{"id":2201,"date":"2025-07-04T10:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T08:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.podcastwerkstatt.com\/?p=2201"},"modified":"2026-03-05T15:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T14:16:52","slug":"writing-for-listening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.podcastwerkstatt.com\/en\/writing-for-listening\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing for listening"},"content":{"rendered":"

When writing for audio, there are several things to keep in mind that don\u2019t matter as much in written texts. Unlike reading, listeners don\u2019t have the text in front of them and must follow the pace of the speaker. Podcast listening is usually a secondary activity \u2014 we listen while cooking, cleaning, jogging \u2014 and the environment can easily cause distraction. Our focus while listening is therefore lower than while reading. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to adapt texts for audio formats accordingly. The following rules should be observed when writing for listening:<\/p>\n

Short sentences<\/h2>\n

Long sentences must be broken up, otherwise listeners get lost in a tangle of subordinate clauses. When speaking, more than one subordinate clause is rarely necessary. One important piece of information per sentence is enough.<\/p>\n

Avoid passive constructions<\/h2>\n

In written texts, a balanced mix of active and passive voice is common. In spoken language, it\u2019s different. Passive constructions often disrupt the natural flow of speech and should be replaced with active ones.<\/p>\n

Example: \u201cWhen speaking, attention should be paid to a natural flow of speech.\u201d<\/p>\n

Better: \u201cWhen speaking, we pay attention to a natural flow of speech.\u201d<\/p>\n

More verbs, fewer nouns<\/h2>\n

Verbs convey action \u2014 they carry the story, unlike the nouns. Therefore, as many pieces of information as possible should be expressed through verbs.<\/p>\n

Make numbers understandable<\/h2>\n

Numbers often feel abstract even in written texts. When listening, they can be easily missed because everything moves quickly and the next piece of information follows immediately. Therefore:<\/p>\n