Finding Your Podcasting Sweet Spot: Embracing the Best of Both Scripted and Free-Form Formats
today we're diving into the age-old debate of scripted vs. free-form podcasting. Many believe that podcasting falls into two categories: the casual, conversational style made popular by Joe Rogan, and the rigid structure of scripted shows. But what if...
Today we're diving into the age-old debate of scripted vs. free-form podcasting. Many believe podcasting falls into two categories: the casual, conversational style made popular by Joe Rogan, and the rigid structure of scripted shows. But what if I told you there's a middle ground? In this episode, we explore that sweet spot we like to call structure, where you can have a clear plan without feeling scripted. We'll discuss the pros and cons of both ends of the spectrum, and I'll even offer some tips on how to make your scripted episodes sound more natural. So whether you're a fan of free form or prefer structure, join me as we uncover the third alternative in podcasting. Let's get started and find the best approach for your show.
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Many podcasters tend to lean towards either the free-form, conversational style or the strict script-reading approach. While both have their merits, finding the right balance can result in engaging and well-paced episodes that captivate your audience.
So, what does "structure" mean in the context of podcasting? It's about putting some thought into your content, organizing your ideas, and creating a roadmap for your episode. Start by defining your main topic or theme, and then jot down some bullet points that will guide your conversation. This way, you'll have a clear direction while allowing room for organic discussion.
Scripted Podcasting
For those who prefer a scripted approach, writing conversationally is crucial. Embrace your natural speaking style, let go of strict grammar rules, and read your script as if you were conversing with a friend. Practice is key here, as it will help you deliver your lines more naturally and avoid sounding robotic.
Free Form Podcasting
Conversely, for those who enjoy the free-form style, remember that podcasting is a curated conversation. While it's great to let the conversation flow, keeping it structured ensures that you trim any unnecessary or dull segments during the editing process. By having a loose plan or an outline, you can stay on track and maximize the quality of your content.
Now, I know that finding your podcasting sweet spot might seem like a tall order, but the best way to discover it is through experimentation. Try each approach and see which one feels more comfortable and efficient for you.
Remember, you don't have to release every episode you record during this process – it's all about finding what works best for you and your unique style.
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If you ever need guidance or want to tap into my 18 years of podcasting experience, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you become the best podcaster you can be. By the way, if you're interested in taking your podcasting game to the next level, check out the School of Podcasting community. Use the " Listener " coupon code to unlock exclusive savings on monthly or yearly subscriptions. Plus, you'll gain access to online courses and unlimited one-on-one consulting with experts.
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Dave Jackson [00:00:00]:
Some people think podcasting has two versions. It's either conversational, sometimes called Rogan style, because Joe Rogan just seems to turn on the mic and talk to his friends. And then there's scripted, which seems very somehow binding. I have to say the words on the page. And today we're going to talk about the spot in between. Welcome to your podcast consultant small Lessons with Big Value. Now he wants to work with you. He's your podcast consultant, dave Jackson.
Dave Jackson [00:00:39]:
Thanks so much for tuning in. I am glad you are here. And as I said, so many people think you have two forms. Either we'll just call it free form, right? Conversational and then scripted, which is the direct opposite, where I have to take the words in my head, put them on a piece of paper in an organized fashion. And if you're a person that just loves to free form it, that is like the direct opposite of what you're doing. And likewise, if you're a person that loves scripted, somebody goes, yeah, just turn on the mics and we'll talk. You're like, well, there is a point in between. And I call it structure.
Dave Jackson [00:01:20]:
So we'll call it free form. There is structured and then there is scripted. Structure is where you do put some time into what the heck am I trying to say? Because you should have that. Then you can say, okay, our main topic is blank. So today my main topic is recording formats, performance. We could even say formats, structure, scripted and free form. Then we're going to talk about the pros and cons of each. So as I mentioned, scripted makes some people really weird because I don't want to have to focus exactly on what I'm going to say.
Dave Jackson [00:02:04]:
I will give you a tip on that. If you're going to go with scripted, write the way you talk. Because we don't talk the way we write and we don't write the way we talk. So write the way you talk. Just throw grammar out the window and when you read that, it won't sound so much like you are reading it. And that's the other thing practice. Because nobody wants to listen to a show where someone talks like this, reading it off the paper and oh, I should have taken a breath there, but I didn't because I'm reading it and I don't have to breathe. Nobody wants to do that.
Dave Jackson [00:02:36]:
The other side of conversational, free form, you can do that. But realize that to me, yes, a podcast can be conversational. Right now I'm just talking to you like you're sitting across the table from me. I like that. But when it's with you and a co host or a guest, realize that someone is going to listen to this. And a podcast, while conversational is not a conversation because it's the conversation with the boring parts removed. And the longer you just free form it, there's a really good chance there are some things in there you want to remove. So the middle one is structure.
Dave Jackson [00:03:17]:
Structure. You come up with your main topic and then your bullet points, and you use that as a map. A great example of this, I was on a show called Horses in the Morning. I happened to be in Florida. My buddy Glenn, hebert runs that show, and he had a Google Doc with an outline of the topics for the day. Even with kind of a timestamp like, hey, this first segment is going to be around 15 minutes. Here's what we're going to talk about. Here are the points we want to make.
Dave Jackson [00:03:49]:
And you can easily see that, okay, I know where I'm going now. And in some cases, the co host could kind of tell that, all right, we've hit all we need to hit from point A, and they would somehow just seamlessly transition into the next point. Now, if you don't have that skill yet, I do this on a show called The Future of Podcasting. And I'll just look at my co host and say, have we said all we need to say on that? And he'll be like, yeah, I'm done. You got anything? And I was like, no, we're good. And I will cut that out. And again, going back to remove the boring parts. So what this does is it makes sure that when your episode is over, you don't find yourself going, oh, you know what I should have said there.
Dave Jackson [00:04:36]:
Because when you do a conversational show where it is not scripted, it is not thought out, it's just, I'm going to turn on the microphone and talk is you're opening up the door for more editing. And some people are like, no, I keep it real. Whatever I said is Whatever I do, to which I kind of go. So let me get this straight. There are movie editors, TV editors, newspaper editors, book editors, but when it comes to this medium podcasting, you don't need an editor. And that's also often the time the person goes, how do I grow my show? Yeah, there's a coincidence there, isn't it? So you're not editing your show to just have the best stuff there, and yet you're wondering why your show isn't growing. There are toys. Back in the day on playgrounds, it was a board, and you would sit on one end and your friend would go up, and then they would kind of sit on an end or whatever.
Dave Jackson [00:05:33]:
You would kick your legs. It was called a teeter totter. And I always say there is a teeter totter in podcasting. The more planning you do, the less editing you do. However, if you don't do any planning, you're going to be doing a whole lot of editing. So there is something in the middle. I think it produces just as good of an outcome as the other two. There is scripted.
Dave Jackson [00:06:00]:
And again, for some people, that is just way too confining. And then the other side is free form, just conversational. Well, can we kind of meet in the middle? And we can, and it's called structured. Now, which one's best for you? Try all three. Remember, you don't have to release everything you do and see which one you found easier to do, which one you found took less time to do. And again, when I say time, start that timer from the time you start thinking about it and jotting down your points to the point where you're actually getting ready to publish it. Try them all on and see which one fits you best. Now, if you need help with this, you want to tap into my 18 years of podcasting experience, you can find me over@schoolopodcasting.com if you use the coupon code Listener, that'll save you on either a monthly or yearly subscription.
Dave Jackson [00:06:58]:
And realize that subscription, in addition to the online courses and the phenomenal podcast community that we have there, it also comes with unlimited one on one consulting. Again, check it out. Scobapodcasting.com. Use the coupon code listener because I'm Dave Jackson. I help podcasters. It's what I do. I can't wait to see what we're going to do together because I want to be your podcast consultant.
