How to script your podcast to make voicing 100 times easier
Scripting is a super important aspect of voicing. The way in which you script, will determine how you voice.
So – here’s my number one tip folks: Remember that you’re not writing an essay.
I know, I know, throughout our whole schooling career we’re taught how to write a specific way. Very formal, very informative, and very opposite to how we talk normally!
It’s important to remember that a script is meant to be read out loud. That means it needs to be written in a way that replicates how you talk in everyday conversation.
When we’re used to writing in a particular style, this habit can be hard to break. And it does require practice.
The best way to get started with conversational writing is to take note of the words, phrases and slang that you use when you’re chatting to a friend.
Then, start including these in your scripts.
The language you’ll use does depend on who your target audience is. This is where its useful to have a brainstorm about exactly the type of person you want to reach.
- Gender / age / location?
- Family makeup?
- Hobbies/interests?
- Likes/dislikes?
- Pet peeves?
- Where they spend their time?
- Motivations?
Read up on how to know who your target audience is. I walk you through how to make dream client personas and start to formulate a tone of voice guide.
Once you’ve got a target audience persona down, write your scripts as if you’re talking to this person. Using contractions, slang and placing commas and full stops where natural.
Make it a conversation:
Conversational writing will help with this. We did cover this in the scripting session, but as a recap: use the words you use in real life. Use colloquialisms, slang, and lots and lots of contractions.
But to take your script and turn it into real-life conversation, think about tone and mood. What is the tone of what you’re talking about? How do you want people to feel?
If you’re talking about something serious, sad, or tragic, don’t use a happy tone. Speak in a way that shows empathy. Your tone needs to match the context of what you’re talking about.
In the same way, if you’re talking about something super fun, upbeat and happy, you need to reflect that in your tone.
Ok – so you’ve drafted your script.
Now make sure you read it out loud. The read it again. Then again. And again.
This is the most important part of scriptwriting! I can’t stress it enough.
Each time you stumble over something, rework it and read it out again.
This is important for lots of reasons
Flow – when it comes to actually record your episode, you’ll be so used to reading it out loud it’ll make it a hang of a lot easier.
Fewer mistakes – again, you’re already so familiar with your content. It’ll also make it easier to sound natural when you’re reading it.
Readability
So many more reasons we could be here all day. Like for real. Just read your scripts out loud. You’ll thank me later.
The more familiar you are with your script, the better.
When you know your content off the back of your hand, that’s when you can start having fun with it. You can veer off into an adlib and know exactly how to tie it back in. But of course, it does depend a little on your personality too.
My personality is a little “go with the flow”, so I don’t typically get bogged down if I mess something up or forget to say something. But I know that it can be very difficult when you’ve put so much effort into your content, it can be hard to let go of it sometimes and go with the flow.
If you’re the kind of person who struggles to go with the flow, it may be helpful not to overly script. Know what you want to say of course, but don’t be afraid to bullet point it and adlib off that.
The fact that podcasts are pre-recorded is both a blessing and a curse. It can mean you have more chances to get something right, so less pressure. It’s not live. But it also means you can get bogged down recording and re-recording over and over to get something perfect.
So, try to relax and enjoy the process.
