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Podcast Recording Tips
Podcast Recording Tips
By Sharon Housley
Before you begin podcasting develop a
plan and a format for your show. Determine the focus
of your podcast and what types of guests you would like
to interview. Time spent planning your show will contribute
to it's success.
Location, Location, Location
When you are producing a podcast on a regular basis
it is important that you select an appropriate location
for the recording to take place. The location should
be free of external distractions and relatively quiet.
It is easiest if you use the same location each time,
that way the equipment can remain in place and will
not require moving or setup each time you produce a
show.
The room should have a carpet or furniture
that will absorb echoes and dampen the sound. The room
should also have a door, so that you will not have unexpected
interruptions. Reduce extraneous noise by turning off
fans or any equipment. Consider hanging a note on the
door, so that you will not be disturbed while recording.
Recording Away from Home
When taking your podcast on the road it is equally important
that the quality of the podcast is not compromised for
the sake of portability. Consider using a directional
microphone or finding a quiet alcove for interviews
when on the road.
Equipment
Make every effort to minimize background noise, at the
very least use software that will allow you to edit
out extraneous noises that occur while recording.
While Recording
Before you begin recording sample different volumes
and microphone distances and determine what levels result
in the best recordings. To save time, do a test recording
and listen to it prior to every show, this will help
you catch anything that was inadvertedly unplugged.
Spending a little more money on your microphone goes
a long way.
Permissions and Contracts
The legalities surrounding audio recording are a bit
muddled. Regardless of what the legalities are in your
region, it is best that you request permission prior
to recording anyone!
When requesting an interview with a specific
individual, be sure to tell them the topic of the show
and give them an idea what types of questions to expect.
Let them know how long the interview is planned for
and the format of the show. Let prospective interviews
know whether the broadcast will be edited or will the
interview be broadcast live. It is always a good idea
to provide interviewees a link to previous interviews.
If the interviewee will require any specific equipment
or software, provide them ample notice and do a test
run to ensure that everything is working properly.
Interviews
A little preparation goes a long way; if you have an
interview scheduled, be sure to adequately prepare.
Make sure that you can accurately pronounce the interviewers
proper name, and ask them prior to the interview how
they would like to be addressed. Research the interviewee
and come up with a list of questions. In some cases
it might be appropriate to provide the interviewee the
list of questions prior to the interview, this will
not only help them prepare but help them relax and prepare
for their on-air debut. If you prefer not to tip your
hand in providing the questions prior to the interview,
then be sure that you have an idea of what their reaction
and responses will be. Follow up questions should based
on the interviewee's reactions to your queries. While
broadcasting, use your research notes as talking points
to direct the conversation. When you guest is talking
let them explain their point of view; don't interrupt
them unless there is a point to clarify.
Biographies of show guests should be included
in the show notes or on the shows websites. Request
the interviewee send a photo to be included along with
the biography. After the show is published be sure to
thank the interviewee and provide them a link to the
finished interview along with instructions on how they
can listen to the show.
Have Fun
Use voice inflections to add emotion and passion to
your comments and questions. Use music between segments
not only does theme music create a brand and audio identity,
it also helps transition one segment to another. Intro
and outros can soften a podcast and give it a little
extra polish. Introduce your podcast at the beginning
and end of the show. Remind listeners who and what they
are listening too. This is your opportunity to establish
your audio brand. And finally have fun, listeners will
be able to tell if your podcast is a labor of love or
a painful rendition, keep your spirits up and your mood
light!
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would
be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
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