Outlining content
by James VanOsdol | May 1, 2015
When you voice content, make every effort to not sound like you’re reading. That holds true whether you’re voicing news, conducting an interview or hosting a talk show. Broadcasting can be a very intimate experience; it’s just you and the listener. Because of that, you want to be yourself every time you crack open a microphone.
Instead of scripting out every word, try working with an outline. Know which points you want to hit, and use them as a guide throughout your recording. The second you feel a topic or idea start to fade, jump to the next position on the outline.
Craft your outline to fit your style. For reference, here’s how an outline for a talk show about music might look:
- Tease highlights of what’s to come (interview with band, headline highlights, discussion topic)
- Show intro/summary (“This is the Music Show, your home for music conversation”)
- Sponsorship info (“This week’s show is brought to you by Subway. Eat Fresh.”)
- This week’s headlines
- Artist #1 breaks sales record
- Artist #2 arrested
- Artist #3 kicks off tour
- Review of Artist #4 concert
- Set up interview with band
- Question #1
- Question #2
- Question #3
- Question #4
- Topic for debate
- promote social media accounts
- Tease what’s happening next week
- Close
