Your Introduction

The introduction can be 50-100 words or 10% of the total word count.

Keep your introduction concise, ideally within 2 minutes. This is crucial in a podcast, as a lengthy introduction can lead to audience disengagement. If you have sponsors, consider integrating their messages throughout the podcast to avoid losing listeners, as the first 3 minutes are particularly critical. 

What should your introduction achieve? It should be clear, engaging, and set the tone for the rest of the podcast. This is your chance to capture your audience’s interest and keep them listening.

• Who are the candidates?
• Who is hosting the event?
• Time and place this event took place. This important for historical reference and fact checking
• Any thing that is relevant

The Body

For beginners, a good rule of thumb is to aim for 3-5 paragraphs in the body of your piece. Each paragraph should focus on a single point, and then move on to the next point in the next paragraph . 
For veterans, the amount of words and paragraphs is entirely up to you and your work requirements. You have the flexibility to structure your writing as you see fit.
However, it’s crucial to stick to one point per paragraph. This not only keeps your readers engaged but also ensures your writing doesn’t become verbose.

Quotes

Quotes are your friend. They give authority and relevance to your work. Of course, pulling quotes out of the debate would be ideal.
About 5-10% of the total piece is allowable. Again, check the work requirements for those working with a big publisher. 

External Links

Adding external links is a crucial aspect of SEO. It not only adds weight to your piece but also informs your readers about what others are saying. This practice demonstrates your awareness of the broader conversation, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to it.

For Podcasters

For Podcasters, remember that sharpening your skills is always part of this business. Even during my university days, I learned how to set up and run podcasts. It’s not as daunting as it may seem. With just a phone or tablet for a microphone and some apps, along with a PC or a laptop, you can get started. The website The Audacity to Podcast is an excellent resource to guide you through this process. 

Best wishes to all of you as you continue your work in this field. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a whole community of podcasters and content creators out there, ready to support and inspire you.