Are you looking to take your podcasting game to the next level? Do you want to learn how to craft engaging stories and create stunning audio narratives that keep your listeners entertained? You can do all of the above and so much more if you hone and master the skill of great storytelling. So, today we’re sharing 10 ways to improve your storytelling skills for podcasting.
Whether your podcast is an investigative exposé or fantastical fiction, when you break these down to their core elements, they’re both stories. And so it follows that improving your storytelling skills will benefit your pocast, no matter your podcast format or niche.
In this blog post, we’ll be giving you 10 top tips on how to improve your storytelling skills for podcasting. You’ll find out which techniques work best for creating gripping storylines, penning captivating dialogue, and so much more – all necessary components of a great show.
Read on for our top strategies on becoming an audio storyteller master!
1. Know your audience – understand who your audience is and tailor the content accordingly
Effective storytelling relies heavily on understanding your audience. Because if you know your audience, you can create content that truly resonates with them. This is what all great storytellers do. They connect intentionally with their target audience.
Again, this is not only effective when it comes to works of fiction. Your interview podcast, your true-crime tale, or even your 10 minute meditative episodes will all be greatly improved if you know who your audience is, you understand what they’re looking for, and then tailor your content to meet those needs.
By crafting a narrative that speaks directly to your listeners, you create an emotional connection that resonates long after your story has ended. To truly engage your audience, seek to understand their interests, motivations, and perspectives. With a little effort, you can elevate your storytelling from a passive form of communication to a powerful tool for building relationships and inspiring action.
2. Always do thorough research
You don’t always associate “great storytelling” with research. But in reality, if you’re looking to tell a captivating story — whether fact or fiction — indepth research is vitally important. Thorough research will always improve the quality of your work, no matter your podcast topic and niche, or your podcast format.
By immersing yourself in your topic, you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and be able to offer those killer insights that captivate an audience. The more you know, the more engaging your story will be. Bottom line? Always do your homework before you begin and you will have all the information you need to tell a great story
3. Know the structure of an effective story
Next, the essence of a great story-teller is one who understand the structure of an effective story. And there are a number of elements that fall under this category. We have plot, characters, pace, and delivery, to name a few.
When it comes to storytelling, a well-structured plot can make all the difference. Again, while “plot” is most commonly associated with works of fiction, your non-fiction podcast definitely has a plot, too. The plot is really what your listeners are invested in. Yes, it’s your delivery, and, of course, your charm and charisma as an awesome podcast host. But mostly, it’s the plot. This is a key part of the structure of an effective story.
Other structural elements that any captivating story includes is great characters, and a well-paced delivery. These all work together to create an incredible story. Understand and appreciate the structural elements of a great story, and you’re one step closer to improving your story-telling skills for your podcast.
4. Make sure the stories you tell have a beginning, middle, and end
Now, let’s unpack those structural elements of a great story. Because if you can gain the insight and skills needed to master each structural element, your overall story-telling skills will be greatly improved.
So, let’s talk about that first structural element of a captivating story — the plot.
A successful podcast is one where the audience is engaged from the beginning and invested in the outcome. The plot of a captivating story typically includes an introduction that sets the stage for the main character or issue, a rising action that builds tension and leads to a climax, and a resolution that brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. Think about the stories that have stayed with you over time, and chances are they follow this same formula. Whether it’s a fact or fiction tale you’re telling, these basic plot elements need to be present.
5. Develop interesting characters
No story is complete without interesting characters. And, yes, this also applies to your interview podcast!
In this case, you are a character. You have to be relatable and likeable. You have to convey emotions, and convey a willingness to learn and develop. In short, you can’t be a robot and expect to have a compelling interview podcast. It just ain’t gonna work. And that’s why developing interesting characters is a key skill to develop as you seek to hone your storytelling skills and so better your podcast.
Compelling characters are relatable and three-dimensional. They have unique quirks, flaws, and backgrounds that add depth to their personalities. So don’t be afraid to explore this, no matter your podcast format, style, or niche.
By showcasing well-developed characters — whether imaginative or real-life (aka YOU!) — you’ll add life to your stories and you’ll always keep your listeners engaged and invested in your show. And this is one of the hallmarks of a successful podcast.
6. Aim for an emotional connection with your audience
The next tip for top-notch storytelling skills for your podcast is learning how to connect with your audience. If you want to truly captivate your audience, you have to aim for an emotional connection. If you want to tell a great story, and if you want to make a great podcast, it’s not enough to simply present information. You need to make it relatable and ensure that it resonates with your listeners. Think about what drives your audience and tap into those emotions to build a connection. By doing so, you’ll not only capture their attention, but also leave a lasting impact that will keep them engaged long after your latest episode is over.
7. Craft a narrative arc
Now let’s move broader. Storytelling skills are necessary to craft stand-out podcast episodes. But a captivating podcast is more than just great episodes. A truly great podcast is one whose overall vision is mapped out and clear. Being able to map out the “big picture” is an important skill when it comes to improvng your storytelling skills for your podcast. And so to really craft a succcessive overall story, you first need to acquire the skillset for developing a narrative arc.
Crafting a narrative arc is essential for any podcast that aims to captivate its audience for the long haul. Think of your narrative arc as the roadmap for your podcast, with a clear beginning and some sort of destination in mind. And in between, logical points connecting it all together. A well-crafted narrative arc is the backbone of any good podcast – it provides structure, builds momentum, and ensures that your listeners stay tuned for the whole journey. But a clear narrative arc doesn’t just happen. It has to be deliberately planned. And so it needs time and dedication to onboard this vital storytelling skill.
8. Make every moment count
Great storytellers are the ones who can keep their audience engaged throughout the entire tale. And so great podcasters are the ones creating content that keeps their listeners engaged from start to finish.
This is easier said than done, we know. But in our experience, we’ve found there are two key steps to ensuring that every episode is jam-packed with content from start to finish. The first step is in the preparation stage. We find that by creating an outline or preparing a script for each episode is the first step to ensuring that all that you’ll be sharing in each episode is of value.
Then the second step is in the editing process. Because as much as you’ve planned all your episodes to be full of value, some points may just fall flat. Perhaps some questions in your interview went off-topic, and if you’re honest with yourself, they don’t actually serve your audience.
Here is when you have to make some strategic editing calls. Knowing what serves your audience and what doesn’t is key to ensuring that each and every episode of your podcast is value-dense.
9. Ask relevant questions
Fun fact: Questions are a fantastic device for effective storytelling. Questions can be used to drive the discussion, they can push the story forward, and they can help build suspense.
Asking relevant questions is a powerful tool, whether you’re having a casual conversation with your latest podcast guest, or trying to facilitate a more formal discussion on the topic at hand. Questions can help to keep people engaged as they push listeners to think about potential answers, or they can draw your audience in as they are now invested in the response or the outcome.
Podcasters can also use questions to share more detail, explore a different perspective, or they can be used to challenge yours and your listeners’ assumptions. So the next time you’re stumped for ways to push your narrative forward, or you’re wanting to take your podcast interviews to the next level, focus on the questions!
Related read: Interviewing Podcast Guests: How To Turn Good Questions Into Great Questions
10. Utilize sound effects and music to bring life to your stories
And finally, Tip Number 10 for improving your storytelling skills for podcasting, effectively utilize sound effects. Podcasting is a primarily an audio medium. So why wouldn’t you capitalize on all the medium has to offer by utilizing these components, Through the effective use of sound effects and music, you can transport your audience into the story you’ve created, immersing them in your podcasting world and enhancing their emotional experience. Again, these are all the trademarks of the best podcasts.
Not sure where to get access to music and sound effects for your podcast? Check out this post: Podcasts and Royalty Free Music PLUS 12 Resources For Royalty Free Music And Sound Effects
The End
Podcasting is a powerful medium for storytelling. And podcasters have a unique opportunity to share stories with an audience in a captivating way. Though it can be easy to get caught up in the thrill of putting out a new episode, if you don’t develop your storytelling skills, your podcast won’t reach its full potential. By understanding and applying the basics of good storytelling, podcasters can take their podcasts to the next level. With these tips you should be well on your way to crafting a captivating story, engaging your audience, and building a successful podcast!
