Writing a radio script for your live broadcast is the best way to prepare your radio show and ensure that you have a guide to follow. Not only does it help with the organization of your show, but it’s also a great way of avoiding dead air (any radio presenter’s worst nightmare!)
Why do you need a radio script?
How to write a radio script
What kind of radio scripts are there?
Be yourself!
When it comes to broadcasting on your station, it’s important to be prepared in order to provide the best possible listening experience for your audience. Let’s dive right into the essential things to keep in mind for seamless broadcasting!
Why do you need a radio script?
To be prepared
Preparing a radio script in advance allows you to have a written trail to follow during your live broadcast. Not only does this allow you to be more comfortable in your element, but it can also help you present a more dynamic show that will keep your listeners hooked!
Radio scripts allow you to plan ahead and ensure that you know where you are, and where you are going! If you ever feel lost for words, or your mind goes blank (it happens to us all!) then you can quickly check your script to get back on track.
Top Tip: you may want to use a dual screen laptop in order to have your radio script and your Radio Manager visible at all times!
To fit your branding
Planning your radio shows in advance also gives you the opportunity to ensure that your content is on brand with the theme, values, and tone of your station. Live broadcasting can be stressful at times, and depending on the topic you’re discussing, you may want to prepare your text in advance to make sure that you’re sending the right message. Whether you’re discussing a political topic, current events, or just want to jot down some key words to help you stay on track! It’s a great way to take some of the pressure off, and can come in handy if you’re struggling to find the appropriate words.
How to write a radio script
Write as if you’re speaking
The number one rule when it comes to preparing a radio script is to write as if you’re talking! Don’t make your script too formal as it may sound forced or unnatural when you’re broadcasting live on air. Try and make it as casual as possible, as if you were chatting with a group of friends!
This is why it’s important for you to know your audience! By knowing who you’re speaking to, it’s easier to establish which tone and language you should be use. For example, if your target audience is aged between 18-26, using slang is a great way to help your audience relate to your content.
Top Tip: If you’re having trouble making your script sound natural, record yourself talking about the subject. You can then go back and listen to it and write down key phrases.
Paint a picture
The tough thing about being a radio presenter is that your listeners can’t see you, so to make sure they’re engaged in what you’re saying, be sure to paint a picture for them.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to talk about every single detail, however, don’t forget that your audience doesn’t have a visual aid when tuning into your radio show, so make sure that they can easily see what you’re talking about so that they don’t lose interest.
Keep it brief
As we mentioned earlier, your script must be detailed enough to help you see where you are, and where you are going. However, it’s important not to read your script as it’ll take away from the natural storytelling tone of your voice. Avoid adding unnecessary words to your script, this will make it harder for you to speak spontaneously and add elements of improvisation.
We suggest that you write down a few bullet points for each topic with 3-5 key words. This means you won’t be tempted to read it, and your voice will keep that natural tone!
What kind of radio scripts are there?
Music radio scripts
There are fewer spoken passages, as your show is obviously based on music. You’ll intervene before/after the music, announcing artists and titles and maybe giving some fun facts or current news about that person. Your script will mostly consist of bullet points and keywords as a music radio station is generally more free and improvised compared to a talk radio station.
The main preparation for this type of radio station is the musical programming, the creation of your playlists, and the order in which you will broadcast your content.
EXAMPLE: MUSIC RADIO SCRIPT
Intro: [RadioKing Jingle]
DJ: Hello and welcome to the RadioKing show! We’ve got loads of hit songs for you today, let’s get started with “Those Kinda Nights” by Eminem ft Ed Sheeran. We’ll be right back.
Cue music: [Those Kinda Nights – Eminem ft Ed Sheeran]
(Top Tip: Don’t hesitate to prepare some notes about the songs/artists that you are playing. They don’t need to be scripted, but you should be able to use them during your live broadcast if you want!)
DJ: And we’re back after that smasher by Eminem from his latest album “Music to Be Murdered By” which was released at the beginning of the year.
Notes: the album arrived without warning/ received mixed reviews/ based on the rapper’s opinion of the younger generation.
DJ: Now, we’ve got some interesting topics to discuss today [announce News, Story, or Gossip here], but before we dive into that let’s take a listen to [song name and artist]. Stay tuned!
Cue music: [Song name and artist]
Talk radio scripts
There are mostly spoken passages, as the aim of a talk radio show is to convey information. Here, you’ll need a more detailed script however that doesn’t mean you need to write every word that will come out of your mouth. Having a script with the main ideas is useful in order to structure your live show, it can also help you keep on track.
This type of radio show requires a bit more preparation on the radio presenting side of things. Your topics need to be well-defined beforehand, and you’ll need to do your research in order to properly prepare your script.
EXAMPLE: TALK RADIO SCRIPT
Intro: [RadioKing Jingle or Speech Introduction]
DJ: “Hello and welcome to the RadioKing show! We’ve got lots to talk about today so let’s dive right in with [Insert Story Topic here].”
Introduction: [Brief summary of the Story – captures the attention of your listeners] (Duration?)
Background: [Tell the main part of the Story – gives context/ background info to your listeners] (Duration?)
Conclusion: [End the Story distinctly and memorably] (Duration?)
DJ: “Well, that sure was a surprising ending to that story! That’s all we have time for today folks, thanks so much for tuning in. We’ll see you again, same time tomorrow!”
Outro: [RadioKing Jingle or Speech Outro]
Top Tip: Don’t hesitate to map out the duration of each part, that way you’re sure to respect the time limits of your show. It would be a shame to spend 20 minutes introducing your story and then realize you only have 5 minutes left to tell it!
Be yourself!
There’s no right or wrong way to write a radio script, but remember to let your personality shine through! Don’t hesitate to tell short stories or anecdotes about your life, this can also help you seem more relatable. Remember, you are the main reason that your listeners keep coming back for more!
Talk to your listeners directly and include them in your broadcast by using inclusive vocabulary such as “we”, “us”, and “you”, this is the best way to create a feeling of proximity between you and your audience.
As you get more and more practice, preparing your radio script should become easier. You’ll find your tone and your own unique style that will keep your listeners coming back for more!
