Podcast Taglines

A tagline is part of your personal brand. Your listeners, especially the loyal among them, will probably be able to recite your tagline by heart. Taglines come in all shapes and sizes. They can be long or short, simple or cryptic. There’s no prescribed formula, but creating your own one can be fun. The best way to get started is to look at some of the taglines from popular podcasts. 

The Incredibly Simple Example

Steal The Show (Michael Port) 

“Welcome to Steal the Show With Michael Port. This is Michael.”

This podcast tagline tells us the name of the show and who is speaking. It’s the simplest possible introductory podcast tagline. Simple is memorable.

The Two-Step

A common variation of the introductory podcast tagline involves the combination of two individual tagline elements to create a podcast slogan.

First, you tell the audience who you are, and/or the podcast title. Next, you tell them what this podcast will do for them. It creates a slightly lengthier introduction, but if it’s clearly broken down, it can work well.

Here are a few examples.

Smart Passive Income Podcast (Pat Flynn) 

“This is the Smart Passive Income Podcast with Pat Flynn, Session Number 189.

Welcome to the Smart Passive Income Podcast, where it’s all about working hard now, so you can sit back and reap the benefits later. “

Podcraft (The Podcast Host) 

“Welcome to Podcraft: Honing the Art of Podcasting, the bite-sized show that covers one topic, in-depth, each series.

Podcraft brings the pieces together, so you don’t have to.”

The Bio Format

Some podcasts, especially by well-known personalities, take a more biographical approach to their podcast. If building a personal brand is important to you, this approach can help position you as the expert and star of the show.

The School of Greatness (Lewis Howes) 

“Welcome to The School of Greatness. My name is Lewis Howes, former pro-athlete turned lifestyle entrepreneur, and each week, we bring you an inspiring person or message to help you discover how to unlock your inner greatness. Thanks for spending some time with me today – now let the class begin.”

Beyond the Podcast Tagline: Hooks

You can apply the same tagline principle and use these brief statements in other areas of your podcast. Maybe your show has a couple of key sections that repeat in each episode. I make the distinction and call these elements “Hooks”.

For example, you might use a hook:

• To introduce the “interview of the week” or “question of the month”
• As an end-of-show Call to Action (review, email, subscribe, etc.)
• As a way to promote your sponsor

It’s worth noting that many sponsors will provide their own hook for you. But if they don’t, here’s an idea—why not create your own for them? This demonstrates your commitment and will strengthen your relationship with one of your key commercial partners.

Think of hooks as the chapter headings in a book. They help your listeners navigate the course of your podcast. Don’t overdo it, but a strong opening tagline, combined with one or two hooks, can help make your podcast memorable.

Podcast Tagline Tips and Hook Hints

While there’s no hard and fast formula, hopefully, these words of wisdom will help.

A podcast tagline should be:

• Short
• Simple
• Clear
• Direct
• Memorable

When I constructed the tagline for my business, I wanted to share three things –

1. The problem you are experiencing
2. The solution I’m offering
3. Who it is that I serve

That problem, solution, audience combination makes for a magic combination that draws people in.

In Lewis Howes’ ‘School of Greatness’ introduction, it works like this:

1. Problem: Not living up to your potential. “Unlock your inner greatness.”
2. Solution: Education and Inspiration. “Each week, we bring you an inspiring person or message to help you…”
3. Serve: Although not specific, it’s clear this is for entrepreneurs who want positive change through education. “School of Greatness.” “Class Begins.”

Podcast taglines, hooks, and slogans serve as audible signposts for your audience. They provide a point of entry for new listeners and help seasoned listeners focus on your content. This makes your podcast easier to share and helps you grow your audience.

Need some more inspiration for your podcast taglines, hooks, or slogans? Check out the Alitu showplanner. It’s a free tool (no login required) that will generate a personalised launch kit, including a name, trailer script, episode ideas, audience and more!

“Who was I to give such a talk?”

“I’m certainly no Internet Marketing Guru!”

“There are far more qualified people than me…”

I almost talked myself out of going. I’m glad I didn’t. I enjoyed the experience and so did the audience. In fact, one of the audience members would become one of my biggest clients.

Imagine for a minute that I’d declined the invitation. I’d be left with the feeling of ‘what could have been’ and I would have missed out on the opportunity to help a room full of people. The thing is – we all have self-doubt. It’s a fundamental human emotion. Even the most confident of people suffer from this.

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How to Become a Confident Podcaster: The Series

While everyone has their insecurities, we can’t let them define us. The World is littered with great ideas for fantastic podcasts that never make it out of the starting blocks. The aim of this series is to help you overcome these barriers. I’m not a psychologist, but I’ve shared my perspective on some of the common hang-ups that we all face. I’ve also shared some practical ways to work around these challenges.

My hope is that it gives you a sense of perspective and helps you create the podcast that’s inside you. And, if you’re already podcasting, the advice in this six-part series will help you deliver more engaging podcast episodes.

What We’ll Cover

In this “how to become a confident podcaster” series, we’re going to tackle the concerns often voiced by content creators, old and new.

• I Hate My Voice!
• Can I Podcast on a Topic if I’m Not an Expert?
• I Can’t Podcast Because I’m Boring
• What if People Don’t Like Me After Hearing My Podcast?
• What if Nobody Listens to My Podcast?
• How to Deal With Bad Podcast Reviews

But I’m Already Confident! – Just Help Me to Podcast!

Not worried about any of the above, but simply have no idea on how to get started? Here are your next-step resources:

• How to Start a Podcast – Every Single Step
• How to Record a Podcast
• How to Edit & Produce a Podcast
• How to Publish a Podcast
• How to Promote & Grow a Podcast

Let’s face it though, few of us haven’t faced the thought when listening back to ourselves that we hate the sound of our own voice. In the next chapter, I’ll deal with this issue head-on, as well as arm you with 5 tips to quickly move past this particular barrier. Let’s get started.

Dealing With Bad Reviews – Turning a Negative Into a Positive

I embarked on a writing challenge at the start of the year.  My plan is to write a new 100-word story every day. Initially, I was going to keep them to myself and maybe publish them some day. But, I decided that it was best if I shared them on Facebook.

Why?  Because I wanted feedback. I wanted people to judge my writing. I want to hear the positive and the negative, because – ultimately – that will make me a better writer.

Hang Up Your Hangups: How to Deal With Bad Podcast Reviews

This is Chapter 6 of our Podcaster Hangups series where we break down the frequently heard question “How do I deal with bad podcast reviews?”. Find the series intro here!

And it’s the same for your podcast. Getting podcast reviews can help grow your podcast. After all, other potential listeners are often interested in what others say and think before deciding to hit play and give your show a shot.

But the very existence of reviews is something that holds back many would-be podcasters.  They are scared of the prospect of negative reviews.

Why Do People Give Bad Reviews?

In my experience, people leave bad reviews for two reasons. They either want to offer a critique, or they want to be cruel.

Those that critique your show are doing you a favour – they are pointing out areas for improvement. See past the slight and learn the lessons.

But we also have to accept that from time to time, the bad reviews will just be cruel and spiteful with no logical reason given.

How to React to Bad Podcast Reviews

So what do you do when you get a bad review? First of all crying or being depressed is not an option.

1. Respond

While you often can’t respond directly to a negative review, you can indirectly respond by approaching the subject of a negative review in a future episode.

This shows that you’re listening to your audience. If the bad review has no merit or appears personal in nature, you can report an individual review to the platform it was published on, and request its removal. On Apple Podcasts, for example, the reasons for doing so will fall under one of the following categories.

• This review contains offensive content
• This review is not a review or is off-topic
• I disagree with this review
• My concern isn’t listed here

I would only recommend that options 1 & 2 from the above are valid reasons for going down this route.

If the review is published on your website, you can, of course, respond more directly to the person that left the comment. Keep it civil.

I wouldn’t use the comments to get into a war of words. But having a dialogue to better understand their issue could help you make improvements to your show.

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2. Ignore

In cases where the review is either difficult to comprehend or is of a personal nature, the best approach is to ignore them. Move on. Nothing to see here. Don’t waste your time trying to draw deeper meaning where none exists.

Brush yourself down and get on with the job of creating another great show.

3. Learn

Identify the negative reviews that you can learn from. Be honest. Read the review with an open mind. Does their review have merit?

Pull out the lessons you can learn and start applying them to your show. Remember – bad reviews can genuinely help make your show better.

The Reality

This is a classic `good news – bad news` situation. First the bad news – it’s highly likely that you’ll receive some negative reviews. It’s just the nature of the world we live in.  Podcasts, just like music and films, are hugely personal in nature. Some people will just not like your show.

But here’s the good news – produce a great show, and your positive reviews will far outweigh the negative ones.

Tips to get More Reviews

Actually getting reviews, be they good or bad, can be tricky. In most cases, reviews don’t happen automatically. You have to ask for them.

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1. Ask for Them in Your Show

At the end of your show, let your audience know how important reviews are to you. Make it clear that you’re asking for an honest review and constructive feedback.

2. Ask for Them in Your Show Notes

Replicate the message in your show notes and include a direct link to your show within places like Apple Podcasts and Podchaser. Make it as easy as possible for them to leave a review.

3. Ask in Emails

If you have a regular (weekly, monthly etc) e-mail that you send out to your audience, make sure you have a standard section that reminds your audience of how important reviews are to you.

4. Read Reviews on Your Podcast

Reading out a review of your show, on your show can help. It demonstrates how important they are to you and it can be used to encourage others to do the same.

5. Run a Competition

You can encourage reviews by running a competition. For example, everyone that submits a review will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a book or digital prize. It’s low cost and can produce great results.

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How to Keep Track of Your Podcast Reviews

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Final Thoughts on Bad Podcast Reviews

Don’t make drastic decisions based on a single negative review. But, if a pattern emerges and many people are saying the same thing, it’s probably a good indicator of a change you really should make.

Ensure that you have balance, though. Celebrate the good reviews and keep a personal bank of the reviews that have meant the most to you. Dip into those when you have a bad review and remind yourself of just how well you’re doing.

Next Steps

And with that, we bring down the curtain on our Hang Up Your Hang Ups series. Have you been following along? Just to recap, here are the other common issues and questions we’ve tackled:

• I Hate My Voice!
• Can I Podcast on a Topic if I’m Not an Expert?
• I Can’t Podcast Because I’m Boring
• What if People Don’t Like Me After Hearing My Podcast?
• What if Nobody Listens to My Podcast?

Still looking for some help with your confidence, or your content in general? Be sure to check out Podcraft Academy. In there you’ll find all of our courses, downloadable resources, and podcast templates. On top of that, you’ll get access to our weekly live Q&A sessions too, so you’ll always get the support, advice, and guidance that you need!

Hang Up Your Hangups: What if People Don’t Like Me?

This is Chapter 4 of our Podcaster Hangups series where we break down the frequently heard complaint “What if people don’t like me after hearing my podcast?”. Find the series intro here!

Accepting that not everyone will like you, or the podcast you present, is a significant barrier to pass. Some of the most successful people in the World divide opinions, and that’s just as true for podcast hosts.

Take Gary Vaynerchuk for example. There is a man that divides opinion. He is Marmite. You either love him, or you hate him. But he’s built up an incredibly loyal and passionate following. I’d argue that much of his success is down to the fact that he doesn’t settle for being middle of the road.

Why Would People Dislike You?

There are a lot of reasons why someone wouldn’t like you, personally AND as a podcast host. In no particular order:

• You’re arrogant
  The show is clearly more about you than it is for your guests or listeners.
• You’re a know-it-all
  You cut people off and force your opinions on others.
• You’re obnoxious
  You’re just a ‘Grade A’ attention seeker who’s loud, brash and inconsiderate of others.
• You’re a big head
  You talk about your success and use your podcast as an opportunity to inflate your ego.

The four reasons above are all quite understandable. I’m sure you aren’t like that. The truth is, most people aren’t like that. But even if you stay clear of the obvious reasons to be disliked, some people will still dislike you.

Haters Gonna Hate

You have to accept that the human species is irrational. There will be people who dislike you for no apparent reason. There’s no logical explanation – they just don’t like you. There’s nothing much you can do, and the best advice is to move on and forget about it.

An alternative approach is to follow Jay Baer’s advice and Hug your Haters. Smother them with kindness, look like the bigger (wo)man, and grow as a result.

Likers Gonna Like

But this talk of haters, hating and not being liked isn’t exactly the upbeat message we want to leave you with.

So let’s look at the positives. Why would people like you? And why would they love to listen to your podcast?

• You help people – Whether it’s on-air or off the air – you are always helping people.
• You entertain – You’re funny, and you create content that is memorable for the right reasons.
• You care – It’s obvious to your listeners that you care about them and are interested in them.
• You inspire – Your listeners are given confidence and are motivated by listening to your podcast.

Do You Want to Be Average or Extraordinary?

If you do something that matters and find your ideal tribe, you will naturally divide opinion. Many will dislike you; some might even hate you. But, the thing is, that’s the only way to find a loyal, loving audience – the type of people who will love and support what you do passionately.

You can’t find that audience without putting yourself out there, and being honest in how you do. I know that only too well. I’ve only just started using video as part of my marketing. I just didn’t have the confidence to talk to the camera. I convinced myself that I ‘had a face for radio’.

Put yourself out there. Be authentically ‘you’. Find your voice and you can be confident you’ll find your audience.

What if People Don’t Like Me?

We all suffer from our own insecurities, and ‘not being liked’ is certainly a concern that many of us have. Every so often, we need a reminder of why we are liked and loved. This will be uncomfortable for some of you, but trust me – it’s a worthwhile exercise.

Ask your friends, families and colleagues this very simple question:

“Why do you like me?”

To protect your own ego and self-worth, I’d recommend you pose this question to people that you KNOW like you. Nothing will crush a soul like someone saying – “Errrrrm sorry Kev – don’t know where you got that idea from, but I actually despise you.”

Get the feedback. Write it down, and refer to it the next time you lack confidence.

What Next?

Hopefully you’re getting a lot out of this podcaster hangups series so far.

We’re continuing our quest to turn you into a confident podcaster by confronting another common fear in the next chapter: What if nobody listens to my podcast?

The Sound of Silence – My Narrative Experiment

I’ve been a bit self-conscious about using audio and video platforms. But I decided to give podcasting a bash. The results were, frankly, embarrassing. I’d narrated some personal stories I’d written, created a prototype, and let my trusted friends decide if it worked as a concept. I feared it didn’t. My friends concurred. The reality?  Nobody would listen to my podcast show in that format. It just wouldn’t work.

Hang Up Your Hangups: What if Nobody Listens to My Podcast?

This is Chapter 5 of our Podcaster Hangups series where we break down the frequently heard complaint “What if nobody listens to my podcast?”. Find the series intro here!

Fear is rational

I’d just thrown together a recording to test the theory. I know that a lot of time goes into planning, writing and producing a podcast. It’s a big investment of your most precious resource – time. It’s natural then, that you might question that investment if nobody listens. What if, when you launch your podcast nobody listens? Could your fragile ego handle it?

What if People Did Listen?

I can guarantee you this; you’ll have zero listeners if you don’t publish your podcast. We’re great at thinking negatively. We’re wonderful at talking ourselves out of things. Don’t let podcasting be the same.

Consider this; ‘what if people did listen?’ What difference could you make to your listeners? What new connections and friendships could you form? Who could you help and inspire?

Through your podcast, you have the power to reach a new audience across the world. Be excited by that. Produce a great show and market it correctly and you will have listeners.

Why Wouldn’t People Listen?

To give yourself the best chance of having a podcast that people listen to, let’s look at some of the reasons you might find it hard to reach your audience.

Your Show Is Too Niche

Picking a niche is great, just don’t make it TOO niche. It’s all well and good ‘owning’ a specific topic, but if not enough people are interested, you’ll be facing an uphill battle to find listeners. A road racing podcast for passionate cyclists would work, but a podcast dedicated to puncture repair kits would struggle.

Your Show Is Too Broad

Conversely, if your show is too general, you’ll also struggle to find an audience. A general racing site that includes cycling, Formula 1 and horse racing, would understandably struggle to maintain a listener’s attention.

For more help here, check out Podcast Topics: How to Create a Show That’s Unique & Original

Poor Sound Quality

Even if you do strike the sweet spot and find a decent-sized audience, nothing will drive them away quicker than atrocious audio production. If you make it hard for people to enjoy your carefully crafted content, you’ll find it almost impossible to find loyal listeners.

Fortunately, it isn’t difficult or expensive to create great sounding audio…

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Poor Delivery

Even if the sound quality is great, you could still find yourself without listeners because of how you deliver your show. If you’re annoyingly obnoxious or deadly dull, you’re going to do a wonderful job of driving people away. Here’s an idea; be yourself. Be prepared, be organised – but don’t try too hard.

Additional tips for better delivery: Do some vocal warm-ups, practice good mic technique, and for goodness sake, plan out your episodes.

Being Brave

Accept the fact that nobody might listen. Embrace it. Be brave and do it regardless of your fears. Because here’s the thing – even if nobody listens you’ll get a lot out of the experience. For a start, you’ll learn what DOESN’T work. But you’ll also have gained valuable public speaking experience. And, you can use the show as a way to grow your personal network. Use it as a way to find your voice.

You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don’t let the fear of failure or your natural negativity hold you back. Go on, put yourself out there. Banish the negative thoughts and find your ideal audience.

There is an audience out there for you.

Your Task

I’m a great believer in reverse engineering. So here’s what I want you to do. Think about a time you abandoned a podcast episode before it finished. What was it that made you stop? Take a note and add it to your ‘what not to do’ list.

Next time you’re searching for a new podcast, ask what it is that makes you skip scroll past a potential show. In other words, what stops you even trying a new podcast? Again, take a note and make sure you don’t fall into the same trap.

Learn from others’ mistakes and create a podcast that’s worth listening to.

Next Step Resources: What if Nobody Listens to My Podcast?

Finally, it’s time to give you some follow-up resources and hard data to help you make sure that people DO listen to your podcast.

• How Long Does it Take to Build an Audience?
• What’s a Good Number of Downloads for a Podcast?
• How to Promote Your Podcast and Grow Your Audience
• Podcast Discovery: How do Listeners Actually Discover New Shows?

Hang Up Your Hangups

Hopefully you’re getting a lot out of this podcaster hangups series so far.

We’re continuing our quest to turn you into a confident podcaster by confronting another common fear in the next chapter: How to Deal with Bad Podcast Reviews

As I was being interviewed, I found that I was boring myself. Now, if I was bored with my delivery, imagine how the listeners would be feeling. I could imagine me putting them into a long, deep coma. Or, at the very least, having them reach for the STOP button.

Hang Up Your Hangups: I’m Boring!

This is Chapter 3 of our Podcaster Hangups series where we break down the frequently heard complaint “I can’t podcast because I’m boring”. Find the series intro here!

Perception Versus Reality

When I listened back, I discovered three things. Firstly, the ‘ehmms’ and ‘ahhhss’ were more frequent than I’d like. I was reminded that I still have issues with hearing my voice. But, to my surprise, I found that my interview wasn’t boring at all.

My perception didn’t match the reality. Whether it’s through lack of confidence or my natural self-deprecating manner, I was convinced that I was boring. I think we all have that in us. The brain can be a cruel organ. It fills us with self-doubt and creates narratives that simply aren’t true.

Boring is relative

Boring is such a subjective word. For example:

• I’m fascinated by the evolution of the short story.
• I’m enthralled by the history of football tactics.
• I’m captivated by the World of entrepreneurship.

All three of those things will likely bore a great many of you to tears.

The truth is, I’ve even listened to boring podcasts on subjects that I love. So what it is that makes them boring?

Boring Content

Sometimes a podcast loses me because the content is just boring. Having said that, I don’t think there are many subjects out there that can’t be made exciting or engaging – to the right audience – with a bit of work. So, if you have boring content, maybe the approach is wrong.

I listened to a business writer’s podcast episode recently. I’m a regular listener and normally get so much value from it. This particular episode was delivered as a monologue, but it was the unstructured nature that bored me. There was repetition, and I found myself losing attention. After five minutes I hit the STOP button and deleted the episode.

If he’d included interviews or a more structured monologue – it could have worked.

Working with Loops

Let’s talk structure because that’s the easiest way to prevent boring content.

The key to structure is the narrative and the hook that drives listeners through that narrative. Tell people what’s coming, but give them just a teaser of the content. Make sure that teaser includes the problem you’re solving and a hint at how you’ll solve it. Here’s a deeper dive on how to get the best from your episode intros.

The teaser is sometimes called an ‘open loop’. An open loop is where you hint at something, or you ask a question. But you don’t give the answer right away. That creates curiosity, and curiosity produces more engaging content.

You can close a loop every few minutes if you like, or you can have an open loop that isn’t closed until the end of your episode. If it’s the former, then make sure you open a new loop either before you close the last, or immediately after. That can work well in an educational show. Break the lesson down into sections, and create a series of open loops, each leading into the next as they close.

Above all, put thought into your podcast content. Structure it, don’t ramble, be purposeful with where you’re going and hint at that direction to the listener. That’s what creates engagement, and THAT’S what compels your listener to listen, with bated breath, to every minute of your show.

Boring Delivery

Once you’ve got your content down, the next job is delivery. And sadly, I’ve abandoned even more podcasts as a result of boring delivery. I listened to a business podcast last year that, on the surface, looked good. She’d hired a voiceover person to do the dramatic intro. That guy was a pro. His voice was anything but boring.

Then, the host spoke.

Her voice was pleasant enough, but her delivery was monotone. It didn’t alter in the slightest. For a moment, I thought I might be listening to a robot. I saved my life by switching it off. Yes, I was driving at the time.

We’ve talked a lot already about voice in chapter 1, so I’m not going to re-iterate that. But remember how much more interesting you can sound with a little thought.

Keep in mind the word variety – both in tone and pace. And practice, practice, practice. There isn’t a person out there who can’t become a good presenter over time. That includes you.

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Too Boring to Podcast? Not With These 5 Tips

1. Use the art of storytelling to engage your audience. People remember stories much better than facts and figures.
2. Vary the tone and tempo of your delivery. For more on this read chapter one in this series.
3. Make use of interviews. Adding a different voice and perspective creates a more dynamic podcast experience.
4. Answer the questions that your audience regularly asks. If it’s important to your listeners, they’re unlikely to find it boring.
5. If you have a monologue show – just make sure that it has a structure. Use open loops, and make sure it flows naturally.

Still Think You’re Boring?

The fear of being boring is real folks. I know it because I experience it all the time. But don’t let it paralyse you. If being boring is the fear that’s stopping you from podcasting, remember this – you can’t judge yourself. Find a ‘test audience’. Ideally, this should be people you’re friends with, BUT that will be honest with you.

Record a five-minute snippet on your phone on a topic of your choice. The audio quality isn’t important. Follow the advice in this series so far and put yourself out there. Do it, and ask that audience one simple question – ‘Is this boring?’.

I speak from experience. I’ve done this. It works. And remember, putting yourself out there is THE ONLY way to make progress.

Next Up

Hopefully you’re getting a lot out of this podcaster hangups series so far.

We’re continuing our quest to turn you into a confident podcaster by confronting another common fear in the next chapter: What if people don’t like you after they hear your podcast?

Three short and simple words. Why is it then, that I still find that phrase difficult to say?

It could be because many of my friends have been professional writers for years. Perhaps it’s because I think it sounds pretentious. Maybe it’s because I lack confidence. Or is it the fundamental human trait of not wanting to call myself an ‘expert’?

Hang Up Your Hangups: I’m No Expert

This is Chapter 2 of our Podcaster Hangups series where we break down the frequently heard complaint “Can I podcast on a topic if I’m not an expert?”. Find the series intro here!

I become quite cynical when someone uses the label ‘expert’ to position themselves. Even more so if they use the term ‘Guru’ or ‘Ninja’. Maybe that’s just me, but really – how many have cut their thumb on a shuriken? I demand proof and for me, that means ‘hearing them out’ (or at least having a go of their nunchucks!). In other words – giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise.

What Is an Expert?

The simple dictionary definition of an expert is –

“A person who is very knowledgeable about or skilful in a particular area.”

We prefer this definition –

“An expert is someone who can explain complex things in very simple ways. Therefore, they often have the appearance of being an everyman. It’s hard to spot an expert at first because they make everything so simple.”

The distinction between the two is the simplicity of HOW they share their knowledge.

You’re a Communicator

Being a keeper of knowledge isn’t enough to qualify you as an expert. You need to be an effective knowledge distributor, and that means being a confident communicator. And of course, podcasting is one of the ways to share your expertise.

I’ll go further than that – I’d argue that podcasting is THE best way to share your knowledge. Think about it for a minute. As a podcaster, you have the opportunity to share your message in the most natural way – by talking directly to your audience.

Those that are listening can make an assessment of your expert status based on what you say, and how you say it. They can give you a large amount of time, because they don’t have to MAKE time in their day, unlike full attention mediums like video or text. And due to the serial nature of podcasting – you’ll build trust with your audience throughout every minute they’re with you.

You Don’t Have to Be an Expert

An important thing to remember is that you don’t have to be an expert to add value. Let me explain.

I spent six months working in the outdoor advertising industry. That makes it sounds quite glamorous – but the reality was, I was selling adverts on buses. After my first day of the induction course, I was labelled as an ‘outdoor media expert’ by one of the trainers. When I politely challenged her, she asked me the question

“Will you know more than the person you are selling to?”

I nodded.

“Well then, there you go – you’re an expert.”

The entire notion that knowing more makes you an expert can be dangerous.

But I don’t think you need to KNOW more. You’ll always know less than someone – but your ability to communicate knowledge, in a simple way, will set you apart.

4 Tips to Expertly Share Your Message

Here are four simple ways to help you communicate your knowledge more effectively. Use it as a checklist for when you’re planning your next podcast.

1. Break it Down

Break difficult concepts into simple steps. It’s less intimidating for your listeners and far easier to follow.

2. Use Plain English

Don’t talk in buzzwords or confusing acronyms. If you have to introduce a new industry term, make sure you take the time to explain it. Don’t assume your listeners are familiar with it.

3. “Once Upon a Time”

Use the power of storytelling throughout your podcast. People remember and relate to stories. Find great, real-life examples and case studies that help illustrate the point you’re making.

4. Narrow the Focus

Don’t try to do too much in one episode. Pick a topic and stick to it. If the problem you’re looking to cover feels too big – break it down into a series of podcast episodes.

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Make Yourself An Expert In Your Field By Using Podcasts

We give you the tools necessary to talk about yourself assertively, help others in the process, and feel confident to share your expertise with others. Find out more »

So, You’re No Expert?

One final thing to add here. We ran a podcast discovery survey recently where we got the opinions of 780 podcast listeners. Did you know that, in our sample group, the least important thing for them when weighing up whether or not to hit play on a new pod was that they’d heard of the presenter before?

So are the majority of listeners out there seeking out “experts”, or are they just looking for good content? I’ll let you decide on that one

And speaking of good content – what if you’re worried that people won’t listen to you because you think you’re boring? Well, as it happens, that’s the subject of our next chapter. Head on over once you’re ready and let’s dive into it!

Hang Up Your Hangups: I Hate My Voice!

This is Chapter 1 of our Podcaster Hangups series where we break down the frequently heard complaint “I hate the sound of my own voice”. Find the series intro here!

I was only eight when it was recorded, but I hated it anyway. Even now, I still hate my voice. I’ve narrated a few videos for my clients and each time they tell me they like my voice. I remain unconvinced.

You’re Not Alone

I don’t think I’m alone in hating my voice. We’re predisposed to hate the sound of our own speech. It’s irrational, and it’s normal. Embrace it and don’t worry about it. It’s worth remembering, the way you hear your voice is different from the way other people hear it. Your skull acts as a dampener of sorts which alters the way you hear your voice.

Your Voice is an Instrument

As a podcaster, you’ve got to think of your voice as an instrument. And just like any instrument, it will get better with practice. As your confidence and skills grow, you’ll find that your voice improves. If you don’t believe me, listen to episode 1 of a podcast series and then listen to episode 50. In most cases, you’ll notice a significant difference.

Pat Flynn used himself as an example of this during his keynote at Podcast Movement in 2015. He was brave enough to play his first episode on stage, and the difference was ludicrous for those of us that know his recent work. It was a brilliant moment as he took the mick out of his younger self and showed us all how much difference practice makes.

Top 5 Tips to Stop Hating Your Voice

1. Breaking the mental barrier

When you’re recording your podcast, keep your voice as natural as possible. Don’t ‘put on’ a voice. Talk as if you’re talking with your friends.

There is nothing quite so obvious as someone affecting a voice. It sounds false. Be authentic, and work with the instrument you’ve been blessed with.

2. Vary the pace

It’s unusual to speak at the same pace for any length of time. Try reading something aloud and maintain the same pace. It sounds robotic, doesn’t it?

The truth is, we alter the speed of our delivery naturally. Find ways to experiment with your delivery. Vary the rhythm and your voice will become a more dynamic instrument.

3. Dramatic Pauses

Silence can be a great asset for podcasters. A dramatic pause captures attention and acts as an audible exclamation mark. It can feel a bit unnatural but try it.

A presentation trainer from back in my sales days always talked about the power of silence. He also told me something that has stuck with me. “Silence always feels longer for the speaker than it does for the audience.”

4. Vary the tone

Varying the tone of your voice is another critical aspect of your vocal instrument. Change the pitch to help deliver a more memorable message. I’m not advocating the use of helium, but subtle changes will enhance your delivery.

5. Keep your sentences short

Keeping your sentences short and punchy helps create a natural rhythm to your shows. Long, rambling sentences are difficult to follow. They’re also difficult for your listeners to follow.
If it feels like “you’re going on a bit” – stop the recording and script that particular segment. Find a way to break it down into a series of short sentences.

Finding Your Voice

To start, just focus on one element. Maybe start by working on your tone, then focus on the pace of your delivery. To make it easier – use the following extract from a famous speech as your playground. Have fun. Try some different things out and record everything that you do so you can listen back.

Remember, the more you listen to yourself, the more you get used to it, and the more confident you’ll become in future. One day, finally, you’ll be able to join the minority, and stop saying “I hate my voice” for good.

Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat

“I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this Government: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. This is our policy. You ask, what is our aim?

I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory, there is no survival.”

Now he didn’t hate his voice, did he? Have at it.

P.S. If I still had my ’Battle of Hastings’ script – I would have gladly shared it with you.

I Hate My Voice! Next Step Resources

Still feel like you need a bit more help with this? No problem! Check out our Voice Training for Podcasters course inside the IndiePod Community.

Stuck on something else podcast-related? We’ve probably written about it. Use the search box, below, to have a look…

And once you’re ready, head on over to the next chapter of this hangups series where we’re answering the question: Can I Podcast on a Topic if I’m Not an Expert?

Looking for a Physical Podcast Host Planner?

There’s a lot to be said for physical journal-style podcast planners. Having a tangible book in your working space is a good prompt and accountability buddy. Our Podcast Host Planner will help you organise, launch, and grow your podcast. Within its pages you’ll find the tools and templates to plan everything, from big picture goals, to edit timecodes, and loads more.

Right, on with the guide…

Outline, Write, Edit

To dramatically improve your efficiency, follow the simple plan of creating an outline, writing (or planning) the structure of your show, and then editing, as distinct phases.

Whether you write out or simply use this middle phase as a pure plan, it’s important to write first, and edit later. Writing is a creative task, while editing is very much a logical one. Write the first draft, and ignore the temptation to edit as you go. Instead, take a break, and go for a walk. Then revisit your first draft as a ruthless editor.

Podcast Planner Tool #1: The Outline

Writing your outline is the most critical stage in the process. This is where you map out your intro and outro and format to set up the building blocks of your podcast episode. Then, you can save this as a podcast template. You can use that template for any episode, just fill in the content you want to explore when you’re planning future episodes.

Not only will it make you a more efficient podcaster, but also it’ll ensure that your final show has a structure that works.

I’ve trialled a host of different outlining methods and tools over the years.

Text-Based Outlining

You can use any text editor or word processor to create an outline for your show. The simplest way is to produce a bullet point list of the show. Managing, storing and retrieving multiple text documents can be a challenge. If you like the simple text approach, I’d recommend you use Evernote. It works across all devices and platforms and is especially handy for capturing ideas and thoughts and storing them for later.

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Pen & Paper Outlining

Some of you might prefer the old fashioned ‘pen and paper’ approach. Some people I know prefer this approach as it strips away any technology interference, helping them think more clearly.

You could get yourself a dedicated notepad for outlining and planning your podcast or simply use a sheet of A4 paper. Whatever works for you is fine.

You could even use index cards, where each element of your show has its own card. The benefit of this approach is that it allows you to shuffle the deck, and experiment with changing the order of your show.

Mindmaps

This is my personal favourite outlining tool. Again you can sketch these out by hand, but getting one of the excellent MindMapping applications that are available today is more efficient. I use iThoughts, which I have set-up across my iPad, iPhone and MacBook Air. But others are available, and will do just as good a job for you.

1. MindNode
2. Freemind

Podcast Planner Tool #2: Writing

When it comes to writing your script, or at least the set-piece moments throughout your show, any word processing application (MS Word, Pages, etc.) will do the job. I prefer to write using ‘distraction free’ applications. This basically means the interface is stripped down to just a blinking cursor on a blank screen. Word, for example, has a distraction free mode, but I prefer using iAWriter (Mac).

For more complex projects, particularly the planning of an entire podcast series, a writing tool like Scrivener can save you time and manage the different components of your complete series. 

Filters Off

When you’re scripting the set-piece elements of your script, write your first draft with complete freedom. Don’t hold back. That’s what editing is for. Above all, write with ‘your filters off’. You can always delete it later.

First drafts should be all about capturing the big ideas and your personality. Leave the editing for later. For now, just write. While nobody enjoys listening to someone who is racist, sexist, disrespectful of others, or who goes out of their way to offend anyone, you don’t have to stoop to that, when you are your own authentic self. Other than that, though, have at it!

Podcast Planner Tool #3: Editing

As a writer, I use the web-based Grammarly application for proofing and editing short pieces of content. For longer pieces, I’ll usually outsource to a proofreader. For podcasting, though, especially for the scripted parts of your show, the web-based Hemmingway application would be a great alternative.

Hemmingway does a great job of highlighting errors in your text.  My personal favourite feature is its ability to identify repeating words or phrases. It also highlights long and complicated sentences. This is particularly good for podcasters and anyone else writing content to be spoken out loud.

Break It Down, Plan It Out, Use It Again

Once you’ve set up you podcast planning as distinct tasks, it’s much less intimidating to create a podcast template. You can use this again and again, making consistency across your whole podcast series.

If you’re interested in more ways to make a podcast that your audience will remember and share, join us at Podcraft Academy. We have several podcast planner downloadable resources in there to help you stay organised, productive, and on-track.

On top of that, you’ll find all of our courses, and have access to our weekly live Q&A sessions. Podcraft Academy can help you with all aspects of making, or improving, your podcast!

In the real world, it’s unusual that complete scripts are written. More commonly, the bulk of a show will be planned out with bullet points, and the host will script the set-piece elements. Examples of this include the intro, the sponsor message and the call to action, all of which benefit from being really polished.

So, when we say you should script your podcast episode, we mean a bullet point plan for the entire show, with some sections fully scripted for clarity and slick delivery. 

If you think this sounds like overkill, then in some cases you’re quite right. Many hosts simply wing it on every episode. There’s an assumption, though, that the most inspiring or successful podcasters don’t use a podcast script. The opposite is often true, and that extra work is just one of the many things that gives them their edge.

You see, many of our podcasting idols happen to be masters at crafting invisible scripts.

Scripts, though well intended, are dangerous beasts. They can squeeze the soul out of the spoken word. But, a well-executed, invisible podcast script is worth it, for five key reasons.

1. Helps create your Podcast structure, ensuring you cover all points.
2. Ensures your content flows and engages.
3. Builds your reputation as a slick podcast host.
4. Gives you the roadmap to deliver confidently.
5. Cuts down on production time.

What is an Invisible Podcast Script? 

An invisible podcast script comes across so naturally that the listener thinks it’s been ad-libbed. It’s easier said than done, because writing to be read, and writing to be heard require a different thought process.

Our earliest podcasts definitely don’t sound as natural as our most recent efforts. We’ve learned, over time, that the way we write our blog posts, and the way we write our podcast, need to be different.

With the aim of helping you shortcut that process, here are our top tips to turn your obvious script into an invisible podcast script.

Map It Out, One Step At a Time 

Start by mapping out the structure of your podcast. Breaking any task down into smaller components is good advice generally. Here are some specific examples you can apply to your podcasting.

Suggested Script Elements

• The ‘Welcome To’ Message
• The ‘Thanks for listening, hope you’re well.’ Rapport Builder
• The ‘This week we’ll be discussing’ episode introduction.
• The ‘Here’s a message from our sponsor’ commercial.
• The ‘Our guest this week is’ introduction.
• The ‘Thanks for listening’ and request for reviews.
• The call to action close.

Your podcast map should be linear. In other words, each step leads on naturally to the next. When you script your episode, keep the flow simple, logical and consecutive.

The Power of Narrative Flow

In any story, the opening has to capture attention. Some podcast hosts opt for a more chatty opening, but the podcasts that capture my attention are those that introduce the topic of the episode up front. Sell the benefits of your episode – what will the listener get out of it, what will they learn? A great approach is to put yourself in your audience’s position, and share how the content in this episode helped you. Share a short story that makes the opening real and relatable.

The body of your episode is where you deliver on the promise you made during the opening of your show. Depending on the length of your show,  you might have 3-5 key waypoints to guide your listener through the story your podcasting is telling. Keep the flow sequential in nature.

Don’t take the ending of your podcast for granted. A short recap of the points covered in the main body will help your audience understand and put it in context, but don’t overdo it. Keep it short and snappy.

Write Like You Talk

The best podcasts are conversational in nature. It’s a familiar voice, speaking directly to you with personality and warmth. Tune into the way that you talk in everyday life. Compare that to how you write. Listen to how those around you talk. (I recommend taking mental notes, not real ones…. that would just be weird!)

Just listen, and be aware that there is a pronounced difference between speaking and writing when you script your episode. That’ll give you the general idea, but next let’s explore some of the specifics.

• Use contractions, if that’s how you normally speak. 
• Be plainspoken: don’t feel you have to be formal. 
• Cut the jargon. Assume your listeners know your topic, but don’t dive so deep that they need a glossary to follow your train of thought.
• Use short sentences, kept to one point or idea each. 
• Write down complete sentences, each with a subject and verb, existing as one complete thought. It’s true that people don’t always speak in complete sentences. But, your thought process will be clearer while recording, if your script’s sentences are clear and complete. 

If All Else Fails –

Use the ‘mate test’. In other words, would a friend recognise you if they heard your podcast? Or, would they shake their head in disgust while uttering the words ‘you’ve changed’? Be yourself, be authentic and have fun.

It might take you a while to get there, but before you know it you’ll script your episodes invisibly, and make recording and editing much easier, and engage listeners.

Next steps? You might find our guide on how to script your podcast helpful. That’ll give you some more actionable tips, techniques, and strategies to help you move forward.

If you’re interested in more ways to make a podcast that your audience will remember and share, join us at Podcraft Academy. We have courses, downloadable resources, and run weekly live Q&A sessions that can help you with all aspects of making, or improving, your podcast.