Just like Mr. Bean, your podcast is unique. And sure there may be many other shows picking up the same topics to talk about, but those podcasts can’t be exactly like yours. You’re what makes your creations so awesome.
That said, we all have aspirations. You may have favorite podcasters of your own. Usually, that means you won’t be able to help but compare certain aspects of those shows with your own. You may like someone’s vocal delivery more or the way they structure their podcast script. Or, you find the POVs they pick to dissect an issue to be amazing. And that’s okay.
Often, though, you may not realize that what makes your favorite podcaster’s productions so great is knowing how to read a script naturally. And once you can bridge that gap, you’ll level up automatically!
So, that’s what we’re about today! But before we start, Mr. Bean wants to share an important revelation he’s just had with you:
Like writers, not all podcasters are plotters–some are pantsers, meaning they don’t like spending the hours that go into making scripts. We’ll totally cheer for you, if you’re one of the latter.
That said, the main advantage of having prepped a script and using it to practice is that you have a backup to fall upon. It can be highly useful while you’re on the air and something goes wrong, tech malfunctions, interviewee awkwardness, etc.
TLDR, knowing how to start a podcast script and sticking to it can be of big help. But so can using a teleprompter. Before breaching the next section, you may want to look up what is a teleprompter and how it can make podcasting smoother.
Are you not a natural at public speaking?
Do you tend to ramble and go off-topic often?
Do you keep referring to your very detailed and organized notes while recording?
Will you be quoting various sources while doing podcasts?
If your answers were mostly yes, then you need both a podcast script template and a teleprompter for seamless audio podcasting.
Actually, even more so! You’ll be in your audience’s view when on video. That means bending down to refer to your material–to read quotes or the next point you should be making–won’t look good. Your viewers may not feel that connection or like you’re talking to them directly.
You can prevent that by keeping your lines right in front of you, courtesy of good quality teleprompter software. Find out what else you’ll need to start making video podcasts here.
Our Teleprompter app can help you immensely as you learn how to read a script naturally. That’s because it:
You’ll find the full features list here.
So, now you know how important prepping a script is and how much teleprompters can help you, let’s get you reading scripts like a pro:
Normally, we pick a writing style matching the end purpose of the task-at-hand. For example, you’re probably going to opt for a formal style for a college essay. But you won’t do the same for your social media posts. That’s what you have to do with your podcast scripts too. Adopt a style similar to how you speak because:
So, avoid industry lingo, specialist terms, and buzz words whenever you can. Stick with that practice even if you’re creating content for a target audience in your own industry. A great podcast script example keeps things simple and easy to understand–that’s what communication’s all about.
Just think about how you normally phrase things. How often do you find yourself using words like exuberant (use great instead!) and somewhat (what’s wrong with kind of?), or phrases like due to the valiant efforts of…instead of hard work?
So, one of the secrets podcasters learn about how to read a script naturally is to phrase things the way they would normally.
Learning to read ahead isn’t something everyone does naturally. And once you start attempting to do it, it may even feel weird to you. However, it does get easier after a while. But more importantly, it minimizes mistakes during podcasting.
For instance, not knowing where a sentence is going can mess up your intonation of it. But when you read ahead, you’ll already know which words will show up next. That way, you’ll be less likely to get the intonation wrong. Similarly, this will help you determine:
You already know podcast scripting needs to be for the ear and not the eye. So, use devices to make it easier to read (for you) and be more receptive (for viewers). One such device is numbered lists. As you kick off a podcast, do with a sentence like, Let’s discuss the four ways of…
In addition, retain your audience’s attention for longer by sticking with the active voice when you can. Another how to read a script naturally secret is to ensure smooth transitions between each point you make.
And once you arrive at the end, go back to your numbered list, and use it to recap everything you covered in your podcast.
Break grammar and conversation rules when the podcast calls for it! Sure, it’s important to use correct grammar, but not if ignoring it leaves you with a good turn of phrase!
Similarly, you probably start sentences with What I think or So all the time in real life. Leverage those filler words in your podcasting too. They’ll ensure you come off more authentic and relatable.
Figuring out how to read a script naturally will take some practice. But you can cut that time short by using the tips we mentioned above and investing in an ipad teleprompter. The latter ensures you will have a script in front of you. That should keep you from having to worry about what you’re saying and focus more on how you’re saying it!
Need more advice? Discover how to speak well on camera and the best transcription software in the biz.
Want to know how to write a podcast script and not come off as robotic or monotonous? Do it by remembering two important things:
Do these things and you’ll become a better podcaster as you gain more experience.
A half-and-half approach is the best to read a script naturally and bond with your audience. Stick to the script whenever you want to sound credible. But put it away during moments you’ll use to connect with your viewers/listeners. Mark the places on your script where you’ll be sharing anecdotes, stories, or even an emotionally-charged point. That’s when you go off-script!
Reading from scripts while recording yourself is a skill you can develop with some practice. Use these tips to master it:
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