You know that awkward moment when someone reads their podcast script word-for-word and you can hear their soul slowly evaporating through the mic? Yeah. Let’s avoid that bad podcast Scripting.
Scripting your podcast shouldn’t kill your personality. It should help you think clearly, speak smartly, and stay on track without sounding like you’re auditioning for the Nigerian Idol. But sound smart following our podcast scripting best practices,
So here are 4 podcast scripting best practices that actually matter if you want to sound real, not rehearsed.
1. Outline First, Write Later: The Foundation of Podcast Scripting Best Practices
Before you type a single line of your intro, map out your ideas. Use bullets, sticky notes, a napkin, whatever helps you see the flow. A good episode usually has:
- A strong hook
- 2 to 3 key points
- One story or example
- A clear CTA (like telling people to check out PLLUgG)
Outlining helps you avoid rambling, repeating yourself, or getting lost halfway through.
2. Why ‘Write Like You Talk’ Is a Key Podcast Scripting Best Practice
You’re not giving a TED Talk. You’re talking to real humans with real ears. So use words you’d actually say in a conversation. Think contractions, casual phrases, and rhetorical questions.
Example:
Instead of writing “In this episode, I will be discussing…”
Write: “Let’s talk about something nobody tells you, how to stop overthinking your podcast script.”
Many podcasters overlook basic podcast scripting best practices, like reading out loud before recording. Still smart. Just human.
3. Script the Bootends. Freestyle the Middle.
Go ahead and script your intro and outro word-for-word. They’re short and important, and you want to get them right. But for the middle part, where the real talk happens, bullet points will do just fine.
- Notion – Used for outlining
- Otter – For script voice notes
- Buzzsprout scripting guide – Bonus credibility
That way, you stay flexible, and your episode doesn’t sound like it was written by a lawyer.
4. Read It Out Loud (Once, at Least)
This is the secret sauce. Even if your script looks perfect on paper, say it out loud once before recording. You’ll catch weird phrases, long-winded sentences, or spots where you forgot to breathe.
If it sounds clunky in your mouth, it’s gonna sound clunky in their ears. And nobody wants that.
The reason podcast scripting best practices matter is that structure gives you freedom.
Quick Takeaway
Scripting your podcast is like building a guide rail. You don’t need a script for every step, but a little planning keeps you from falling off a cliff.
So keep it light, keep it real, and don’t forget, the goal is to connect, not just read. Following these podcast scripting best practices helps you feel confident every time you hit record.
Powered by PLLUGG
When you’re done scripting and recording, don’t let that episode sit in a folder. PLLUGG turns your script and audio into quotes, blog posts, social captions, and more. One episode. A whole week of content. Easy.
Related: Not sure what to even script about? First, figure out what your audience wants to hear so you’re not just talking into the void. That’s where great scripting starts.
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