For this blog post we have created free podcast script templates for you! 😍
If you want, you can go ahead click one of our cool purple, space-themed graphics to download them. Or you can scroll down to the very bottom of the page and see five of them typed out there. ⬇️
But we also want to guide you to maximizing these podcast script templates in the best way possible. That’s why we have also written this blog post to go along with the podcast script templates.
Here is the outline of what we are going to cover:
- What is a Podcast Script?
- Why Have a Podcast Script?
- What are the Building Blocks of a Podcast Script?
- How to Write a Good Podcast Script
- How Long is a 15 Minute Podcast Script?
- 🥳🥳🥳 FREE PODCAST SCRIPT TEMPLATES 🥳🥳🥳
Ok that’s the outline– Let’s start this guide!
To help you get a better idea of what we mean by a podcast script, and to help you make sure you are putting together an excellent one, first we will explain why they are important and what their general components are. 🧑🏫
How to Write a Podcast Script (Plus 10 Free Templates)
A podcast script is a written document that guides your episode recording, supporting your beautiful creation.
Level of Detail
Podcast scripts can include varying levels of detail.
If the content is very complicated or the exact details are important to get right, the script might be word for word what the podcaster will say on the show. You see this often with non-fiction, educational podcasts. 📖
On the other end of the spectrum, if the content is less dense and more conversational, the script will be more like an outline. It will give the show structure, but not have the exact content that the speakers will say. This kind of limited script is often used in the co-host show format podcasts, where there is a lot of banter and ease of conversation.
Many scripts end up somewhere in the middle of these two. For example, podcasts with guest interviews might have scripts that have the exact interview questions written out, but simply leave space for whatever the guest’s answer will be. 📄
Delivery Notes
A podcast script is not just about what you will say, but how you will say it. 📣
This can be as technical as writing out how to pronounce someone’s name on your episode.
It maybe highlighting the key point or points you want to emphasize, including exact phrases that you think are powerful.
Having these kind of notes be part of your podcast script will make your podcast sound more natural, plus it will make it more impactful. 👊
Why have a Podcast Script?
Podcast scripts have a ton of benefits for podcasters. Read on to learn what they are so you can use our podcast script templates fully!
Show Prep
Podcast scripts helps everyone prepare for the show! We know that most podcasters wear a ton of hats and cover a lot of roles. But we have broken up this section by roles to help better explain how podcast scripts help with show prep.
The Producer
A producer needs to know how long to book a studio for an upcoming recording. That may be an actual audio rental studio or just scheduling a slot when your home studio will be somewhat quiet. A script helps the producer judge how long the audio recording will take. The script also helps the producer plan for how much equipment is needed, based on how many guests there are going to be and the format (especially if it is going to be a video episode). 🎙️
The script also helps with content prep. Sometimes it is hard for a producer to convey the research they have done with the episode in a way that the host can easily use it. Even when your producer and your host is the same person (you), it can be hard to take what you have researched and use it as a host. A script helps take that knowledge and turn it into something engaging for the audience.
A podcast script can also be a way to keep the production schedule on track. Knowing the script needs to be done by a certain deadline before the show means that procrastinating is less likely to happen. When it is sent to participants, it is a way of politely saying “hey, remember we have this recording coming up that you need to prepare for!” 📆
The Host
To prepare for a show, a good podcast host will always practice before it is time to record. A podcast script makes this possible. It makes it possible for the host to really practice the material. The script also gives them a chance to make changes to anything that does not work just right. ✍️
The Co-Hosts
Just like a host, co-hosts should practice before recording. A podcast script allows this to happen. 📚
It also keeps them on the same page during the preparation process. For example, one co-host can edit the script and then send to the other co-host and say “hey, what do you think of the change I made.”
A script also helps co-hosts with show prep by visually showing if the co-host content balance is off. If one co-host has a lot most speaking lines than another, this problem will show up during the script process and can be fixed then. 👯
The Guests
A podcast script, especially one with guest interview questions, can help guests prepare for their role in the show. Not only will they be able to prepare for the interview questions, but they will know about how long their answers should be. 😀
Guests can also give valuable feedback after reviewing the script. They might suggest a question that should be added, or a better way for a question to be phrased.
A podcast script also helps guests prepare for the show by calming their nerves. Guests who are not used to doing media interviews can get really anxious about a recording, especially video episodes. That guests’ anxiety can be a huge obstacle to having a good interview and a good show. So calming their nerves through a script is important! 💆
When guests know exactly what to expect, they will be much calmer, creating better audio content. Plus, they will enjoy it more and be more likely to recommend your show to friends! 🤩
Tracking During the Show
The benefits of podcast scripts are not limited to show preparation. They are also incredibly help during production.
Cover All The Important Points
One of the worst feelings after recording a podcast is if you realize you forgot to cover a really important point. Do not let this happen to you! By having your podcast script up in front of you during the show, you can tick through each point to make sure you and your guests have covered them all by the end of the show. ✅
Stay Focused and Keep the Content Powerful
It is really easy for a host to get sucked into rambling. The microphone is on so you start talking and you kind of forget when to stop talking. Rambling is an audience killer though. Your listeners will feel like their time is being wasted. Even if they last the whole episode, they may leave with the feeling that your show is lacking that “umph.”
A podcast script helps you keep from rambling. It helps you stay on message and hit the points that make your audience go “wow.” 😮
Time
A podcast script saves you time during recording. A good script will show how many minutes of content you should produce for each section. You and your guests can use the recording time efficiently and then get on to all the other important things you have to do in your life. The gift of time is a pretty huge benefit! 🥳
Easier to Edit
Finally, you should have a podcast script to make life easier for your editor (who is probably also you).
One of the hardest and most frustrating things for an editor to deal with is when someone is making a point, but gets really ramble-y when doing it. A podcast prevents that. ✋
Also, if you use a podcast script, your editor does not have to somehow create some structure for your show out of the blue in post production. The structure has been pre-planned and executed well. 🏗️
Your editor (you) will thank you (also you).
What are the Building Blocks of a Podcast Script?
Ok, so we have convinced you of the benefits of a podcast script.
Now we are going to show you the building blocks of a podcast script. That way, when you see a heading like “segue” in the podcast script outline, you will know what it means and what you to fill in there. 🧱
Here are building block, or terms, you are likely to see in the podcast scripts templates.
Intro 👋
A podcast intro sets the stage for the rest of the show. It is important to get right. Also, audiences are pretty used to host’s reading a script during this part so you really can write it out if you want.
Here are the sub-sections of an intro in a podcast script template:
Intro Music 🎵
If you use different intro music for each episode, you may want to list which song you plan on using. If you are using a mixer and playing the song live during your introduction, you definitely want to have the song chosen ahead of time. Even if you are just going to add the song in post production while editing, it can help to list the intro song in the podcast script just so you have that info in an easy to find place.
Podcast Title and Tag Line/Short Description 🔦
This is the first thing you say in your episode, every episode. Write it out for reliability, but after a few episodes even your audience will know it by heart. Listeners love this!
Roadmap 🗺️
In terms of podcasts, a roadmap is where you want to list the main points what you are going to cover in that episode. You do not need to go in-depth, just give a brief outline so your audience does not feel like they are flying blind.
Guest Intro 🤝
This is the segment meant to hype your listeners up about your guest. List off their relevant achievements, what they are currently doing, and how they tie into what your podcast is about.
Now is not the time to list their social media handles or do any call to action on their part. That will be in the outro.
Topics 📂
You can think of a topic like a section. If you think you only have one podcast topic, break that topic down into more narrow topics.
For example, let’s say you are going to talk about the fresh water shortage in Hawaii. Break that down into multiple, digestible topics: 1) History of fresh water usage in Hawaii 2) What has caused the current shortage 3) What needs to be done to fix the problem.
Under each topic, list the main points you want to hit and the supporting data you want to share.
If you are interviewing a guest, each interview question can act as a topic.
Sponsor Message 🤑
Make that money, honey!
If you have a deal to do a host-read ad for a company, you can put the text you are supposed to read on your podcasts here.
If you are going to bake in a separately produced advertisement for in post production, just make sure to leave a natural break here.
Even if you do not have any current promotion contracts, still structure your episode as if you do. In the future you may get a contract and then you can dynamically insert ads into your old episodes.
Segue ↔️
Not to be confused with a Segway. You do not need a helmet for this one.
A segue is the connector between sections. There might need to be a segue between topics, or maybe a segue between a topic and an ad.
Coming up with a segue on the spot during recording is a great way to stick your foot in your mouth. You may connect two things in a way that is offensive or you may ramble way off course, losing your listeners.
Consider writing out your segues in full. At the very least, put in a few keywords so you remember how you want to make the transition.
Recap 🤠
Like a roadmap, a recap can help your listeners better comprehend the content of your episode and put their brains at ease. It does not need to summarize everything you have talked about, but giving some kind of wrap-up and closure is helpful.
Outro 👋
The podcast outro is the long goodbye from you to your audience. But not too long! It is a way for you to send them on their way to feel positive feelings about your show.
There are a few sub-sections of an outro in a podcast script template:
Thank Co-Host or Guest 🙌
Showing your co-host or guest some love and gratitude at the end of the episode helps you build your podcast community. It is a sure way to end the episode on a good note, no matter how tough the material you covered in the episode was. Plus, it is just good manners.
Call to Action (CTA) 🙏
This is where you ask your listeners to do something. If you have a guest, usually you list a call to action item or two for them as well.
Common calls to action are to:
- Follow and like the podcast on whatever listening platform that people are using (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
- Share the podcast with friends and on social media
- Visit the podcast’s website and follow their social media pages (including YouTube if you do video episodes)
- Donate to help fund the show
- Sign up for the podcast newsletter
- Register for an in-person event the podcast is putting on
Next Episode 😎
Preview what your next episode is going to be about. Let your listeners know when they can expect it to be released. Pump it up a little so they are excited and intrigued.
Credits 🎞️
Just like at the end of a movie, you may want to include credits in the outro. It may be something as simple as a quick thank you to someone who gave you the idea of the podcast topic. If you pulled heavily from published resources for you content, you probably want to list them here as well as in your episode notes. And of course if you are lucky enough to have a full team producers, editors, sound designers, etc then here is the place to give them a shout out.
How to Write a Podcast Script
Now that you have all the building blocks, the question is: How do you actually write the script? 😅
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Natural Voice
When you sit down to turn your podcast script template into a full script, the important part is to write in your own voice. Sometimes it is easy to put too much pressure on yourself and try too hard to sound smart or clever. Just be yourself! 👨🎤
For your first draft, just write a stream of conscious if you need to. Just get words down on paper (or computer screens). Don’t worry about being perfect or even good! That’s what editing is for.
Edit, Practice, Edit, Practice
Once you words on paper, then you need to edit. You can wait to edit until you have written all the content for the episode, or you can go section by section. 📑
First, take what you have written down and give it the correct basic structure: Add punctuation, create sentences, organize them to make basic sense.
Then, read that section out loud. Reading your script out loud while editing is critical. You will be able to tell what sounds natural and what does not sound quite right. You will also catch errors in your writing. 📣
Once you have done a solid edit and the section is where you think it should be, practice the section. Not only read it out loud, but read it as if you were recording it. In fact, if you can, record yourself practicing. That way you can listen to the recording carefully and make any more edits needed.
Visualization of Every Step
One of the most common mistakes when writing a script is to leave small, but important parts out. For example, you get so focused on the main content, you forget to map out the small things like segues. 🗺️
To avoid this mistake, visualization recording your show, step by step. What are you going to do and what are you going to say once that podcast microphone starts recording.
Even better, do a full test recording. This will help you catch any small bits of script lines that you might otherwise overlook. 🎙️
As you get more experienced, your brain will get better at remembering every detailed part of the script that is needed. But when you are just starting out, practicing every single small step is super important to writing your script well.
How Long is a 15 Minute Podcast Script?
The last thing we’ll cover before giving you free podcast script templates is script length and recording duration. ⏱️
The rule of thumb is that people speak about 150 words per minute. So that means a 15 minute podcast should be about 2,250 written words. How many pages is that? It is about 4.5 pages, single spaced. Or about 9 pages double-spaced.
BUT!
This all depends on the individual. For example: Don Draper speaks at a different rate than Eeyore, who speaks at a different rate than Midge Maisel. 💅
In terms of duration, also keep in mind that you might want longer pauses between sections. And you will need time for the intro and outro music, plus any host-read sponsor messages. If you are doing a video episode, you may also need to build in time for motion graphics displays.
We definitely sound like a broken wheel by now, but the trick is to practice before you record. Then you will know your own words per minute rate. 🤠
Remember: People tend to speak faster when they are nervous. Don’t let this be you! Practice your pace! 🏃♂️
Free Podcast Script Templates, Y’all!
Now that you have read this full guide for writing podcast scripts, you can to pick your favorite podcast scripts templates! Then take them home and fill them out. We made them just for you! Enjoy! 💜
#1 Podcast Script Template: One Host, Nonfiction Storytelling
- Intro
- Intro music: song title, time code
- Podcast Title and Tagline:
- Roadmap: Today I am going to tell you a story about…
- Topic 1: Start at a middle or end point of the story
- Key info
- Key info
- Key info
- Segue to Topic 2:
- Sponsor Message
- Topic 2: Reverse to the time before to explain how we got here
- Reminder segue from Topic 1:
- Key info
- Key info
- Key info
- Topic 3: The end of the story or looking to future
- Segue from Topic 2:
- Key info
- Key info
- Key info
- Recap: Summary, lessons learned
- Outro
- Thank you:
- Call to Action:
- Next episode:
- Outro music: song title, time code
#2 Podcast Script Template: Panel, Discussing Current Events
- Intro
- Intro music: song title, time code
- Host gives Podcast Title and Tagline:
- Host gives Roadmap:
- Host gives Panelist Introductions:
- Topic 1
- Host gives brief description of topic [1 min]:
- Panelist 1 gives take [2 min]:
- Panelist 2 gives take [2 min]:
- Panelist 3 gives take [2 min] :
- Topic 2
- Host gives brief description of topic [1 min]:
- Panelist 2 gives take [2 min]:
- Panelist 3 gives take [2 min]:
- Panelist 1 gives take [2 min] :
- Segue to Sponsor Message:
- Sponsor Message
- Topic 3
- Host gives brief description of topic [1 min]:
- Panelist 3 gives take [2 min]:
- Panelist 1 gives take [2 min]:
- Panelist 2 gives take [2 min] :
- Outro
- Host thanks panelists:
- Host gives calls to action:
- CTA 1
- CTA 2
- CTA 3
- Host gives credits:
- Outro music: song title, time code
#3 Podcast Script Template: One Host Telling Nonfiction Story, with Guest Commentator
- Intro
- Intro music: song title, time code
- Podcast Title and Tagline:
- Roadmap: Today I am going to tell you a story about…
- Guest Intro:
- Topic 1: Beginning of Story
- Key info
- Guest commentary
- Sponsorship Message
- Topic 2: Rest of Story
- Key info
- Guest commentary
- Recap
- Guest and Host discuss story
- Segue to Outro
- Outro
- Host thanks Guest
- CTA for Guest
- CTA for Host
- Next Episode
- Credits
- Outro music: Song Title, Time Code
#4 Podcast Script Template: One Host, How-To
- Intro
- Intro music: song title, time code
- Podcast Title and Tagline:
- Roadmap: Today I am going to teach you how to…
- Step One:
- Step Two:
- Segue to Sponsor Message and Next Step:
- Sponsor Message
- Step Three:
- Common Mistakes:
- Recap Steps:
- Outro
- Next Episode:
- CTA 1:
- CTA 2:
- Outro music: song title, time code
#5 Podcast Template: Two Hosts, Guest Interview
- Intro
- Intro music: song title, time code
- Host 1 does Podcast Title and Tagline:
- Host 2 gives Roadmap:
- Guest Intro
- Host 1 introduces guest:
- Guest gives intro comments
- Host 2 welcomes guest to the show
- Host 1 asks interview question #1
- Guest Answer [5 min]
- Host 2 segues to next question:
- Host 2 asks interview question #2
- Guest Answer [5 min]
- Host 1 segues to break:
- Sponsorship message
- Host 1 asks interview question #3
- Guest Answer [10 min]
- Host 2 segues to recap:
- Recap
- Guest summarizes [2 min]
- Host 2 summarizes:
- Outro
- Host 2 thanks guest and invites their CTA:
- Guest CTA
- Host 1 gives CTA
- Host 2 previews next episode:
- Host 1 reads credits
- Outro music: song title, time code
To get the remaining five free podcast script templates, click one of the graphic design boxes to download!
We have worked hard to try to make these podcast script templates with the aim of supporting you! We hope they make your podcasting life easier!
Even if your podcast format does not perfectly fit one of the podcast script templates, or maybe the episode duration is different, hopefully these give you ideas of how to create your own podcast script templates.
And as always, enjoy the podcast journey! 🚀
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