You’ve been humming and hawing for a while now on whether or not you should start up your very own podcast…
Well, if you’re reading this, that means you’ve decided to take the leap. Congrats!
If you listen to podcasts a lot, then you know that most podcasters have a unique intro and outro, and even a unique pattern in which they discuss the topics they cover.
Finding your own unique pattern for your podcast is daunting. But we believe that when learning how to start your own podcast script, you should be spending the majority of your time mapping out and perfecting the bulk of your content. You shouldn’t waste your energy focusing on the nitty-gritty details of what to say in the beginning and end, and how to smoothly incorporate things like segues and sponsorships into your podcast.
That’s why we’ve compiled 8 free podcast script examples for intros, outros, and more. That’s right – you heard us correctly. We’ve got you covered on all things ~ podcasting ~ so that you can hit the ground running.
Without further ado, let’s get started on your journey into podcasting. Download and use our 8 free templates for intros, outros, and more below.
Feel free to click on the links below to skip around:
Related: How To Make Money Podcasting
Podcast script writing best practices
Before we jump right into the different podcast script templates that are at your disposal, let’s cover the basics. What are the best practices for writing a podcast script?
Best podcast script tips for beginners
Follow your outline and use delivery notes
When you are just starting your podcast, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why you should create an outline (hint: you can build your own outline from the free templates in this blog) that you can have in front of you while you are recording your podcast episodes. This allows you to stay on track and to not forget any important parts.
To get even more granular, you can annotate your podcast script with delivery notes. For example, writing ‘annunciate’ by a specific word or ‘slow down’ in a certain section can boost your podcast’s engagement level.
Keep it conversational
Just because you are following an outline doesn’t mean that your podcast needs to sound rigid and monotone. Keep your podcast conversational by practicing recording yourself beforehand and using delivery notes (as mentioned above).
Another element of podcasting is riffing – going off-script and letting the conversation flow naturally. This usually happens with podcasts that have guest speakers or co-hosts bouncing ideas and thoughts off one another. Just be careful not to steer way off-course and get sidetracked from the main point of the conversation; podcasts have time constraints, so you don’t want to waste any precious minutes. The nice thing is you can always edit this out if you want.
Being conversational will help bring your podcast to life, and let listeners feel as though they are there in the room with you, having a normal conversation.
Watch your pace, rhythm, and flow
We know we just told you to keep your podcast conversational and sounding fun, but be mindful of your pace, rhythm and flow. Sometimes, when we get excited, we tend to speak really fast and lose vocal control.
You can make yourself pause by taking a deep breath or two in between segments, so that the pace isn’t too rushed and there’s no excessive rambling. It may seem too slow while you’re doing it, but it always sounds faster when you listen to recordings of yourself.
On the other hand, you want to maintain the pace and ensure that there aren’t too many long pauses – this could deter your listeners from tuning in.
Be descriptive
Think back to the most engaging podcast episodes you’ve listened to. Chances are, you liked them because the hosts (and participants) told stories and personal anecdotes, gave illustrations, and/or were descriptive with their ideas. Since there are usually no visual elements involved, podcast hosts have to ensure that they are descriptive with their language, to paint an accurate picture for the listener. This also keeps your audience engaged and coming back to your channel for more content.
Add value and be yourself
The reason why podcasting has become so huge in recent years is because podcasters have a unique value proposition – the thing that makes people choose you over a similar product/service.
You may have already guessed it, but the value proposition is YOU! What makes so many listeners stay loyal to their favourite podcasters is the fact that they vibe with your personality, they like your character traits, and the content you bring to the table is of value to them in the unique way it’s presented by you.
The point here is to be yourself! By being authentic, you are bringing value to your podcast.
Related: How to Build a Personal Brand (Complete Guide)
How do you structure a podcast script?
There are many ways to structure your podcast, depending on what kind of podcast you have. Different types of podcasts include:
- Interview podcasts
- Co-host (conversational) podcasts
- Solo (monologue) podcasts
- Educational podcasts
- Bite-sized content podcasts
- Storytelling or investigative podcasts
- Roundtable (group) podcasts
- Theatrical podcasts
- Hybrid podcasts
Even though there are many types of podcasts out there – and there is no right or wrong way to run a podcast – they more or less follow the same structure in an episode.
Common podcast script elements:
Now let’s dive into the different podcast script templates we’ve created to help streamline the process for you.
Templates
Here, we have provided templates for podcast script examples that can form the foundation on which you script your podcast.
Note that most podcasts will have some sort of segue – calculated transitions planned out in the form of a musical effect – to help the podcast flow naturally. As you could see in the script elements outline, we placed some segues during natural transition phases throughout the podcast script. Keep this in mind when creating your own podcast episode.
A good introduction is essential at the beginning of each and every podcast episode.
You never know who is tuning in for the very first time, so you’ll want to welcome everyone new to your podcast, introduce yourself and the name of your podcast, and state what the theme of the episode is. You also want to hook people in, and make them curious to find out more.
If you have a co-host or a guest on your podcast, your script will look slightly different, as you will want to also introduce them and their purpose for being on the podcast.
You will want to help your listeners understand why they should care about the guest speaker by highlighting briefly what they are bringing to the table during the episode. Give them a formal introduction, and then allow them to introduce themselves as well.
If you are brand new to podcasting, you most likely won’t have any ads or sponsors in your podcast yet – those come with consistency and time!
Sponsors will typically provide the podcast host with a word-for-word script to follow, to ensure that their message meets its target. Some sponsors, however, might send you a specific list of points you need to cover, giving you a bit more freedom when crafting the sponsored message so that you can stay on brand with your podcast’s style.
The bulk of your podcast episode will come from talking about the various topics you’re going to cover. This section will be the most pertinent to what your podcast is all about. Tailor this section to how you want your podcast to flow – this is where you add value for your listeners.
Once you’re done with your key points, wrap it all up with your summary – a quick overview of the most important key takeaways from the episode. This section provides a nice transition into slowly ending the podcast episode.
Similar to the intro, the outro is where you remind your audience of who you are (again) and any closing remarks you want your listeners to be aware of. You could give a teaser of what’s to come next for your future episode, or anything that prompts listeners to tune-in in the future.
Make sure to thank any guest speakers you had on the episode in this section, and have them say any final remarks and their farewell here.
Before you officially end the episode, there are a couple of housekeeping things you need to mention. A CTA is where you can ask your listeners to follow any of your socials (such as leaving your Twitter or Instagram handle), rate or review your podcast, sign up for an exclusive drop on your website, or subscribe to marketing emails.
We have provided some different examples below of good CTAs to keep your audience in the loop and engaged with your content.
The last thing you should do before you sign off is thank any editors, producers, or anyone who helped your podcast in some way. You probably won’t need to start doing this until your podcast grows in reach, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind for when you do reach those milestones.
You can say your credits after your final farewell as the outro segue music starts to come on.
Key takeaways
You’re now equipped with all the tools you need to successfully write your very own podcast script.
While you don’t have to write down every word that you want to use, remember that preparation is the key to producing compelling podcast scripts that will reel your audience in.
Thinkific Podcast Template: Intro Example
Introduce the podcast
“Hello everyone, welcome to the first ever episode of “Thinkific Podcast Tips” [insert name of podcast]. Thanks for tuning in, my name is “Megan” [insert name of host] and I will be your host for today’s episode on “How To Write a Podcast Script” [insert name of podcast episode].
Tell your listeners a little about yourself
[Provide a brief outline of who you are, and how you got to where you are today with creating your own podcast].
Describe the contents of the podcast
I created this podcast to share my knowledge on “writing podcast scripts, and it is my goal for others to learn the necessary skills for creating a successful podcast” [insert reason for creating this podcast].
I have created a podcast series for people to follow, where I will be sharing all of my insights, tips, and best practices on “how to create an outstanding podcast” [insert some of the key features you will be sharing in your podcast].
In today’s episode, we will be covering the topic of “the best script writing tactics” [insert the specific topic you will be discussing in this episode].
Transition to the first key discussion point
Now that you know what this podcast is all about, let’s jump right into our first our first key point on “the most important script-writing skills you need to know” [insert the first topic you will be covering in your podcast].
Thinkific Podcast Template: Co-Host or Guest Intro Example
Introduce the podcast with your host
“Hello everyone, welcome to the first ever episode of “Thinkific Podcast Tips” [insert name of podcast]. Thanks for tuning in, my name is “Megan” [insert name of host] and my name is “Maddie” [insert name of co-host] and we will be your hosts for today’s episode on “How To Write a Podcast Script” [insert name of podcast episode].
Tell you listeners a little about yourself
[Provide a brief outline of who you and your co-host are and why you both came together to work on a podcast].
Introduce your guest on the podcast
Now, before we begin today’s episode, we have a very special guest here with us today.
I would like to introduce to you “Colin” [insert name of guest speaker], and we are very fortunate to have them on our podcast because “Colin” [insert name of guest speaker] is an expert on “writing podcast scripts” [insert the specific topic you will be discussing] and is going to give us some expert advice on how to do this.
“Colin” [insert name of guest speaker], why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today?
Guest introduction
[Allow the guest to briefly introduce themselves and their journey].
Transition to the first key discussion point
Thanks for sharing that with us, “Colin” [insert name of guest speaker]. We will be hearing from “Colin” [insert name of guest speaker] later on in the episode.
But for now, let’s jump right into our first topic on “the most important script writing skills you need to know” [insert the first topic you will be covering in your podcast].
`Thinkific Podcast Template: Ads/Sponsor Example
*In your introduction, usually after you introduce the contents of your podcast and before your first key discussion point begins, add your sponsor message in.*
Introduce your sponsor
This podcast episode of “How To Write a Podcast Script” [insert name of podcast episode] is brought to you by [insert name of sponsor].
If your sponsor has a scripted message for you to follow:
Before we get into the main content of the episode, our sponsor [insert name of sponsor] would like me to share this message with all of you wonderful listeners:
[Insert the scripted message from the sponsor].
If your sponsor does not have a scripted message for you to follow:
- Explain the product being sold
- Let listeners know why it’s beneficial
- Share you positive personal experience with the product
- Explain why your audience should consider trying the product
- If applicable, include your podcast’s discount or promo code
If you are required to give another sponsor shoutout at the end of your podcast:
*Insert this at the end of the episode, before the credits and segue come on*
Before we end today’s episode, I’d just like to give one last shoutout to our lovely sponsor of today’s episode, [insert name of sponsor]. Remember, [insert key points of sponsor message and the discount or promo code if applicable].
Thinkific Podcast Template: Key Points Example
*Insert or modify however many main talking points you want to include. This is our suggested outline to monitor the flow of the main body of your podcast.*
Introduction to first topic DURATION: ___ minutes ___ seconds
[Insert script for the first main point].
- Supporting point #1 ____________________
- Supporting point #2 ____________________
- Supporting point #3 ____________________
Introduction to second topic DURATION: ___ minutes ___ seconds
[Insert script for the second main point].
- Supporting point #1 ____________________
- Supporting point #2 ____________________
- Supporting point #3 ____________________
Introduction to third topic DURATION: ___ minutes ___ seconds
[Insert script for the third main point].
- Supporting point #1 ____________________
- Supporting point #2 ____________________
- Supporting point #3 ____________________
Thinkific Podcast Template: Summary Example
Summarize the main points of the podcast episode
Let’s do a quick recap of the most important takeaways from today’s episode that you’ll want to remember [insert a brief overview of the most important points you covered].
First we covered…
Next we talked about…
Lastly, we discussed the idea of…
If you have a guest speaker, get them to wrap up their key discussion points
“Colin” [insert name of guest speaker], do you want to say any last words or advice on what we discussed earlier?
[Insert guest speaker summary].
Wrap up your summary
Now that we have gone over how to “write a successful podcast script” [insert the key points that were discussed], it’s time for you to go off on your own to test and try these techniques.
Thinkific Podcast Template: Outro Example
Recap the value that you gave your listeners as an incentive to keep listening
I hope you enjoyed learning “How To Write a Podcast Script” [insert name of podcast episode], and that this episode leaves you feeling empowered to start working on “your own podcast” [insert the key goal of the podcast].
With the tools you learnt, such as [recap what your audience has learned], hopefully you feel more prepared to start your own journey “podcasting” [insert objective of podcast] – that means I’ve done my job right!
Mention any resources that are related to your podcast for your listeners
I also just wanted to mention some of my favourite resources that you should check out, as they have helped me start my career “podcasting” [insert objective of podcast], and they could be of value to you as well.
They are [insert resources related to the episode]. I have also added these resources to this podcast description, and they are on my website [insert name of website] as well.
Wrap up your podcast and thank your listeners
Thank you all for listening to “How To Write a Podcast Script” [insert name of podcast episode]. Again, my name is “Megan” [insert name of host], and don’t be shy to reach out if you have any questions.
*If you have a co-host or guest speaker include their goodbyes here as well.*
Give your audience a teaser for future episodes
If you liked this episode and are curious about “how to start your own podcast” [insert a description of what your podcast is about], be sure to tune into our upcoming episodes every “Tuesday” [insert the day(s) that new podcast episodes are released].
Our next podcast episode is about “The Best Podcast Practices” [insert name of next podcast episode].
Thinkific Podcast Template: Call-To-Action (CTA) Example
*CTA’s can vary for each podcast episode. We have included a few examples of different types of CTA’s to include below.*
CTA example: Website
Don’t forget to head to our website at “www.thinkific.com” [insert name of website] where we have all of our podcast recordings, upcoming events, and anything you need to know to stay connected in the “Thinkific Podcast Tips” [insert name of podcast] community.
CTA example: Sign up
Be sure to head to [insert website or social media handles] to sign up for our upcoming webinar on [insert name of webinar], and to find the information you need regarding all of the details.
CTA example: Social media
If you liked today’s episode, you can follow us on [Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc.] to stay connected to the “Thinkific Podcast Tips” [insert name of podcast] community. The handles are: [insert social media handles].
CTA example: Merchandise
Before you go, I just wanted to let you know about our exclusive merch drop that is going live on our website at “www.thinkific.com” [insert name of website] this upcoming “Friday” [insert date of merchandise release].
We have a range of limited-edition products dropping, which include [list the names of products], you won’t want to miss out, so make sure you get the products while they are still available!
CTA example: Review
Hopefully you enjoyed today’s episode! Before you go, we would appreciate any feedback by leaving us a review on “Spotify” [insert name of podcast platform].
Then stay tuned for next week where we dive into “The Best Podcast Practices” [insert next episode’s topic].
Thinkific Podcast Template: Credits Example
*You can start listing any credits while the last segue is playing.*
Thank any contributors to your podcast
I would just like to give out a special thanks to all of our wonderful contributors that made this episode of “How To Write a Podcast Script” [insert name of podcast episode] possible. These include [list your contributors and their roles] – we couldn’t do it without these special people.
Lastly, thank you audience for tuning in
And one last time, thank all of you lovely people for tuning in… see you next time!
*Allow segue to continue for 10-30 seconds after you’ve finished listing the credits.*
