How to Script a Podcast: Finding Your Perfect Approach

I'll never forget a conversation that completely changed how I think about podcast preparation.

Back in 2011, I was taking a preaching class in seminary (yes, at one point I thought I wanted to be a preacher—podcasting changed that trajectory for me). I had this favorite preacher whose delivery was so smooth, engaging, and conversational that I assumed he just winged it every Sunday. Maybe had a rough outline at best.

When I finally asked him about his process, his answer blew my mind.

Every single word he delivered was written down, word for word, in a complete manuscript.

But here's the kicker—it wasn't always that way. He started with simple outlines, then gradually moved to full scripts over time. It took years of practice to deliver scripted content that sounded natural and conversational.

The lesson? You have to experiment and find what works best for you.

The scripting spectrum: where do you fit?

Here's the truth about podcast scripting: there's a whole spectrum between the person who scripts every single word and the person who completely wings it. Your job is to find where you fit on that spectrum.

Think of your script or outline as a roadmap for your content. It keeps you on track, helps you cover everything you want to say, and prevents you from going down those inevitable rabbit trails we're all susceptible to.

But which approach should you choose?

Matching your scripting style to your recording format

Monologue or narrative style podcasts

If you're doing solo episodes or narrative storytelling, you'll typically want a more scripted approach. True crime shows are a perfect example—the host's narration is usually fully scripted, while interviews and field recordings are not.

This makes sense because you're carrying the entire episode on your own. You need that structure to deliver organized, engaging content that flows well.

Interview style podcasts

Interview shows work best with a hybrid approach—think bullet points or a structured outline rather than a full script.

This method is my personal favorite for interview content. It ensures you ask all the questions you want to cover while giving you the freedom to be spontaneous and ask follow-up questions as they naturally arise. Some hosts even memorize their outline and only reference it when needed.

Conversational style podcasts

Conversational shows with multiple hosts typically lend themselves to a more "winged" approach. This allows for maximum freedom and spontaneity—you can dive deep into topics that come up naturally.

Even with this looser style, I still recommend having a few talking points written down. This prevents you from getting completely off track or disappearing down rabbit holes for 20 minutes.

7 essential tips for podcast scripting success

No matter which approach you choose, these principles will serve you well:

1. Less is more

Be concise and to the point while still being informative. When scripting, constantly ask yourself: "Can I say this with fewer words while still getting the same point across?"

Avoid being too wordy. Your audience will thank you for respecting their time, and you'll sound more professional and confident.

2. The script serves you

Don't ever feel bound by your script or outline. If you feel like you're serving the script rather than it serving you, something's wrong.

Your script should make your recording process smoother, not more stressful. Experiment until you find what works.

3. Change it up

Even after developing a solid process, you'll need to tweak your approach for different episodes. Customization is vital for creating content that reflects your unique personality and connects with your audience.

Resist the urge to put everything on autopilot. Each episode deserves thoughtful preparation.

4. Always prepare

Take time to prepare for every episode, even if it's just jotting down three topic ideas or questions for your guest.

Contrary to what social media memes might tell you, simply hitting record and talking without any preparation usually doesn't result in engaging podcasts. Maybe a few people can pull this off, but it's definitely not the norm.

5. Know what drives your episode

Understand whether listeners are drawn in by your personality or by the topic you're discussing. Then decide which element should take precedence.

If you're covering a potentially dry topic, let your energetic personality drive the episode. If you have a fascinating guest, let them be the superstar while you facilitate great conversation.

6. Get feedback

Have someone review your script or outline and provide honest feedback. Being open to others' input can be incredibly helpful—not just for podcasting, but for life in general.

Choose your feedback providers wisely, and don't take criticism personally. Remember, it's just one person's opinion. If you don't like what you hear, find someone else to ask.

7. Ship it (the 80/20 rule)

This might be the most important tip of all: Get your script to 80% and move on.

I like to say that 80% out the door is better than 100% in the drawer.

In any creative endeavor, there's always a temptation to spend more time perfecting the last 20% than you spent on the first 80%. Often, this leads to never actually releasing anything.

Remember: 80% done is always better than perfect.

Overcoming the "stiff script" problem

One of the biggest concerns I hear about scripting is sounding robotic or inauthentic. Here's how to avoid that:

Practice and familiarity are key. Read your script multiple times. Record practice sessions. Listen back and rerecord sections that don't sound natural.

Remember that post-production is your friend. If you don't like how something sounds, pause and rerecord that section. You can always fix it in editing.

Pay attention to your tone. Different sections might need different energy levels. Experiment with various tones and delivery styles.

The more experience you get, the more natural this process becomes. It's a skill that improves with repetition.

Finding your unique voice

At the end of the day, your script or outline should be a tool that serves you and provides a roadmap for your content.

Don't get stuck trying to perfect every detail. Practice, get feedback, ship your episodes, and keep moving forward. The only way you'll improve is through repetition and real-world experience.

Your podcasting journey is unique, and your scripting approach should be too. Start with what feels natural, experiment with different methods, and adjust based on what works for your content and your audience.

Remember: preparation is key, but perfection is the enemy of progress.

Ready to dive deeper into podcast planning and scripting? Grab my free workbook with templates and exercises at podcastprimer.com/workbook to help you develop your perfect scripting system.

The most important thing? Start somewhere, ship something, and improve along the way. You've got this.

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