How can you edit a podcast script for clarity?

A good podcast script does two things. It keeps the audience from getting lost. And it keeps the reader from getting lost. The best way to do that is: 1: Short paragraphs. 2. Short words. 3. Easy-to-pronounce words. You really don't want people tuning out.

I agree with having an outline... Especially if you're prone to rambling. But don't over-script your podcast. Then you end up reading it. And sound like you're reading it too! (I thought I was good at this... But I'm actually not. Haha)

If you don't make a plan, then you plan to fail. And yes, this applies to your podcast script too. You can follow this common podcast structure when starting out: Intro ?? Start with a Hook: ?? Welcome your listeners and introduce yourself. ?? Give an overview of the episode Body ?? Segment 1: Discuss your main topic ?? Segment 2: This segment can be used to interview a guest, discuss a related topic, or share your own personal experiences. ?? Segment 3: Summarize the main points of your episode. Outro ?? Thank your listeners ?? Encourage your listeners to subscribe to your show. ?? Mention your social media channels and encourage listeners to follow you. ?? Give a brief teaser for the next episode.

Write your script, get your ideas out, don't limit yourself. You come up with some great stuff. Then, try to edit it down by 50%, even if this means setting ideas aside for other episodes.

Peer feedback is so important when you are looking to edit down a podcast script. Keep a list of your trusted advisors, or even friends that you can lean on to get their input. You never know what they'll help you uncover.

Once you have a basic structure for your podcast script, the next step is to start cutting the fluff. This means removing any unnecessary information or filler words that are not adding value to your episode. Here are a few tips for cutting the fluff from your podcast: ? Be ruthless. Cut out anything that is not essential to your episode. ? Don't beat around the bush. Get to the point of your topic quickly and efficiently. ? Keep your audience in mind when you are cutting the fluff. Only include information that is relevant and interesting to them. Consider cutting these things: ? Super Long intros. ? Tangents. ? Filler words like "um" and "like" ? Clichés and empty phrases like "at the end of the day" ? Irrelevant information.

A note on filler words: while over use can be a distracting sign of underdeveloped ideas. Words such as “like” are better described as Discourse Markers and can often add needed or appreciated tone and context to the phrase. Don’t forget you are editing phrases, not sentences! People don’t speak like they write. Most often if you want a natural flow and ease of listening allow for some natural inefficiency in phrasing.

This is particularly important to note if you're using AI to help write your script! Read it out aloud and if you feel like you're running out of breath, there are probably too many commas. I love short impactful sentences.

Consider breaking some part of your script out as a recurring "special feature" on the podcast. It will give your podcast interest, let listeners digest an important nuggets, and help you simplify the rest of your script.

No matter how good your podcast script is, people don't always say what you need them to say, or they don't say it in the right way. This is why I'm a fan of video podcasts. You can add floating text to fill in the gaps or address unclear points. This is also why I like annotated transcripts. You can add context to what's on the record.