Solo But Not Silent: Mastering Script Outlines for Your Podcast
Unlock your voice and connect with your audience effortlessly.
Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, wondering how to kick off your next episode?
Or perhaps you’ve got a stack of newsletters brimming with insights but aren’t sure how to turn them into captivating audio?
Trust me, you’re not alone—I’ve been in that exact spot, and it’s more common than you might think.
Many podcasts go the co-host route, and while there is certainly a time and a place for that depending on the topic, not everyone always has the bandwidth to do that and may be more introverted.
Or in the case of the newsletter and publication world, perhaps you’re just looking for another medium to create content for others.
The Solo Script Struggle
Feeling Lost Without a Co-Host?
Creating engaging content all by yourself can be tough.
Without someone to bounce ideas off, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure if your script will resonate with your audience.
You might spend hours writing, only to scrap everything because it doesn’t “feel right.”
When Inspiration Runs Dry
The Frustration is Real
This struggle can be incredibly frustrating.
It slows down your production schedule and can even make you question your abilities as a podcaster.
The worst part?
Your message isn’t reaching the people who need to hear it, and your brilliant ideas stay locked away instead of making the impact they deserve.
5 Actionable Tips to Elevate Your Solo Podcast
1. Start with a Simple Framework
Think of your script as a conversation rather than a monologue. Begin with a basic outline:
• Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic.
• Main Points: List 3-5 key ideas you want to cover.
• Conclusion: Summarize and sign off with a call-to-action.
🔍 Analogy: Consider your script like building a house—you need a solid foundation (your outline) before adding the bricks (detailed content).
2. Repurpose Your Newsletter Content
As mentioned above, your newsletters are a goldmine of material waiting to be heard. Identify the most engaging topics you’ve written about and adapt them into podcast episodes.
📚 Example: If you wrote a newsletter on “Top 5 Productivity Hacks,” expand on each point with personal anecdotes or additional insights in your podcast.
3. Use Voice-to-Text Tools
Sometimes speaking is easier than writing. Use voice-to-text software to capture your thoughts verbally. This can make your script sound more natural and less scripted.
Ali Abdaal came out with a pretty cool app that can help with this.
4. Visualize Your Audience
Imagine you’re speaking to a specific person—maybe a friend or a loyal listener. This makes your tone more conversational and helps overcome the feeling of talking into the void.
I’ve often seen this advice given here on Substack when it comes to writing, and I think the same can work for solo podcasting.
5. Practice Makes Progress
Don’t aim for perfection on your first try. Record drafts, listen back, and tweak as needed. Over time, you’ll develop a style that feels both authentic and engaging.
Substack has great tools for making both video and audio posts. I have enjoyed using Riverside.fm’s partnership with Spotify for my podcast. You can always use a free tool like Audacity as well to record audio. If you have an iPhone, you can even record via the microphone on there and use that.
Here’s an article I found that can even give you basic settings for editing your audio as well.
Let’s Make Your Voice Heard!
Ready to take your solo podcast to the next level? Give these tips a try in your next episode.
And if you’re looking for a handy tool to streamline the process, I do have a Podcast Script Assistant GPT on ChatGPT that may be the game-changer you’re looking for!
Now, I know when it comes to everyone’s finances, sometimes some prefer a one-off purchase, some don’t mind subscriptions, etc, so I wanted to offer some flexibility with this.
Use code SUBSTACK to get access to the GPT with promo code and get 30% off. Consider becoming a paid subscriber and get free access!
If you’re curious about becoming a paid subscriber, consider signing up as I plan to provide discounts for future GPTs, courses, and digital products, and you’ll also get a shoutout in a future newsletter! I’ve got other goodies and fun that I’ve been brainstorming as well!
But with that, I know sometimes we all get subscription “overwhelm,” so I just wanted to offer up the chance for a one-off purchase in addition to the chance to join up as a paid subscriber as well.
If you run into any issues with anything, please let me know.
In the end though, remember, your unique voice and perspective are what make your podcast special (and publication). Happy podcasting!
As always, thank you for your support, and have a great week!