How to Write a Business Script for a Podcast

Scripts are essential for podcasting. A script is like a roadmap or a recipe that helps you navigate the episode while ensuring all the necessary elements are included. 

Here at Podbean, we help businesses all over the world harness the power of podcasting for internal communications and public podcasts. While many companies often breeze through the business and marketing planning process, sometimes they get stuck when it comes to prepping for the individual episodes themselves. 

That’s where scripts come in handy! If you need help writing a script for your corporate podcast, here’s our two-stage guide on how to write a script for a podcast. 

We’ve also included some templates during the episode–er article, so stay tuned for those! 

Do you need a podcast script? 

While many podcasters want to learn how to write a good script, some debate whether or not they need one at all. Technically you don’t need a podcast script, but it makes the podcasting process easier and more efficient. 

Even if you’re naturally charismatic and a great storyteller, human error causes us to forget things. A script will help you remember to mention everything you want to include. 

This is especially important for corporate or business internal communications podcasts, when the podcast is replacing written communications and you have important announcements for your employees. 

Specific announcements and information will vary depending on whether the podcast is internal or branded, but using a prewritten script keeps everyone on the same page (pun intended!). There are different types of scripts based on the podcast format, but we’ll give a general overview of the important sections before we include specific examples. 

Want to learn how to write a script for a podcast? Cue the intro music and let’s break it down into two simple steps: preparation and drafting. To write a business podcast script, you will need to first prepare by doing research on your audience, taking note of what you want your listeners to know and then fleshing it out.

Stage 1: Preparing your script 

Before you can start drafting your script, look at who the podcast is for and determine how this episode fits into a larger collection of episodes. 

Consider your audience and what they need to know

If you’re ready to start writing the script for your episode, we’ll assume you’ve researched who your target audience is, what your audience needs, and how you plan to help them. If not, start there!

For a corporate podcast, there are two options: an internal podcast for employees or a branded podcast for customers. 

A podcast is a great way to share important updates, so if you’re wondering how to write a script for a podcast, start by jotting down everything you need to include. Next, if there are any sections you want to have, like a Q&A or a lighthearted section, jot those down as well. 

Determining all your necessary information first will give you a general outline to expand on. 

Stage 2: Drafting your script 

Now that you know the information you need and the sections you want to include, use them as a skeleton to build the rest of your script. Some podcasters don’t use a fully-worded script but opt for a general outline. 

Regardless of the method you wish to use, if you’re still wondering how to write a script for podcasting, here are some key markers to include: 

Introduction 

Take a moment to introduce yourself, your show, and any guest speakers. Use this as an opportunity to briefly summarize the episode and hint at any surprises for listeners who stay until the end. 

After this, you can play your intro music or your branded intro if you have a specific tagline or slogan you use. 

Note: Music isn’t absolutely necessary; however, like TV theme music, it can generate excitement for your audience as it provides an audio cue that something exciting is about to begin. 

Sponsored message

If your podcast runs sponsored messages, also known as podcast ads, include them in your script so it flows well when the show goes live.

Advertisements don’t necessarily have to run right after the intro – they can go wherever you’d like. If you place it here, this is an example of a “pre-roll” ad that plays before the main content begins. 

Ads can be mid-roll (during the meat and potatoes of the episode) or post-roll (after the episode). Ultimately, it’s up to you and your sponsor to decide. 

Depending on the type of ad or sponsored message you’re running, you may also take a quick moment to mention your experience with the product or service.

Main talking points and topics

Here is the main content your audience tuned in to listen to. For podcasters wondering how to write a script for a podcast, we’ll put it like this: if you’ve ever written a high school essay, this is the “body paragraph” section of your podcast. This should be the longest section or at least the focal point of your script. 

The exact scripting details will vary depending on your format. If you’re interviewing, you can ask your guest the first question. If you have an important announcements or updates section, you can insert that here. 

Not all scripts will look the same as they heavily depend on the format. Here are some popular formats and an outline for the main section. 

Solo 

• Intro 
• Main content
  • Announcements and Updates section 
  • (mid-roll sponsored message)
  • Introduce topic  
  • Points 1 to 3+ 
• Outro 

Co-host  

• Intro 
• (Pre-roll sponsored message)
• Main content
  • Section 1 – led by one host
    • Announcements and updates
  • Section 2 – led by the other host
• Outro 

Interview 

• Intro 
• Main content
  • Let the guest introduce themselves 
  • Topical Questions
  • Fun Questions 
  • Leave some room for guest questions and conversation 
• Outro 
• (post-roll sponsored message)

There are many more formats you can use for a business podcast. Feel free to get creative based on your audience, but keep it consistent. 

Outro and CTA (Call to Action) 

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final stretch of your episode. Quickly summarize what you covered and mention what’s to come in the next episode. 

Viewers are about to exit your show, so give them an actionable step to get connected or stay connected to the community. Direct listeners to like and subscribe, comment, visit a link etc. 

After this, play your theme music or any other branded sound effects.

How to write a script for podcast success: Tips to remember

Here are some general podcasting tips to keep in mind. 

Be professional yet conversational

Podcasts aren’t news reports (sorry, news podcasters!), so keep it conversational. Unless you run a news podcast, talk as you would with a colleague or friend. 

Keep it casual but professional – some things may be too risqué for your audience. Gauge your audience (customers or employees) and your niche, and play it safe for the sake of your PR. 

Unless you need to be, don’t be glued to your script. Leave some room for improvisation and personality. If you’re a verbal thinker, try talking it out to generate ideas.  

Annotate your script 

Remember to read your script out loud before you record it. Making written notes will help you with pauses, intonation, and overall delivery. Some people have a nervous habit of talking faster than they breathe – pace yourself! 

If that’s you, it’s okay! Focus on pronouncing your words and delivering them so they’re understandable. If your company is in the language learning niche, it might be helpful to speak especially slowly.

Starting a business podcast? Try Podbean.

Podbean’s enterprise solution will help you produce the best company podcast to modernize your communications. 

Whether you’re starting an internal comms podcast or a branded company podcast for customers, use Podbean and start your free trial today.