Scripting your podcast

By Jonathan Halls

When you write for audio, you are writing for the ear. Your script should be written so that when read, it sounds as if you are speaking naturally.

I've noticed that a lot of people fall into a "formal" style of writing when they write for audio.  They use longer words than most people and expressions that are often stuffy and archaic. 

Try to avoid writing formally.  Use language your audience uses everyday in casual environments such as open-plan offices.  Here are some very basic audio writing tips.

Words for podcasts
Choose simple words that are graphic. Such as slash, rather than reduce. Make sure they are easy for the ear to hear.

Mono-syllables are great simply because they are easier for your ear to hear and generally easier to recognize.

We're not talking about "dumbing down" here.  A lot of words which are perfectly acceptable in everyday life are thrown out by script writers who want to sound more official.

For example, start is far more effective than commence. End is better than finish. Avoid words you know your listener will not recognize and only use lengthy words if they sound better or save you using other words.

When you choose words, go for words that are concrete and specific.  Avoid vague words and be descriptive.  Don't use it or them when you can be specific.  Use a word that actually describes the object or group of people.

Another thing to consider when choosing words is the warmth of their sound.  Many great broadcasters made themselves famous because they used words that sounded great on radio. 

Writing sentences for podcasts
Write short sentences one with clause. Resist the temptation to add sub-clauses.  They only make it more difficult for your listener to hear. 

Remember, you're not writing to be read, but writing to be heard.  The more complex your sentence, the slower your listener will process what you have said.

I always suggest to new audio writers to look out for words such as and or but.  The instant you see one, ask yourself, "Can I replace it with a period or full stop and then start a new sentence?"

People generally find it uncomfortable to write like this.  It sometimes feels as if you're writing without finesse.  This is understandable because when you're not used to something it takes practice before it seems natural.

Write your sentences in the active voice.

Phrases on podcasts
Phrases that seem perfectly clear on paper can often sound muffled when spoken.  This can be because we run words together when we speak.  Or in fact, the last sound of a word may be the same as the first sound of the next word.

For example, one newsreader presented a story saying, “Concern is rising over attacks on tourists.” When spoken, it can sound like, “a tax on tourists.” Try it out loud.

The other day on BBC Radio 5, I was interested to hear that a program guest used to wear a mouse suit to school. Only after about five minutes did I realize he was talking about a Chinese Mao suit.

Quoting people in podcasts

If you find yourself writing a script that makes reference to someone else's comments or quotes, do not quote them word for word.  A lot of beginners will write a script that goes something like,

"Last week, the President said, 'We will be reducing tax in order to...'" 

If you read that sentence and start quoting the President, you'll find you've become an actor.  Leave that for Hollywood and Broadway.

Instead, you should paraphrase the comments.  It sounds far more natural.

Layout for podcast scripts
Always type your script in a serif font and lower case letters. Lower case letters are easier for your eye to read as eyes tend to recognize the word shapes.

If you write your whole script in capitals, your eye needs to read each letter individually before you recognize the word.

I recommend you use capitals on words where you know you want to slow down, or difficult words you need to be careful with such as names or words from other languages.

Include a margin and double space your lines. This allows space to underline words you wish to highlight or draw lines that help you recognize phrases such as the slur mark used in music manuscripts.

Type your script so that the column of text is about 10 to 12 centimeters as this makes it easier for your eye to find the next line as you read.