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Delivering an Effective Podcast: Tips for Podcasters

For the novice podcaster, recording an audio podcast sounds as easy as talking into a microphone while recording the sound on the computer. However, in order to deliver a quality podcast that will ensure a dedicated audience requires techniques that mirror professional recording studios. Ensure your podcast is of the highest quality by following the following guidelines.

Audio podcasters need to have a voice-over booth. While renting time at a recoding studio is somewhat costly, it is worth it. Unfortunately, many small or new businesses need to trim back expenses when first starting out, so renting studio time may not be an option. To create a voice-over booth in your home or office, choose soundproofing, insulating materials to manufacture a booth. Using the design of a furniture or entertainment center armoire, have a backing surface, which has opening doors over it. Open the doors to create a voice-over booth. The ideal result should look like a half of a hexagon and will mimic the studio’s set-up.

Before each podcast, be sure to test all equipment. Create a sample one or two minute podcast to determine if sound recording, editing and playback features are up to standard. Samples and testing ensure all inside and outside noises are eliminated and any feedback noises are gone during playback. Before starting the “official” podcast, create an outline to gauge an approximate timeline for the podcasts, as well as have a script to help keep the podcast flowing and on topic. Routine podcasters can create a sample outline that mimics news’ shows and can include: news and updates, consumer product highlights, listener email and questions, and any promotions/contests.

When delivering a podcast, be sure to speak slowly and effectively. If necessary, create a script to signify important points with bolding, pauses with commas, and announcements ranked by significance. While a script is not necessary to deliver a successful podcast, it is helpful for those that tend to rush their words, as reading aloud takes somewhat longer than ad-libbing and commas help indicate pauses in speech.

If featuring an in-studio guest, prepare a list of questions to ask the guest. You may also wish to share the list with the guest so he/she will not be caught off guard. Engage the guest before the program starts to help the guest feel at ease and relaxed. Your listeners will hear the rapport between you and your guest, and credibility as a good podcaster and interviewer will be shown. Likewise, if interviewing a guest via phone, email a list of potential questions to the guest and telephone for feedback and questions/concerns. Perform a sample podcast before the desired interview time to ensure there is no telephone feedback during the actual recoding. Using a landline may help clear-up any problems, if line feedback persists.

Podcasting does require a bit of preparation before each broadcast, however when properly done, listeners can experience a high-quality show from their podcaster, and guests can feel comfortable knowing the podcaster is well-organized and cares about his/her guests by providing a list of interview questions and completing a trial podcast.
 

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