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Free Website Content - 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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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource box
is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of
the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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