Planning your podcast

Embrace Conversational Tone

Planning a podcast should not be seen as scripting a speech. Engaging podcasts often have a conversational tone that requires a certain degree of spontaneity and improvisation. While writing content in advance can be useful for keeping track of subject matter, data, or prompts, it's generally not advisable to read verbatim from a script.

Pre-Interview Guests

When inviting guests to discuss specific topics, consider having a pre-interview chat beforehand. This allows you to get a general idea of what will be discussed and gives you an opportunity to research if needed.

Episode Length and Structure

• Podcasts should not exceed one hour in length. If your content requires more time, consider splitting it into separate parts or episodes.
• Plan breaks within each episode to give listeners a breather and allow you to regain control if the conversation veers off track.
• If recording with guests in a single session, plan ahead for logical break points to split the content into multiple episodes during editing.

Engaging Introductions

Most listeners decide whether to continue listening within the first minute. Clearly introduce the topic (and guests, if applicable) right from the start to draw your audience in immediately.

Sustainable Frequency

When planning your episode frequency, consider the time and effort required for writing, recording, and editing. Many podcasters start with weekly episodes without realizing the workload involved. Evaluate a sustainable frequency that aligns with your resources and workflow.