Ever zoned out listening to a podcast that just rambles on? We’ve been there too. This usually happens when podcasters don’t use a podcast outline to give their episodes structure and direction.
A well-crafted outline is your secret weapon against boredom. If you’re struggling to create your own podcast outline, worry not! We’ve got you covered with templates and tips to help you craft your own engaging podcast outline.
Podcast Outline Templates
Ready to get started? Here are some podcast outline templates for different types of podcasts:
Solo Podcast Outline Template
- Introduction
- A hook to create intrigue
- Greeting
- Podcast name and episode number
- Brief episode summary
- Personal anecdote or hook
- Topic Introduction
- Introduction to the main topic
- Importance of the topic
- What listeners can expect to learn
- Main Content
- Point 1
- Explanation
- Examples or stories
- Point 2
- Explanation
- Examples or stories
- Point 3
- Explanation
- Examples or stories
- Point 1
- Interlude (Optional)
- Sponsor message or ad
- Short break with music
- Additional Points
- Point 4 (if any)
- Explanation
- Examples or stories
- Point 5 (if any)
- Explanation
- Examples or stories
- Point 4 (if any)
- Conclusion
- Recap of main points
- Final thoughts
- Call to action (e.g., subscribe, leave a review, visit website)
- Teaser for next episode
- Sign-off
- Thank listeners
- Social media handles or contact information
- Goodbye message
Freestyle Podcast Outline Template
- Introduction
- Greeting
- Podcast name and episode number
- Brief mention of today’s loose topic or theme
- Opening Monologue
- Personal update or story
- Initial thoughts on the day’s topic
- Main Freestyle Discussion
- Stream of consciousness on the topic
- Personal anecdotes
- Tangents and side stories
- Spontaneous thoughts and opinions
- Interlude (Optional)
- Sponsor message or ad
- Short break with music
- Continuation of Freestyle Discussion
- Addressing listener feedback or questions (if any)
- Further musings on the topic
- Random thoughts or off-topic chatter
- Conclusion
- Recap of the discussion
- Final thoughts
- Call to action (e.g., subscribe, leave a review, visit website)
- Sign-off
- Thank listeners
- Social media handles or contact information
- Goodbye message
Podcast with a Co-Host Outline Template
- Introduction
- Greeting
- Podcast name and episode number
- Co-host introductions
- Brief episode summary
- Topic Introduction
- Overview of the main topic
- Importance of the topic
- What listeners can expect to learn
- Main Discussion
- Point 1
- Co-host 1’s thoughts
- Co-host 2’s thoughts
- Discussion/debate
- Point 2
- Co-host 1’s thoughts
- Co-host 2’s thoughts
- Discussion/debate
- Point 3
- Co-host 1’s thoughts
- Co-host 2’s thoughts
- Discussion/debate
- Point 1
- Interlude (Optional)
- Sponsor message or ad
- Short break with music
- Additional Discussion
- Point 4 (if any)
- Co-host 1’s thoughts
- Co-host 2’s thoughts
- Discussion/debate
- Point 5 (if any)
- Co-host 1’s thoughts
- Co-host 2’s thoughts
- Discussion/debate
- Point 4 (if any)
- Conclusion
- Recap of main points
- Final thoughts from both co-hosts
- Call to action (e.g., subscribe, leave a review, visit website)
- Teaser for next episode
- Sign-off
- Thank listeners
- Social media handles or contact information
- Goodbye message from both co-hosts
Interview Podcast Outline Template
- Introduction
- Greeting
- Podcast name and episode number
- Introduction of the guest
- Brief episode summary
- Guest Introduction
- Guest’s background and credentials
- Why the guest is on the show
- Personal anecdote or hook
- Main Interview
- Question 1
- Guest’s response
- Follow-up questions
- Question 2
- Guest’s response
- Follow-up questions
- Question 3
- Guest’s response
- Follow-up questions
- Question 1
- Interlude (Optional)
- Sponsor message or ad
- Short break with music
- Continued Interview
- Question 4 (if any)
- Guest’s response
- Follow-up questions
- Question 5 (if any)
- Guest’s response
- Follow-up questions
- Question 4 (if any)
- Conclusion
- Recap of main points
- Guest’s final thoughts
- Call to action (e.g., subscribe, leave a review, visit website)
- Sign-off
- Thank the guest
- Thank listeners
- Social media handles or contact information
- Goodbye message
Tutorial Podcast Outline Template
- Introduction
- Greeting
- Podcast name and episode number
- Brief episode summary
- Importance of the tutorial topic
- Topic Introduction
- What the tutorial will cover
- Necessary materials or prerequisites
- Expected outcome or skills learned
- Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Step 1
- Detailed explanation
- Tips or tricks
- Step 2
- Detailed explanation
- Tips or tricks
- Step 3
- Detailed explanation
- Tips or tricks
- Step 1
- Interlude (Optional)
- Sponsor message or ad
- Short break with music
- Continued Tutorial
- Step 4 (if any)
- Detailed explanation
- Tips or tricks
- Step 5 (if any)
- Detailed explanation
- Tips or tricks
- Step 4 (if any)
- Conclusion
- Recap of steps
- Final tips or advice
- Call to action (e.g., subscribe, leave a review, visit website)
- Sign-off
- Thank listeners
- Social media handles or contact information
- Goodbye message
Feel free to adapt the templates above according to your podcast’s tonality, niche, and needs!
Podcast Outline vs. Podcast Script
The two differ from each other in one aspect: precision. While a script is detailed and dictates what needs to be said word to work, an outline is just a rough structure of the topics being discussed.
Why Is a Podcast Outline Important?
Here are four reasons a podcast outline is essential:
- Eliminates Redundancy
- Provides Structure
- Maintains Natural Flow
- Establishes Direction
How to Create a Podcast Outline
If you want to create your own outline here are three steps you can follow:
- Note Down Everything You Want to Talk About
- Brainstorm all the points you want to cover without worrying about order. Include your intro, outro, CTAs, and any ads.
- Arrange Them in a Desirable Structure
- Organize your brainstormed points into a cohesive structure. This will help you see the overall flow of your episode.
- Note Down Points for Each Section
- Lastly, list out all the important details you want to discuss under each section. It will help you cover everything necessary to deliver a punchy and valuable episode, while also giving you a clear idea of the flow and direction of your episode..
Conclusion
You’re now ready to create a rock-solid podcast outline. Use it to create episodes that keep your listeners engaged and help you produce natural, flowing episodes.
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