your show notes with affiliate links to relevant products.
How to execute: __________Duration: (____)
This is where you get into the nitty-gritty. Include as many bullet points as you need to communicate your tutorial in an organized way.
[Summary]
[Outro]
#8. Roundtable
Roundtable podcasts feature three or more cohosts and can easily get off the rails if you don't have an outline.
This guide can help keep your episode in line through banter and various podcast segments!
[Music intro]
[Sponsor message]
Intro: Duration: (______) Set stage for episode and introduce cohosts.
Topic #1: ___________ Duration: (____)
-Main point
-Supporting point
-Supporting data
Topic #2: ___________ Duration: (____)
-Main point
-Supporting point
-Supporting data
Topic #3: ___________ Duration: (____)
-Main point
-Supporting point
-Supporting data
Audience Q&A: Answer listener voicemails, emails, questions, or read reviews and thank supportive listeners or patrons.
[Summary]
[Outro]
Podcast script best practices
Follow these tips to optimize your script and streamline your workflow!
Do keyword research
Using a keyword research tool is a powerful way to get inside your listeners' minds. You can type your episode topic into one of these tools to see what questions your audience has about it.
Use dictation software
Some people prefer to dictate their script rather than write it out. Here are some free speech-to-text tools we like:
Keep it simple
Try to keep your podcast template as simple as possible unless you need a word-for-word script.
Most podcasters find that a flexible script is enough to keep them focused while still speaking in a natural, clear way.
Add delivery notes
Delivery notes indicate how to present your written content, like where to add emphasis or pause for effect.
These notes can be helpful to make a fully scripted episode sound more natural.
Do a dry-run
You don't have to rehearse your whole episode verbatim, but it's a good idea to do a quick run-through out loud to make sure it flows.
You can use your podcast script example PDF to practice in front of a mirror or record part of the episode using a voice recording app.
Final thoughts
A good podcast outline can make episodes sound effortless to listeners and minimize recording mistakes that could take significant time to fix.
Whichever podcast template you choose, the goal is to provide the amount of structure you need to effectively communicate your message and keep your audience listening!
Follow Buzzsprout on YouTube for more podcasting tips, tricks, and tutorials!
Alban Brooke
Alban Brooke is the Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout and the co-host of Buzzcast. Have any questions about this guide? Reach out on Twitter.
FAQ
Do you need to have a podcast script?
You don't have to write a script for your episodes, but all podcasts benefit from a bit of pre-planning and structure. Even a simple outline with a few bullet points is better than winging it completely.
How do you write a podcast outline?
To write a podcast outline, do some keyword research on your topic to gauge the common questions associated with it. Then, use a podcast script template PDF to create an outline that includes main points, supporting points, relevant data, etc.
What makes a good podcast script?
Unless you want a word-for-word monologue, it's best to keep your podcast conversational, like you're talking to a listener one-on-one. You can use a speech-to-text tool to dictate your outline so it sounds natural and flows.