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(By Troy Price) For almost a decade I have had a specific way that I prepare for my podcasts. I picked a topic for the show and then wrote out bullet points for a few points I wanted to make and then hit record. I would connect all my topics hopefully in an entertaining way and wrap up with a request for listeners to reach out to me with future topics. I thought that was the perfect way for me to podcast.
After years of seeing the podcasts consistently parked at the top of most charts, I have changed my mind. It used to be that I thought the NPR podcasts (and shows from other known names) were so popular only because they had a ‘brand name’ and had an entire existing following to which they could promote their podcasts. Now I still think that part is true, of course that does not hurt their popularity, but I have decided that so many people love those top-rated podcasts because they completely script their podcast episodes.
With scripting, I will know what my next word is going to be so there will be fewer opportunities to use filler words. Fewer words makes the words I do use more powerful. And using less filler words makes post-production editing easier too. With scripting, I will know when I am talking too much about a topic. To summarize Dave Jackson, “You can never be too long with a podcast, only too boring”, planning out what I am going to say can help with not boring my audience. With scripting, I can perfectly word my call to action. No more impromptu begging for ratings and reviews. No more stumbling over my URL or email when asking for feedback, both of those will be spelled out in front of me in the script.
The only downside of this new pre-production procedure is that it will greatly increase my work before I click record. But I believe I will make up that time in post-production since there will be less editing needed. While not a downside, scripting my shows will also change the nature of my time in front of the microphone. At least for me, part of the fun of podcasting is the buzz that comes from riffing on topics and flying by the seat of my pants while recording. With fully scripting my show, my recording time will be focused on giving voice and emotion to what I have already written. That is different and may impact my enjoyment of podcasting, but it will be worth it.
As I look at the list of the top rated podcasts again, it seems that several of the top-rated podcasts are hosted by celebrities with years of experience in extemporaneous speaking. I cannot change the fact that my only brush with celebrity was being interviewed for the local news when there was a fire in the neighborhood. I cannot change the fact that I really did not do public speaking until I started podcasting. So I cannot make it to the top of the podcast charts like those people..
The rest of the top-rated shows are scripted and are high-produced regardless if they are from NPR, or other sources. This is who I can learn from and emulate. I am willing to put in the work and up my production game. Will I ever make it to the top of any chart, maybe not. But I am going to put into practice one of my favorite success quotes from Tony Robbins, “ If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you’ll achieve the same results.”
Troy Price is the co-founder of Front Porch Studios in Berea, Kentucky. He has been involved with podcasting for over a decade. Listen to his show “Podcasting Tips From The Front Porch” HERE.