5 Script Writing Tips and Techniques for Radio

Scriptwriting is a fundamental technique of being creative either for content production, copywriting, or art direction. Florida International University offers a Master of Science Creative Track in partnership with world-renowned portfolio school, Miami Ad School. If you aspire to be a copywriter, the program is designed to hone your writing skills for various communication styles and media such as writing for video and audio content, television and radio commercials, and the web.

Here are a few tips to become a better writer for audio-only content.

Why Should I Script Audio Programming?

FIU offers a Master of Science Creative Track in partnership with the highly esteemed portfolio school, Miami Ad School. If you aspire to be a copywriter, the program is designed to hone your writing skills for various communication styles and media such as writing for video and audio content, television and radio commercials, and the web.

Writing a script will allow you to control the program content, structure, and flow. If the show is unscripted and organic, the host will have talking points as a reference. In addition to the script, you can also play with music and sound effects.

1. Prepare An Outline

The thought of writing a 2000 word audio script may overwhelm you. Start this daunting task by outlining. Armed with an outline, carry out your research, and prep your script.

2. Setting the Scene

Whether you are breaking a news story or telling a joke on your show, you have to remember that your listeners don’t have the same visual aid as opposed to television or online video. Give your listeners enough detail to set the scene.

For example, introduce shows with an “anchor intro”. It quickly sets up your show or a story by putting it into context without going into detail or giving too much away. Listeners know what to expect and are engaged to continue listening.

3. Make It Sound Conversational

Audio programs are at their best when they sound natural, whether they are fully scripted or not. Ensure your grammar is concise and succinct, as it will allow you to improvise and expand on what you have written.

Write the way you speak. A well-written script, read word by word, should be invisible to the listener. Your script has to sound natural and relaxed. Read your script aloud or have someone do the reading.

Can’t find humans ready to help? No problem, put your script in a text-to-speech program. Microsoft Word has a text to speech feature. If you catch your breath in the middle of a sentence then shorten your sentences.

If words are too hard to articulate well or their meaning could be lost to the listener, try using simple words wherever possible. Also, take advantage of free online tools like the Hemingway Editor to help you identify complex sentences.

4. Keep Your Scripts Clear

Write a script and try to keep it as simple as possible. Do not add unnecessary words to sentences that will not add to what you are trying to say.

Reading from a script can sometimes make you sound a bit unnatural and you can come off stiff and robotic. That’s a big mistake. A script should sound natural when reading aloud. A more formal approach and style can result in an unnatural sounding and boring show.

5. Pay Attention To The Rhythm

To create rhythm and pace in your script, use long and short sentences. As a rule of thumb, short sentences should add tension and longer sentences should be relaxed.

Whether your radio program is scripted or unscripted, with or without music or special effects, it makes sense to plan in advance so you can produce the best content possible. Follow a well-structured plan and script to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

About the Global Strategic Communications Creative Track

The Global Strategic Communications Creative Track is a 39-credit program that culminates in a Master of Science in Mass Communications degree awarded by Florida International University and graduation from world-renowned Miami Ad School’s portfolio program.
The interdisciplinary program combines graduate-level academic courses with the creative skills-building curriculum taught by the leading portfolio school in the world. If you want to learn more about the creative process for scriptwriting and content strategy, contact director of the GSC Creative Track program, Grizelle De Los Reyes at gdelosre@fiu.edu