Should I Script My Podcast?
Podcasting has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. It’s an accessible and engaging way for individuals and businesses to share their thoughts, stories, and knowledge with a global audience. But, as with any creative endeavor, there are always questions that arise – and one of the most common questions in the podcasting world is, “Should I script my podcast?”
The answer, as with many things in life, is that it depends. But, don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you and help you determine which type of scripting is best for your show.
Fully Scripted:
A fully scripted podcast is perfect for those who want complete control over their content and flow. This type of podcast works best for narrative and documentary-style shows, where a specific story or message is being shared. For example, if you’re creating a podcast about the history of a certain topic or industry, a fully scripted podcast would be a great choice. This will allow you to carefully plan and rehearse the content, ensuring that all the important information is covered, and that guests stay on track during their segments. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that a fully scripted podcast may not allow for as much spontaneity or improvisation.
Loosely Scripted:
On the other hand, a loosely scripted podcast offers more flexibility. With this type of podcast, you can still have a general outline or bullet points to follow, but you have the freedom to improvise and go off-script a bit. This can be an excellent option for creating a more authentic and unscripted feel, and it allows for more interaction and engagement with guests. For example, if you’re creating a podcast about current events, a loosely scripted option would be great as it allows you to have a general idea of what you want to talk about while still allowing for some spontaneity and improvisation. Even shows that come across as unscripted might have a loose outline of what they want to discuss based on the research that they’ve done on a guest.
Scripted/Unscripted Hybrid:
Sometimes the perfect balance for some podcast creators is a hybrid of scripted and unscripted. This type of podcast allows for a mix of both planning and improvisation, giving the host and guests room to be creative and authentic while still ensuring that all the important information is covered. This type of podcast can be ideal for those who want to create a polished and professional sound while still allowing for some spontaneity. For example, if you’re creating a podcast about personal development, a hybrid podcast would be a good option as it allows you to have a structure and goals for the show but also allows for some flexibility and authenticity.
Several documentary style/journalistic podcasts follow this format. They may have conducted interviews, and wrote out scripting to help push the narrative. A great example of this is a show called Radiolab.
Conclusion:
Whether you script just your introduction or the entire podcast is a scripted fictional podcast, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to scripting your podcast. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your audience. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different types of scripting until you find the perfect fit for your show.