Most podcasts have a professional introduction. These are usually 30-second audio introductions or openings that begin the episode. These are commonly referred to as podcast “intros”. Although most people will call them “intros,” they can also be referred to as the “podcast opening.”
An opening is how podcasts commonly start their episodes. Everything the listener hears from when they press play to when you start sharing your content is considered part of your “intro”. Having a great sounding intro usually creates anticipation and gives the listener a look into the upcoming episode.
Why Does An Intro Matter
Since podcasts can be of any kind- based on any genre, comedy, horror, lifestyle, motivation, etc. your intro gives the listener a feel for the tone and style of the podcast through the intro. Depending on the type of audience a podcast wants to attract, will affect how they create their intro.
Think of a podcast intron like an intro for a TV show. If a comedy had a dark intro wouldn’t viewers be confused if it was funny instead of dark? If the intro or GoT was happy and light-hearted instead of dramatic viewers would be confused when people started dying left and right.
Requirements Of A Comedy Podcast
Remember that writing comedy or acting out comedy is definitely one of the toughest tasks to do. You need to make sure you appeal to the audiences and spark up their sense of humor. Almost the same as to tickle their funny bones. This requires a lot of patience, perseverance, and skill. Whatever the style of the comedy podcast the intro has to share that before a host ever speaks.
In case you have decided to record a comedy podcast, there are certain things to keep in mind. For starters, you should have a firm grasp on language, puns, and the sense of bringing liveliness to your speech. Remember, what may seem funny to you might not necessarily seem funny to others as well. Here are a few things that may help you understand what is needed from a comedy podcast:
Be Witty
You must have an intellect that can grasp humor and knows how to induce humor in the littlest of things. Sometimes comedy comes along the way, and including some natural lines puts in a great taste.
Select A Topic And Stick To It
Remember not to go off the track. This leaves a wrong impression on the listeners. Sure you can have inside jokes or even mess around but if you say you are going to talk about a specific topic 90% of the show should be about that topic.
Make It Relatable To The Audience
Everyone loves the fact that they can relate to what the other person is saying. Try recording podcasts in which you can cater to the audience. This also totally depends on which type of audience you want to provide.
Make The Most Of Your Vocals
Remember that you’re recording audio. You need to put in the sense of humor through your vocals because that is the only thing the audience is taking in is your voice. You should present it like you do on stage if you perform stand up, improv or sketch comedy. If not then speak like you are talking to friends.
Have Your Own Identity
This could be silly, sarcastic, or have a touch of dark humor- it all depends on how you want to perceive the topic. Before starting a comedy podcast, understand what kind of humor suits you best. Do you like talking in puns? Or do you have a sarcastic touch to yourself? Understand and make the most.
Be Natural
Insincere comedy is recognized by an audience right away. Unless you are playing characters you should be yourself. If you are a stand u comedian that tone and style should be close to how you are on stage. The best comedy podcasts do well because the listeners know who that host is on the podcast and on stage.
How To Write A Comedy Podcast Intro
Now that you’re ready to record a comedy podcast, the first thing to create the introduction. Remember that your audience is going to listen to you, so make the most of this. Make them visualize through their ears and minds. Begin in such a way that your audience can listen to the podcast gleefully, even if they are strolling around in the grocery store. Give a hint or so about what the podcast has saved for audiences in few witty or humorous lines.
Then again, your introduction doesn’t really have to be witty and funny in the first two to three sentences. Build it all up. Make sure you hit the right spot at the right time. Don’t rush the humor. Give them a hint or so, and continue. Remember to let yourself loose a little. Don’t be stressed; make sure you have a good laugh along the way as well.
Most importantly, remember to interact with the audience. The audience is your biggest strength. Make the most of it. Here are some tips that can help you write a great intro.
Elements of a Podcast Intro
- Name of your podcast
- The episode number (if used)
- The episode title
- Music and sound effects
- Host Identity – Let the user know who you are (this goes double if you have co-host(s))
- Purpose or tagline of the podcast.
- Introduce what the show is going to be about or summarize the episode.
Not all of these elements need to be included in your intro. Your show’s opening should be as unique as the show itself, but some of these items can help you hone your script and include what is important for your podcast.
You don’t necessarily have to start up with your name or topic directly. You can pull up a witty and humorous line that indirectly delivers the message that you are to discuss in the podcast.
If you have a co-host, remember to provide them some funny and witty lines at the start as well. This gives a good impression and keeps the conversation in the podcast going. Don’t associate funny lines with yourself only. Your co-host can start the podcast by referring to you in some way to deliver the introduction
Another point you can keep in mind is to look at other podcasts. Listen to them and observe what made their introduction so mesmerizing. Learn and adapt a few skills from that.
Template For A Podcast Intro
If all else fails, you can use this template to understand the concept better.
- Podcast Identification
- Music Jingle
- Host/Guest Identification
- Podcat Episode Topic
Remember that your first try at a podcast may not necessarily be that perfect. Practice makes perfect. Keep trying till you think you really have hit the note, and your podcast is something that can make your audience laugh. With a little bit of patience and perseverance and a whole lot of humor, you can start a fantastic comedy podcast.
The best podcasts are the ones that as soon as you hear the intro you know what you are in for. Make your podcast stand out with a strong intro so that you can get subscribers, listeners, and fans!