Guide · Podcast production

A podcast outline you can use today.

An outline keeps an episode on one idea and shortens the edit. It takes ten minutes and saves an hour of cutting.

By the radio.app production team · 2 min read

Start from the promise

Write one sentence: what will the listener know or be able to do after this episode? Everything in the outline serves that sentence.

Pick two or three supports: an example, a story, a number or a guest. If a point does not support the promise, leave it out.

Start with what the listener already knows, then move to what is new. Put the strongest point early, since people drop off.

End with the one thing to remember and one step the listener can take. Do not add a second ending.

Estimate minutes for each part. A tight outline gives a tight episode, and an editor can work to the plan. A script template adds the detail.

Questions

How detailed should an outline be?

Enough to keep you on the point. One page is plenty.

Can I reuse an outline?

Yes. Keep a standard one and change only the topic.

Share what you want to record, who it’s for and how often. We’ll reply with a proposed scope and timing.