How to Write a Podcast Script For Different Podcast Formats

Getting started with podcasting starts with deciding on a format for your podcast. You can always look at mix matching different types of formats to see which format works best for your content and for your audience.

Once you have your podcast format & script ready, you can visit the Hubhopper studio website to launch & distribute your podcast for free.

Podcast Formats

• Solo Show Podcast script

A solo format is where there is a single host to the podcast. The thing to keep in mind for this format is that it should be interactive. Which means the script should be written like as if you are interacting with someone; in this case, your listener.

Like a two way conversation. You have to draw people’s attention by making them engage in your talk even if you are talking alone. It will help your listeners picture your conversation properly. Here is a simple but effective template for writing your first solo podcast.

Let's talk in brief about its components. In this script template there are three categories.

First, is the ‘Section’ in which we define the segments of your podcast. How the flow will be from start to finish. This will include a flow like 'Introduction - Sponsor message - discussion - Call to action - conclusion'. You can always restructure the flow according to your content & audience.

Second, is the ‘voice’ in which we add the name of the individuals who is going to do the voiceovers. However, in this format, there will be only one narrator.

Lastly, but not the least, a ‘dialogue’ column where you add your lines & paragraphs that you will be narrating during the different segments of your podcast.

This is a basic structure for podcast scripting that gives you a sense of idea on the flow of how to go about your episode.

•  Interview Show Podcast script 

An interview podcast is where you have a guest on the show. This means change in the dynamics of flow of content and as well as the share of narrative control with your guest.

These types of scripts require extra preparation in comparison with other shows for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Being the host, it's important to know exactly what you’ll ask your guest.

Since, as we know time is very important for everyone so preparing all the questions and making a script help you keep your interview precise in terms of both content and time span.

If your guest does not have any podcast experience, what you can do to help them ease the process is by doing a mock interview before the actual recording. This will help the guest settle down and get use to the flow of conversation.

You can also write down a list of questions and topics that you want to address on your show. Send them to your guest a few days before the recording so they have some time to prepare their thoughts and as well as share their answers briefly with you. This will help manage your flow and content. 

Here is an 'interview podcast script template'. While working on the script, leave the interviewee part blank and once you get their brief answers, you can accordingly add & organize the content to work on the flow of your podcast content.

• Co-Host Show Podcast script

Co-Hosting a podcast means hosting jointly with another. Where the conversations between the two hosts is what makes this format unique. & interesting.  

However, people often get caught up with issues like ‘whom’ and ‘when to stop’. To solve this confusion, a template is a great tool in this format to keep the conversation interesting & precise.

There are some things you should keep in mind while writing for the co-host podcast script, like making a basic outline on who will take which side about a certain topic; for & against. This helps keep the conversation interesting.

Add some supporting points, data and some sketch/tale with each host segments to support each others' arguments. 

You can also add questions or queues for smooth transitions. As you wouldn't want to overlap conversations with your co-host.

For example :

Host A -Today we are going to talk about a very talented Bollywood actress who has recently worked in the movie, ‘A Call to Spy’ which created quite a buzz in Hollywood as well. Tell me ‘Host B’ what do you think? Can you guess our secret superstar’s name?

Host B - Ah yes! I know exactly who you're talking about. Is it Radhika Apte?

These are the transitions which helps your host to easily pick up the pace you are in. Questions are the easiest way to interview each other also for the obvious reasons. Here is a common template for a Co-Host podcast show.

Those are some basic scripting templates for different types of podcast formats. Remember, preparation is key. You can allow yourself to experiment while preparing for the podcast, it may be ‘reading out loud those sentences with good pronunciation’ or ‘reading out in front of a mirror’ which increases confidence especially if you are new to podcasting. You can also record yourself on the phone while rehearsing so that you can find out where you are lacking. This may definitely improve your performance.

Once you have podcast episode ready, you can simply record, upload & publish your podcast live on Hubhopper studio for free. Getting your podcast to all your major podcast platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn and many more.