Summary: Podcast Intro Script Template & Tips
Each episode you release will be someone’s first impression of your show. A good podcast intro lets you manage your listener’s experience and let them know what’s in store immediately. Give them a sense of what they will get out of it and leave them no doubt that this is the podcast for them. Later on, use your outro to ensure you turn new listeners into followers or subscribers and guarantee they return for more.
On the surface, the most crucial part of your episode is the main content. After all, that’s where you discuss or address what was promised in the title. The podcast intro, though, gets your listener to that content. And the outro helps keep them listening to more episodes.
With your podcast intro, you have the crucial task of setting the scene for your listeners. Some may have heard every episode you’ve ever released before, but for a few, this will be their very first impression of your show.
These new listeners have no loyalty or obligation to you or your content in the opening minutes. They’ll likely have a playlist of other shows already downloaded and ready to listen to.
They’re giving you a chance – but you don’t have long. Our podcast discoverability survey found that 17% of listeners will only give a new podcast 5 minutes to “hook” them.
Just like if they’ve picked up a book or switched on a TV show, there are a few questions subconsciously running through their head:
- Does this seem interesting?
- Does it sound well-made?
- Do I know what’s going on?
- And, most importantly, what’s in this for me?
This is where your podcast intro needs to do its job.
What Makes a Good Podcast Intro Script?
Put yourself in the shoes (or earbuds) of a brand new listener – someone you’d consider to be in your target audience. They’ve downloaded your latest episode and hit play.
As I’ve said already, they’ve no loyalty to you. They’ve probably never heard of you and – at this moment – aren’t interested in you.
They’ve downloaded this episode for their OWN benefit. They want something from it. And whether that’s to learn something or to be entertained, they want to know as early as possible that you’ll deliver.
So, What Should I Include in My Podcast Intro Script?
I don’t want you to think that there are restrictive “rules” with your podcast introduction because there’s still an immense amount of creative freedom. Podcasting wouldn’t be very interesting if every single show sounded the same.
Nevertheless, there are some things I’d suggest you always include in your podcast intro script.
- Your name. It doesn’t need to be your full name; it could even be a nickname. Just let your listener put a name to the voice as early as possible.
- What is the podcast called? You might assume they already know, but they may be working through a vast playlist of new podcasts. Let them know that this is yours.
- Who is the podcast for? You can save people precious time by signposting early on whether or not they are your target audience. If your show is aimed at people who want to learn how to speak Spanish, make that clear ASAP. If someone who is listening doesn’t want to learn Spanish, there’s no benefit to anyone for them to keep listening. On the other hand, the person who does thinks, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for”.
- What is the overall theme of the podcast?
- What’s the show about?
- What problem is the podcast series here to solve?
- What problem does this particular episode solve?
- What’s the podcast format? Do you talk directly to the listener, or chat with guests?
Presenting a Problem to Your Audience – & Solution!
Being clear when laying out your subject matter is great. But making your listener relate to it by mentioning something they’re struggling with will really pull them in.
For example, on Podcraft, our target audience is people who want to learn how to podcast. Some big struggles include learning about microphones and audio equipment, editing and mixing digital audio, growing their audience and monetising their show.
The overall struggle they have is that they want to learn how to podcast, and our primary solution is that we can help them do that.
Each episode deals with a specific subtopic, providing a solution that helps them achieve their overall goal. We want to mention this in our podcast intro script, so the listener knows they’ve come to the right place.
So, in an episode about media hosting, we could present the problem: “Have you ever wondered how you upload a podcast and make it available on Apple and Spotify?”
Then we offer the solution: “Well, in this episode, that’s exactly what you’ll find out. We’ll walk you step by step through the process, and by the end, you’ll be able to submit your show to Apple and Spotify quickly and easily.”
Podcast Intro Script Template
Set your episode up by mentioning the overall problem your podcast is here to help them with (e.g., learning how to podcast) and then the particular issue you’ll be dealing with in this episode (e.g., getting your podcast published and distributed).
“Hello and welcome to the ___ podcast; this is the show for ___, all about ___, and on this episode, have you ever struggled with ___? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll help you with on this week’s show, where you’ll learn how to ___.”
You don’t need to copy this verbatim, but make it the framework of your podcast intro script. This means that everyone you want to keep listening will make it through to the main body of the episode.
Then, you can win them over with your content.
Should I Use a “Cold Open”? As My Podcast Intro?
You know when you sit down to watch your favourite TV show, and the episode starts before you’ve even opened your bag of Doritos? Then, after about five minutes, the intro kicks in? That’s what’s known as a “cold open“.
Many podcasters use cold opens at the beginning of their episodes. You’ve probably heard them before. You hit play and immediately seem to have landed bang in the middle of a guest explaining, “…so, it was at that point I decided to wear a diving suit made of sirloin steaks and go swimming with sharks.”
Obviously, the idea is that you think, “Wait, how is this idiot still alive to tell the tale? I need to get the full story.”
And you keep on listening.
Cold opens can work well for podcast intros, but there are some nuances and things to be aware of, as Steph explores in the article I’ve linked to, there.
How to End My Podcast Episodes: What Makes a Good Podcast Outro?
The main purpose of this post is to help get your podcast intro script on point. But we ignore podcast outros or endings at our peril.
In fact, there’s even a theory known as Peak-End, which says you remember events, occasions, or experiences based on two things:
- The Peak: the most exciting or impactful part (in podcasting, the main content of an episode)
- The End: how it all wraps up (your outro and Call to Action)
So, the final minute or two of your episode goes towards creating a lasting impression of the podcast in your listener’s mind.
You might have done a great job with the podcast intro and the main body, but if the show ends poorly, that could be the difference between a new listener hitting the Follow button or not.
The outro’s job is to thank the listener for listening and point them toward any vital details covered during the episode.
It’s also the part where you can ask for something in return. If someone has stayed to the end, they’ve probably enjoyed the episode you’ve put together for them, so they might be willing to respond to your request for a rating, review, or any other relevant Call to Action.
What Should I Include in My Outro? How to End a Podcast
Like the podcast intro, there are no “rules” as such, but if you want to close your episode effectively, you should consider the following.
- Thank them for listening. There are millions of podcasts out there, and they’ve chosen to listen to yours.
- Point them to the shownotes on your website for links to everything mentioned in this episode.
- If possible, offer them a teaser of what’s in store for the next episode.
- Send them to ONE place – your website. There’s no point in reading out your email address, Twitter handle, Patreon page, or Facebook URL, when you can have clear links to all this on your site.
- Include a ‘Call to Action’ (CTA). This is your opportunity to ask for something in return. Remember, though, if you give someone too much to do, the chances are they won’t do any of it, so just pick one and be clear about it. You might want to ask your listener to…
- Follow or Subscribe to the show on their podcast app of choice
- Share the podcast, or tell a friend about it
- Rate/review the podcast
- Sign up to your email list, or download your ebook
- Buy tickets for your event or conference
- Support you on Patreon, or pledge to your crowdfunding project
A wee bit of thought and planning goes a long way with your outros. This is how you turn podcast listeners into followers and maximise the effectiveness of your CTAs.
What About Pre-Recorded Podcast Intros & Outros?
Some podcasts use pre-recorded segments as their standard intro and outro. These can be created by the host or recorded and produced to enlist the talents of a professional voiceover artist.
Pre-recorded elements can offer that extra layer of polish, but they should always be as succinct as possible. If you play the same three-minute clip at the start of every episode, listeners will tire of it quickly. You’ll train them to hit the skip forward button. Some apps even enable them to do that automatically.
Likewise, if you close with the same lengthy pre-recorded outro, your listeners will switch off before the end.
If you’re creating premade podcast intros and outros that utilise many of the tips given in this article, try to keep them to a length of 30 seconds or less.
What Do the Top 20 Podcasts Tell Us About the Perfect Intro Formula?
Read article called: What Do the Top 20 Podcasts Tell Us About the Perfect Intro Formula?Conclusion: Podcast Intro Script Tips
This shouldn’t seem like a lot of red tape, or, something that will restrict your creative license. On the contrary, the job of your podcast intros and outros is to support and enhance the actual content of your episodes.
You don’t need to overthink them or spend much time on them. It’s just about putting some good practices in place that make sure you’re not needlessly losing listeners, and that you’re always steadily growing your audience.
Over time, the things you want to include at the beginning and end of your episode will become second nature to you. Your main focus should always be on your topic, and a great podcast intro simply ensures your audience is still around to hear it.
If you’d like feedback on how you open and close your episodes (or on any other aspect of your podcast!), be sure to join us in the Podcraft Academy. In there, you’ll find our podcast feedback feature, along with a host of other resources, from downloadable checklists to full video courses!
]]>Consider the Source of the Podcast Criticism
Who provided the criticism, and how? Is this criticism consequential (in the literal sense) or not? For example, if Joe Rogan said, on his podcast with hundreds of thousands of followers, “[title of show] is the most monotonous podcast I’ve ever heard,” there would be consequences for your show. If Sharky Greene posted on his Facebook page to his ten followers, “[title of show] is dumb,” it’s unlikely to affect your podcast’s reputation. The post might sting a bit, but it reflects Sharky and his tastes more than anything else.
Who’s Sharky Greene?
Exactly.
Is this podcast criticism posted publicly, or sent to you privately? Where and how? For example, is it a review in a podcast directory, on someone else’s social media, or in a direct email? Did the person (how old-school is this) say it to your face?
Can other people, especially strangers, see it, in a place where it could affect whether or not they choose to hit play on your podcast?
Consider the Critique
Use the THINK rule of internet discourse. Take a close look at the criticism and ask if it is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, or kind. Someone might explain that the audio needs volume leveling or that an episode cut off abruptly: that’s okay. This is the kind of podcast criticism we all need to improve. Unfortunately, people rarely know how to write a constructive review.
Is the podcast criticism specific to your show and how it’s made? Not all podcast directories require audiences to listen to one or more episodes before writing a review. Sometimes, people post bad reviews because they disagree with the creators’ political or social opinions. They may say negative things about your show on social media because they’re bullies. But, if the criticism is clear and specific enough to show they paid attention to the episode, it may be worth considering.
Is it a personal attack? As I said, some people post rude or harmful things to make themselves feel more powerful. This may violate the Terms of Service wherever it’s posted (such as a directory). These personal attacks say much more about the poster than the podcast they’re discussing.
Is the podcast criticism visible to others, and is it likely to harm your show? For example, is this a review in a podcast directory or app, on a review site or blog, or a private message?
Is it posted somewhere that you can respond? Apple Podcasts, for example, lets users post once for each podcast, with no responses. Podchaser, on the other hand, is set up so people can review an entire podcast or any episode, and the podcast’s owner can respond publicly.
How to Respond (and Whether You Should)
Podcast criticism may hurt, but acting on hurt feelings is never good. Sort out your feelings privately. Write them down if necessary: this can help you separate your thoughts from your emotions. Don’t spend too much time thinking about how that podcast criticism makes you feel. Time spent picking at that emotional wound is time spent away from producing and improving your podcast.
Should You Respond?
Most of the time, responding to podcast criticism is unnecessary. However, if negative feedback is posted somewhere that could affect your show’s growth, ignoring it might not be an option.
Podcast Directory Reviews Aren’t Facebook Comments
In Apple Podcasts, reviews are static. You can’t remove or reply to them. But, you can report the review if they violate Apple’s Terms of Service. Unfortunately, the only way to deal with negative reviews on Apple Podcasts is to get positive reviews to balance it out. Ask a friend or genuine fan who hasn’t reviewed it yet to do so. Most podcast directories follow the same pattern.
Again, Podchaser allows a podcast’s creator to respond. For positive reviews, yes, definitely, you should, and thank them.
Spotify now has a comments feature. As Maya Prohovnik, VP of Podcast Product at Spotify, said, “Listeners can actually have a two-way conversation with their favorite podcast hosts on Spotify, podcasters can get near-immediate feedback from their audiences, and real communities can form around shows.” Spotify also lets podcasters approve and review comments before they are publicly displayed, which means nothing cruel or hateful can appear there without you knowing.
Most directories or apps don’t let the podcaster moderate reviews, though. So, if you can respond to a negative comment, should you?
Why Should You Respond to Podcast Criticism?
Some negative feedback is worth your time and energy. If the podcast criticism is legitimate, i.e., “the audio pans so rapidly and often that it makes me dizzy,†that’s not unreasonable.
Keep your response short and constructive. Something like, “Thanks for listening. We’re working to improve our audio skills and may remaster some episodes. Thanks again for sharing your opinion” is fine.
When You Shouldn’t Respond to Podcast Criticism
Responding negatively to a negative review is never a good look.
Sometimes, podcast criticism is specific, and the person thinks they’re helpful but misses the point. For example, “I can’t believe the Big Bad Wolf impersonated Little Red’s grandmother! A real wolf would never wear an old lady’s nightgown!” shows that someone doesn’t get it. These people misunderstand the point of your show. Pat yourself on the back: your show’s notoriety has extended beyond the niche you tried to reach. Nice work!
Where You Should, or Shouldn’t, Respond
Other people can see podcast criticism on social media. Handle this on a case-by-case basis. It can be productive for the original poster to know there’s a real person on the other end of their criticism. Thank them for trying your show, and use a “kill them with kindness†approach. Respond once, don’t let it escalate, and call it a day. Remember, you’re on their social media feed. They don’t have to be nice about how they respond. Their followers can see how you react, and that reflects on your podcast.
Negative criticism via email or a private message should be the easiest to ignore because it’s not posted publicly. However, since it’s less public, the criticism may use more hurtful language. If the criticism is irrational and/or hurtful, don’t respond. Bin it and block them.
Again, thank them for listening if the podcast criticism is genuine and constructive. Remind them that podcasting is a relatively new technology; we’re all learning how to improve the medium.
I’ve been producing a podcast with my brother to teach him how to edit audio. Once, a friend emailed me to let me know that my brother edited and uploaded the latest episode with 30 minutes of dead air at the end. That’s the kind of podcast criticism I welcome.
Don’t Feed the Trolls.
They’re not your audience. Let them get bored and go away. If the podcast criticism violates a directory or social media platform’s terms of service, report it to the platform if you can, and block the user. If it’s 100% hate mail and contains threats, take screenshots and contact local law enforcement.
Be the Bean
There’s an uplifting parable about a woman teaching her daughter about life’s difficulties. She boiled three pots of water, placing carrots in one, eggs in another, and coffee beans in the third. After boiling, the carrots were soft, the eggs were hard, and the coffee transformed the water into a rich aromatic brew.
Her mother explained, “Each faced the same adversity—boiling water—but reacted differently. The carrots went in hard and became soft; the eggs went in fragile but turned hard inside. The coffee beans, on the other hand, not only withstood the heat, but transformed the water into something new.”
When faced with adversity, be like the coffee bean and always try to transform your situation for the better.
Not Everything Appeals to Everyone, and That’s a Good Thing.
We should live in a world where people can provide constructive feedback and others can learn from it. Unfortunately, the anonymous nature of the Internet can promote some inhuman behavior. When you get podcast criticism that hurts, remember, it’s not you that they’re dragging; it’s the show. Your show won’t appeal to everyone, and that’s all right. Don’t waste too much time on it. The people who do care about your show will stick around.
]]>What are your strategies for coping with podcast criticism? Join us in the Indiepod Community, and let’s chat about it. I’m eager to know what you think.
Use a Harmonizer
Most of us have seen a news interview where a person agrees to participate in exchange for anonymity. They appear as a blurry silhouette, with their voice distorted. You can disguise a voice using pitch correction with a harmonizer plug-in.
One example is the Eventide H3000 Factory. This software goes with your existing DAW. It mimics the algorithms of a much more expensive and complex device, Eventide’s H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer® effects processor. It changes the pitch of the person’s voice to sound different enough that it’s unrecognizable.
To hear an example, try listening to Laurie Anderson’s fictitious male alter ego, Fenway Bergamot, from her 2010 album, Homeland. She uses Eventide for much of her experimental audio pieces and multimedia shows.
Garageband has pre-set vocal filters, such as Robot or Helium. If you already use Garageband but haven’t played with these filters yet, why not? Why not let go and have fun once in a while? Seriously. Okay, back to protecting your podcast guest.
Pitch correction isn’t difficult but can be distracting for your podcast audience. The vocal distortion stands out more than the words and content. Plus it may make it harder for the audience to understand (transcription is your friend).
Your Own Virtual Voiceover
In 2015, the BBC launched an AI tool called virtual voiceover translation. When the reporter interviews a non-English-speaking subject, the tool transcribes the audio file automatically using AI. Then, the editor re-records the audio with a synthetic voice, speaking English. In the final broadcast, the audience hears the original speaker’s voice, overlaid by the translation.
You can do something similar with Descript. Import the audio file of your guest to a project, transcribe it, and export the transcription to disk. Then, create a new project using the text that you transcribed, and select one of their synthetic voices. Save this and use this as your podcast episode audio.
This is faster and less expensive than hiring a translator. But, Dmitry Shishkin, digital editor at the BBC World Service, said the initial launch of the tool had “incredible pushback.” Artificially intelligent translation services can be inaccurate. “Google translate is not perfect, but workable. It is a good starting point,” Shishkin said. He added that the BBC editors called it a “robots’ invasion.”
Synthetic voices never sound as convincing or motivating as a real human voice, no matter how much you train it. Again, this can be a distraction for your audience, but it will protect your podcast guest.
Voice Acting
Once you’ve completed the interview, transcribe it, and then hire a voice actor to record your interviewee’s dialogue. Collaborate with someone of similar age, gender, and background. Provide them with the transcript, and work with them to ensure they understand the original speaker’s intention and motivation. Then edit the voice artist’s audio into your recording. Before the interview, tell the audience that the voice in the program is a performer to protect your guest’s identity. Put this in the show notes as well.
The voice performer reads the translation with similar emotion and cadence. The audience has a more visceral connection when the voice performer shares the original’s age and gender. This is less distracting than a synthetic voice or filter and can feel more honest.
Analysis and Discussion
The easiest way to protect your podcast guest’s identity is to avoid playing their dialogue at all. If you don’t already have a co-host, call in someone who’s knowledgeable about the topic. Use your notes or transcript of the interview to discuss what your guest said. Discussing it with a co-host provides a little bit of distance and air between you and your guest’s answers. This lets you show sympathy for the guest’s information without bias bogging you down.
A drawback here is that for all anyone in your audience knows, you could be making it up. However, keeping your source safe is better than taking extra time with harmonizers or actors if you’re on a deadline.
Deflect and Protect, Don’t Distract
Ultimately, your goal is to share your guest’s story and message. Whichever method you choose to protect your podcast guest, the words need to be clear. Pitch correction can make the audience think, “Wow, that sounds weird,” instead of focusing on your content. Transcription is extra work and cost but makes the information in your podcast accessible to a wider audience. When you have a guest controversial enough to raise the alarm, it’s worth it to give extra effort and attention to make a memorable episode.
]]>Note: I know it’s a frenulum, but that doesn’t roll off the tongue…
so to speak. TW: Alliteration and dad jokes ahead. Strap in.
1. Practice and Preparation
The key to mastering any instrument is practice. Whether for speaking or singing, the human voice, as an instrument, is no different. It needs practice. And the more you practice, the better you get at taming those hard to say sentences.
For tip number one on this list of vocal warm-up exercises, I can’t stress enough the importance of reading through a script ahead of time. Not silently, but aloud. Get the words into your mouth and see how you feel. If the material is your own, this is an opportunity to rewrite in a manner that is easier for you to articulate, practice those troublesome phrases that have you tripping, or simply familiarize yourself with the material and words before it’s time to record. Read. Make notes for yourself. Practice.
2. Give Your Tongue a Stretch
The tongue is a muscle. As such, it can use a stretch now and then to loosen up the muscle tissue and tendons. While we’re at it, the jaw and lips can use a little stretch, too, as they are essential in shaping our articulations. There are several stretches you can do with your face. Here’s an example you can tweak to your preference:
Do each step for a five-count
1. Relax your jaw with your lips closed.
2. Stretch your jaw as far open as you can while keeping your lips closed
3. Shift your jaw from left to right and back with your lips closed
4. Shift your jaw while opening and closing your mouth, like a cow chewing bubble gum.
5. Relax your jaw with your lips open.
6-8. Repeat 2-4 with your lips and jaw open.
9. With your jaw and lips open, stick out your tongue as far as it with stretch.
10. Move your tongue slowly as far as it will stretch in all directions in your mouth.
For added benefit, this vocal exercise can be performed in public. It won’t improve your technique, but it will ensure people steer clear of you, giving you ample room and quiet to record.
3. Practice Tongue Placement
“The tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips.” This simple vocal warm-up exercise repeated is great practice for tongue placement of common articulations. The key to good exercise is taking your time and pronouncing each of the consonant and vowel sounds accurately. Moving slowly at first, allows your medulla to process and memorize these muscle movements, so you can use them without thinking about them when you need them.
4. Swallow Your Words
The tongue, the teeth, and the lips are not the only vocal articulators that need exercising. There are nine different parts of the articulatory system that shape the way we make words and how our voices sound. In addition, there are eighteen different articulation points (that is, points where an obstruction occurs to produce a particular vocal sound).
Dry swallowing exercises the back of the tongue, the uvula, the soft palate, and stretches areas of the articulatory system often neglected by other vocal exercises.
5. The Radio Announcers Test
I don’t typically prescribe specific tongue exercises, as folks often have different problematic articulations that need exercising. I offer the Radio Announcers Test (A.K.A. One Hen, Two Ducks) mostly out of nostalgia and tradition. It was created by Radio Central New York to test incoming radio announcers speaking skills and later made famous by comedian Jerry Lewis who used the piece in his act.
One hen
Two ducks
Three squawking geese
Four limerick oysters
Five corpulent porpoises
Six pairs of Don Alverzo’s tweezers
Seven thousand Macedonians in full battle array
Eight brass monkeys from the ancient sacred crypts of Egypt
Nine apathetic, sympathetic, diabetic old men on roller skates, with a marked propensity towards procrastination and sloth
Ten lyrical, spherical, diabolical denizens of the deep who all stall around the corner of the quo of the quay of the quivery, all at the same time.
Aside from its nostalgia and tradition, the benefit of this vocal exercise is that it covers a huge array of consonant and vowel sounds. The real test is to say the entire list in one breath without sounding rushed or out of breath. However, it is just as effective as a line by line exercise to really give your mouth a workout.
6. Customize Those Tongue Twisters
We can’t talk vocal warm-up exercises without mentioning tongue twisters. Every actor has their favorites. Betty Botter. Peter Piper. That weird lady who opened an unprofitable business on the beach selling shells. One mistake I often see is actors who practice tongue twisters that they already do well. While being able to recite tongue twisters flawlessly is great fun for everyone involved at social gatherings, in our case, the purpose of the exercise is to improve areas of weakness.
When I was young, I had a speech impediment that made it difficult to get the proper attack on esses. With practice, I was able to strengthen those articulations by practising over and over again in a mirror with tongue twisters that specifically addressed those sounds. (That lady by the seashore sure sold some shells, but I’m dumbfounded how.) In my adult life, I no longer have difficulty with even the most advanced phrases with esses or similar sounds. Cater to your weak spots when it comes to choosing warm-up exercises. Well-rounded articulation is key to clarity and annunciation.
7. Posture
Sit up straight! You heard me!
Good posture is essential to producing a solid, supported sound from your voice. But airflow is not the only thing that gets constricted when we hunch. Proper posture also supports the neck and head, the casing for all of those articulators. Variations in posture, head posture most especially, constrict the vocal cords, restrict the movement of the jaw and make tongue movement more challenging.
Sitting up straight creates an unrestricted flow through the airways, allowing you to produce an even, unconstricted tone with plenty of flexibility for you to move that mandible and tongue with ease.
8. Make a Stand for Good Articulation
Stand up! I know what I just said!
Most hosting and interviews take place in a seated position. For many purposes outside of acting, a seated position is perfectly suitable so long as your maintaining good posture. If you’re still having some difficulty with either phrasing or energy, however, try standing up.
Standing up opens up your body to its full range of motion. It allows for better blood circulation and often the range of movement helps actors and speakers with emphasis and inflection. Better circulation is good for focus, which is often the boost you need to get through those hard-to-speak phrases.
9. Slow it Down
To restate from above, your voice is an instrument. Aside from the voice, my instrument is the bass guitar. When you are learning the bass, or when you are learning a new song, especially one that is challenging to play, it’s important to take it slowly, practice the getting the finger positions right at the base of the fret, make sure that run is solid and not sloppy. Then we gradually bring it up to speed until we can play at tempo.
Our vocal instrument works the same way, relying on muscle memory from methodical practice to do automatically what we practised with intention. Take things slowly. Take them a word at a time, adding a word with each repetition. Take them in bite-size phrases. Practice the stumbles until they can’t go wrong. Then bring the words up to speed gradually, until you can say them without really thinking about them.
10. Know When to Hold Your Tongue
Holding your tongue may seem counter-intuitive to producing audio, but in this case, I mean it quite literally. Try this vocal exercise when nothing else is working, or you’re cold reading a script and just don’t have the opportunity to practice. It’s a method that works for me every time, whether I do it myself or I am directing an actor with a problem phrase. The method? Hold your tongue:
1. Choose a phrase you do have difficulty with. For example, this phrase I often trip over from the Radio Announcer’s Test:
Eight brass monkeys from the ancient sacred crypts of Egypt.
2. Repeat the phrase to feel out where the stumbles seem to be. There’s no need to note specifics. Just be aware of what’s not going right:
Eight brass monkeys fromma anchen sacred crypt sof Egypt.
Eight brass monkey from da ancient sacred crypsof Egypt.
Eight brass monkeys from the ancien sacred cryps of Egyp.
Crap. I’ll never get this right.3. Stick out your tongue. Grab the tip of your tongue with your thumb and forefinger.
4. While still holding your tongue, repeat the phrase again, about three to five times:
Eighth brath monkeyth from tha anchenth thacred crypth thof Egypth.
Eighth brath monkeyth from tha anchenth thacred crypth thof Egypth.
Eighth brath monkeyth from tha anchenth thacred crypth thof Egypth.
Ugh. My fingerth tathe therrible.5. Now release your tongue and behold the elocution as you flawlessly execute the phrase:
Eight brass monkeys from the ancient sacred crypts of Egypt.
Vocal Warm-Up Exercises! Tongue-tying It Together (and running out of puns)
I use all of the above methods when approaching difficult phrasing in a script as both an actor and director. On the spot, the hold your tongue method is the most effective and I am forever thankful to Mark Cole for teaching it to me. It does require trust and rapport within your team as standing around holding your tongue is not the most flattering photo opportunity.
Got some go-to vocal warm-up exercises of your own? A favorite tongue twister, perhaps? Let us know by shooting us a tweet. Or better yet, a photo of you doing your mouth exercises using your neighbor’s front window as a mirror.
Finally, did you know we also have a full Voice Training for Podcasters course inside Podcraft Academy? You’ll find many more vocal warm-up exercises in there, as well as loads of other tips and techniques to get you sounding your best. That’s just one of many courses inside the Academy too – and on top of that you’ll find tools, downloadable resources, and can join in on our weekly live Q&A sessions!
]]>It could be that you’re still having jitters when you press Record? Or, maybe you feel like you’re not getting the most out of your interviews? We’ll address these sorts of things and more.
Over seven chapters we’ll cover the concerns often voiced by podcasters, old and new.
So let’s dive in!
Formal but Friendly | Podcast Presentation Skills #1
You make your own podcast. You want to communicate your message effectively. Naturally, you want it to sound structured but not scripted. We’ve talked a little about invisible scripting in the past, for example.
What about your delivery? Have you even thought about your tone of voice or the wording you’re using? Okay, let’s cover a few tips to put you on the right path.
The Script
Most podcasting veterans and radio jocks alike will advise against having a script written out word for word. It’ll sound more like you’re reading than talking. Instead, consider having a list of headings and notes to read from. The shorter and more concise they are, the easier it’ll be for your presenting to flow naturally.
For example; if I write in my notes `Podcasting – formal but friendly. Address 1 person,` I might end up actually saying something like,
“So, you probably want to come across as professional, but not too stiff. After all, you want to sound like you’re having a genuine conversation. With that in mind, try to act like you’re speaking to one person at a time, as if they’re right in the room with you. Avoid talking to everyone at once. It’ll help you sound more natural.”
The more familiar you are with your notes, the easier it’ll be to convey them in your own words. A good thing to practice is to do a dry run, bouncing off your notes to see how it sounds before you hit Record. Check this article out for more script-writing tips.
The Presenter
Don’t hold back. Don’t be needlessly humble and don’t sound like you’re about to apologise for bothering people!
You’re bringing them great content, but you’ve got to sound like you believe it. That said, you want to be assertive, but not aggressive. Try smiling as you’re talking. The more fun you’re having, the more that’ll come across.
Again, the more you know your script, your topic, and your podcast structure, the easier your words will flow. You’ll sound effortless and confident.
Also, be mindful of your pace and pitch; make sure your pacing is suitably engaging. You don’t want to come off too sluggish and deliberate. That said, don’t rush your script or you’ll end up stumbling. Plus, your audience needs time to absorb what they’re hearing.
Regarding your pitch, be sure to keep it varied – avoid the dreaded monotone.
Remember to Breathe
Despite us all learning to breathe before we’re even born, many of us struggle to moderate our breathing when talking under pressure.
Try and remember to breath steadily and deeply. If you’re anxious, you can easily forget and your breathing will become erratic, affecting the quality of your voice.
If this happens during a recording, just stop and take a deep breath before carrying on. And don’t worry, this happens to professional singers, too.
Language
The language you use is important – conside your phrasing and whether it’s jargon heavy. Maybe it is but does it suit your target audience? A lesson I learned in broadcasting was to “treat your script as if you’re trying to convey something to a friend.”
It’s also a good idea to keep some water close by, just in case you dry up and start croaking.
Lastly, if you feel like you’re inexplicably struggling to pronounce your words, have a think about how you might phrase certain things differently. Maybe you’ve put too many awkward words next to each other?
“Rural jurors adjourn the débutante adjutant before bidding the conjurer adieu.”
Okay, that’s not something you’re likely to say on a podcast, but you get the picture. And if you find you’re having difficulty pronouncing words in general, here’s a tip on enunciation;
Try reading your script with a pen or your fingers in your mouth for 30 seconds – it’ll sound awful, obviously – and then try it again normally.
You should hopefully now sound a lot clearer than before. Think of it as waking your tongue up by forcing it to work hard.
Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking | Podcast Presentation Skills #2
One of the most common phobias or hang-ups in the entire world is public speaking. This can affect us as podcasters, regardless of the self-confessed absurdity of the situation. “I mean, there’s nobody else here except for me and my microphone! What am I so worried about? It’s so silly!”
You’re not alone and you know it, but that doesn’t help when the Record light flashes away, demanding you speak fluidly and coherently. Oh, the pressure!
So what are we afraid of?
Anxiety
Public speaking is undoubtedly one of the most common phobias, and has been known to cause panic attacks. It’s also an easy enough thing to avoid for most of your life, barring the odd High School oral presentation or giving a speech at a wedding.
It may surprise you that some people will happily sing Karaoke in a crowded bar, but the thought of giving a presentation to a small group of peers terrifies the life out of them. So why is this?
I suspect a lot of it is to do with practice – getting past that initial stage of meeting the unknown. Podcast presenting is a form of performance. It gets easier the more you do it. But how do we get there?
There are key worries when it comes to this form of performance anxiety;
- What if I sound stupid?
- Why does my voice sound so awful (to me)?
- What if I make a mess of it?
- What if people think I’m no good?
- What if I lose my place or forget something?
What if I Sound Stupid?
A natural fear, but trust me – it goes away. Once you’ve done a few episodes, you won’t even think about it. When you listen back to your recording, you should hopefully realise that you’re doing better than you’d feared.
Yes, your voice sounds different on tape to how you hear it in your head, but there’s a scientific explanation for that. It’s to do with acoustics and the vibrations in your head caused by your voice. Everybody’s voice sounds different to them when they hear a recording played back. Make peace with it and move on!
What if I Make a Mess of it?
It’s a podcast recording! If you do fluff a word or phrase, just stop and take a breath. Maybe even a curse word or two. When you’re ready, go again.
What if People Think I’m no Good?
Remember; it’s your podcast and you’re the expert! People listening to your show have already bought into that. As long as you get your message across coherently, your audience will be happy.
What if I lose my place or forget something?
Again, it’s a recording. Stop, take a breath, and read over your notes. Did you digress? Find your place and carry on. The magic is all in the editing. Surely you’ve seen or heard enough “Blooper Reels” to know you’re not alone in making the odd fluff!
Practice Makes Perfect
Cliché time – “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” A famous quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt when he became President in 1933, and with good reason.
If you’re feeling nervous in front of the microphone, try talking about something other than your podcast for ten minutes. Make some notes and chat away to yourself until you feel a bit more relaxed. You’ll find your voice before you know it.
It’s the same with all things; presentations, podcasting, even Karaoke – it gets easier each time.
I would also add that for extra confidence early on in your podcasting career, you could try a few practice runs without recording it. Simply talk aloud and go through your script notes until they’re second nature.
Then, when the red light is on for recording, you’ll find it flows much more harmoniously.
Other Things to try During Recording
It could be that you need something or someone to focus on while you’re talking aloud. It’s all good and well knowing you’ve to address one imaginary listener, but it can feel strange talking to an empty room.
Here’s more on creating your listener ‘avatar’.
Try putting a teddy bear in the space opposite you. Seriously, Ted wants to hear all about your topic, so let him or her know! Focus your wording and energy on talking to the teddy.
Don’t want to talk to a teddy? Okay, that’s understandable. What about a photo? Try sticking a photograph up on the wall and talking to it.
You could even talk to your own reflection in the mirror. Having an animated image to glance at could help galvanise your performance.
Heck, if none of that suits you, what about just imagining a trusted family member or friend is in the room? It’s your job to present your topic to them, without the pressure of them actually being there.
It really depends on your own personal tastes and sensibilities, but I know these things have all worked for different people.
Don’t Rush
That sudden, mad impulse to rush through it – we all know it. Fight the urge!
Talking too fast disruptes the natural flow of your breathing. You’ll end up with short, shallow breaths that in turn messes with your diction and rhythm.
Not only that but you’ll often end up holding your breath in a subconscious effort to control it. Suddenly, you’re short of breath and panic starts to kick in. Worst of all, it detracts from your performance. A sort of self-fulfilling prophecy.
Break the Cycle
You CAN beat the fear! Just keep practicing, and try some of the techniques we talked about.
Remember – you’re in control. You can record and delete to your heart’s content. Not only that but, when it comes to your topic, you’re the expert and we want to hear you!
Learn to Breathe! | Podcast Presentation Skills #3
A lot can go into making a podcast.
Once you’ve done the prep, sourced the interviews, and found the perfect music – including a saucy little stinger or two during the episode – it’s easy to forget about arguably the most important thing when it comes to presentation.
Your voice.
Warming up your voice is essential, not just for singers but for any professional vocalist. Here are a few tips to get you into the groove.
Humming and Singing
Try humming and even a singing a few scales – don’t worry if you don’t think you’re any good, this is about getting you warmed up.
Try a few `lip trills’, also known as ‘horse lips’, by blowing on a P or B sound through soft lips. This helps to warm up and relax your mouth and lips.
You should find it easier to pronounce certain words and vowel sounds, and this takes some pressure off your vocal chords.
Relax Your Jaw
Your jaw controls the sound of your voice so you have to take care of it, too. Massage your cheeks with the palm of your hands until your jaw opens naturally. Try this a few times and it should actually feel easier to talk for an extended period.
Breathe Deep
Most of us only use the air at the top of our lungs, and we just refill them every few words or so. The problem here is you can be quickly out of breath after speaking a long sentence.
Plus, if you’re not using your diaphragm, you’re not using your voice’s full potential. Let the air out!
Try not to forget to breathe normally during recording, and keep your shoulders low and your chest relaxed.
If you feel out of breath, stop talking and let some air in and out before you resume. You can always edit the pause out later.
Posture
Of course, you’re going to be able to breathe better if your posture is good, and it’s the same whether you record sitting down or standing up.
Imagine a camera looking down at your head from above – is it aligned with your back and shoulders?
It’s important for your airflow not to be restricted to give your voice the best chance of flourishing.
If you record standing up, keep both feet flat on the ground, about shoulder-width apart. Keep your shoulders back and your chin up.
The rule of thumb is that every part of your body should be aligned the same way.
If you record sitting down, it’s pretty much the same guidelines, but also keep your back off the chair, sitting toward the edge of your seat.
Avoid Cold Water
It seems so natural, doesn’t it? A little sip of cold water to keep you fresh. Well, actually cold water can actually make your vocal cords clam up!
Truth be told, it’s a good idea to avoid caffeine and nicotine for the same reasons. Your best bet is warm tea – not hot – or water served at room temperature.
Dairy’s off the menu, too. It can coat your throat and make it more difficult to push out air through your vocal cords.
Some podcasters and voice-over talent even swear by eating a green apple before getting in front of the mic. If you’re bothered by overly-loud clicks and lip smacks during your recording sessions, be sure to try it yourself!
Get the Most From Your Interviews | Podcast Presentation Skills #4
Interviews are a great way of adding variety and gravitas to your podcast.
It shows you have an understanding of your topic because you’re approaching the right people. Plus, there’s clearly a respectable level of work that goes into your production.
All the more reason to build on your hard work by doing it right.
Preparation
A few things you should always do before pressing Record.
Who are They?
Find out as much as you can about the person you’re interviewing – everything that’s relevant to your podcast, at least.
Have they done interviews before? If so, what style do they like to take? For instance, are they quite formal and guarded or do they like to relax and laugh?
Not only that, but what have they said before on the subject? If you can get an idea of how they think, you’ve got more chance of asking the right questions and getting decent audio for your show.
Stock up on Topic Info
What if your guest has brief answers and you’re suddenly bounding through your main questions quicker than you’d planned?
You don’t want to end up red-faced, making small talk about the weather, so you need somewhere to go. Think of some back-up material you can discuss, like predictions for the future or how they feel about relevant issues. Anything to keep them talking!
For more on this, check out our guide to asking great podcast interview questions.
Don’t Overrun
I know I’ve just warned you to have back-up material, but in my experience most interviewees will talk until the cows come home.
If you’re planning a specific episode length – including, say, 15 minutes of edited interview audio – then you need to make sure they know that. They’ll realise there’s no point on talking for an hour on the subject if you’re not going to use most of it.
Back when I was a radio journalist, I made the mistake several times early on of allowing the interviewee ramble on for ages, even when I knew I’d be cutting 9 minutes of raw audio down to 3x fifteen second clips for a news bulletin!
What did I do wrong? I guess I just didn’t want to be rude, coming across like this; “Keep it brief, First Minister, I only need a minute’s worth.â€
I should have made clear what the requirements were and controlled the conversation.
Ask the Right Questions
Your questions should be straight forward and open-ended. Instead of asking something with a Yes or No answer, ask them something that they have to expand upon;
- Tell me about your experiences with this topic?
- How do you feel about X?
- What’s the best Y you ever had or did?
- What’s next for you?
Open questions are the best way to get their creative flow going, and it makes it harder for them to give evasive answers.
Listen, Understand and React
One of the worst things you can do – and it’s easily done – is to tune out from what your guest is saying. Usually because you’re too focused on having your next question ready.
Say they give an answer to your question about vacation plans that include something like “I’m hoping to go back to Ireland for vacation this year because I was actually born there.â€
If you’re not listening properly but you hear “Ireland”, your next question might be, “Have you ever been to Ireland before?â€
Faux Pas alert! They just told you they were born there! And now you’ve just gone down in their estimation as a decent interviewer.
As I say, it’s easy to do. Especially if you’re nervous or haven’t done enough planning and you’re winging it. The answer is to do your prep!
So be aware of what they’re saying and respond directly to their answers. You don’t have to ask every question on your list. React accordingly to what they say.
Control the Conversation
Warm Them up
You’ll often find that interviews go much more smoothly in the second half. By then, you’ve both had time to relax, get into the groove, and find your respective voices.
If you have the time, a good way of getting a head start is to chat about something off-topic for a minute or so. Something you know they like. Sports, weather, the weekend, anything you can easily dip into and share a laugh over.
By the time you’re actually rolling with the set questions, you’ll hopefully hit the ground running.
On that note, don’t feel like you can’t hit record until you ask something on-topic. I always start recording from the moment I start speaking to my interviewee. This might be more relevant to journalism, but you never know what might be said in the moment which you’ll want to use in your final recording.
Which Style Should You Adopt (if any)?
“Be Yourselfâ€
Yeah, it’s an old cliché that even Shakespeare wouldn’t have used, but it’s a cliché for a reason. It’s always good advice!
If you want the best from your guests, they’re going to want to feel like they’re talking to a genuine person. If you’re pretending to be someone else, you may come across as false, and put them at unease.
However, if you REALLY want to base your style on a particular framework, then consider the following factors;
- the purpose of your interview
- the style of your podcast
- the type of guest you’re interviewing (and their personality)
- the context of the interview
Are you grilling a politician over the latest scandal? Chatting to a chef about their new recipe for vegan muffins? There’s no magic formula here, but simply considering these things will help you to visualise your end-product and work towards achieving the best interview you can conduct.
Relax, You’ll Live Longer
And so will your chances of a decent interview. If you’re at ease, they will be too.
Know Your Audience | Podcast Presentation Skills #5
You’re planning out your podcast, you’ve got guests lined up, you know what you want to talk about. You’re all set. But are you? Have you considered your audience’s point of view? What do they already know? What will they want to hear? It’s the age-old question broadcasters have to consider before beginning any project;
What Can I Assume About My Audience?
This is an important question you have to answer before you do anything publicly, be it blogging, speaking, or podcasting. You’ll want to present the best message to your audience.
Otherwise, you may not connect meaningfully – emotionally and intellectually – with your listeners, and fail in the long run to build and retain them.
What are People Asking?
Look online to see the types of things people are looking for, the questions they’re asking, and the level they seem to be at themselves. A bit of research will give you an indication of where to position your podcast. You can also use Google Analytics to see the phrases people are actively searching for.
It’s also good to go on related forums and get a feel for the conversations. You’ll soon know the terminology that most people are comfortable with, and that’ll help a lot with your presentation.
Ask Them Yourself
If you’ve already put at least one episode out, then engage with your audience and get feedback.
Try surveys, provide a comments form on your website – especially if you write blog posts – and you can even use voicemail software for listeners to leave you messages.
One way or another, getting feedback from your audience is vital for helping you understand your audience.
How Are They Listening?
It’s worthwhile finding out how your audience tunes in. The more you know about them, the more you can tailor your content to their tastes.
- Are They Listening on Mobile Devices? They probably are, but which kind? Apple, Android or Windows Phone?
- Are they listening via your blog? iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or something else?
- When are they listening? Are they out jogging, or commuting or doing housework?
And where are they based? Your home country? Maybe not, in which case it may be wise to leave out any regional jargon or slang. Not everyone in the world knows that a pair of “baffies†in Scotland are actually slippers.
Another useful thing to know is which of your episodes had the most engagement with your audience. You might be surprised, and that alone could help you decide which direction to take your podcast in.
The Golden Rule
Lastly, I’d say it’s easy to worry too much about getting the exact message correct. The fact is that everyone’s different – no two of your listeners will have the same level of expertise.
As long as you do at least one of the following – Engage, Educate, Entertain – then you’re halfway there.
Storytelling Techniques | Podcast Presentation Skills #6
I decided to come up with a handful of different techniques you can use to present your message in an engaging and meaningful way.
After making a few preliminary notes, I suddenly remembered that storytelling is bigger business than ever in the podcast world. I mean, of course, audio drama pieces like We’re Alive, and The Black Tapes.
We already know that people love stories, both telling them and hearing them. We find them engaging and entertaining, sometimes even educational and informative.
But how do we adapt the storytelling techniques to our factual podcasts? That depends on which technique you want to use;
The Hero’s Journey
Sometimes known as The Monomyth, when the protagonist has to leave their comfort zone on a quest into the unknown – good examples of this are Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, and Indiana Jones.
Usually, they overcome adversity, save the world and/or a loved one, and return home to reap the reward – including a lesson learned.
How Does This Help me?
Using the Hero’s Journey to structure your podcast can help you to explain what has brought you to the lesson you’ve learned and want to share. You can recreate your journey and take your audience with you.
You can also show the risks you took, the rewards you gained, and the newfound wisdom you learned.
“Welcome to the PC Repair podcast – this week, I want to tell you about the time my laptop crashed due to a power surge, and what I had to do to save my files. It all began one stormy evening in my study…â€
“…so by the end, not only did I have my files back, I also had my surge protector to keep me safe in future!â€
The Mountain
The mountain structure is a way of mapping the tension and drama in a story. Similar to the Hero’s Quest, it’s a way of mapping out your story with a peaks and troughs.
It’s good for helping you to plot out the key points of your podcast, and is basically a series of small challenges and rising action before a dramatic conclusion.
It’s a bit like a TV series – each episode has its ups and downs, all building up to a big finale at the end of the season.
How Does This Help me?
You can use this to demonstrate how you overcame a series of challenges. Again, it’s recounting previous events so it can build tension – keep the audience in the dark until you reach a satisfying conclusion.
“We were finally about to buy our dream home and we couldn’t be happier! I didn’t know it at the time, but I was about to lose my job the following week. Suddenly, I was under immense pressure…â€
“…and the phone rang. It was the musem. They’d authenticated the painting and it was worth half a million pounds!â€
Start In the Middle
This technique is also called “in medias res†in Latin, which literally means “into the middle of things.â€
It’s when you start your narrative in the heat of the action. This gives you a chance to pull in your listeners and get them hooked from the get-go, before starting over at the beginning to explain how it all came about.
It’s best not to reveal everything right away, though. Try leaving something that obviously needs more explanation later on, while making sure your opening is interesting enough in the meantime. Give your listeners just enough info to whet their appetite, then go back and set the scene of your story.
Another thing I’d say is that this technique is often best for shorter productions – stringing it out too long runs the risk of losing your audience to boredom and frustration.
How Does This Help me?
It’s a great way of grabbing your audience’s attention in the first 60 seconds. It keeps them craving a resolution and closure, and it harnesses their attention and focuses on what should be the pivotal element of your message.
“Three weeks ago, I was in a glider which crashed in the forest. I came face to face with a Kodiak bear and I knew I was likely going to die. But one household object – something I wouldn’t even normally carry – saved my life.â€
“You see, the week before, my mobile phone stopped working, so I went to the hardware store to find something which could…â€
‘Wait, what? A bear? How did you get out of that?!` How indeed?
There are just a few classic techniques for telling your story. Naturally, there are many more. The one thing I hope you take from this is that stories are the language of the universe.
And there are no boring stories – just boring storytellers!
Talk to Your Audience | Podcast Presentation Skills #7
My first foray into the world of media was actually on hospital radio, some years ago now. I loved it. I got to play the songs I wanted and talk about whatever I liked. A bit like podcasting, really!
The thing that made me lose interest – and it’s so often the same thing with podcasters – was a complete lack of engagement with the audience… and that’s making the presumption that anyone was even listening!
Talk to Your Audience
There are a number of things you can do to connect with your listener and grow your audience. Even before the podcast airs!
Remind your Interviewee
Remember, your guest has fans, too! They’ll want to check your podcast out purely because of your guest, so give your episode the best chance of being heard by e-mailing your guest to remind them that their episode has gone live.
In fact, be extra-helpful and include a direct link to the episode, including the show notes page and the option to share it to various social networks. Before you know it, dozens of extra listeners, and a good chance that’ll they’ll stick around for future episodes.
Here’s an in-depth look at encouraging interview guests to share your episodes.
If you don’t have interviews, then reach out to your community. Ask people to share your episode with anyone who might like it.
Social Networks
There are groups on Facebook for everything – from new parents to people who like dressing up as Disney Princesses. (Guilty).
Find a group – or even start one – that’s relevant to your podcast and share your work with people. Don’t just link-dump, though. Try to get involved in some of the discussions and make yourself known in a positive way. You’ll find people are happy to chat.
Before you know it, you’ll be providing relevant content directly to your target audience. And, since you’re an active and helpful member, they’ll reciprocate by sharing your show.
Set up a page for your show, too. You can include show notes on there, as well as links that are relevant to your audience, maybe something you discussed in the latest episode. Somewhere in your podcast episode, be sure to tell people where they can find you.
“Thanks for listening, I’ll catch you next week – get in touch by e-mailing me, the address is X@Y.com, and you can also find me on Facebook and Twitter. Just search for The X Podcast!â€
Reach out to People
Ask for reviews! Tell people you want feedback. What do they like or dislike so far? What do they want to see in future?
Reach out to your online communities, and even your friends and family. Ask them for feedback to help you learn and grow. Subscriptions and ratings & reviews are incredibly powerful at motivating people to improve and great for avoiding stagnation.
Again, when I was doing hospital radio, once I’d gotten the hang of broadcasting I had no idea if I was any good or how I could improve. Feedback would have given me the challenge and the impetus to do so.
The Call to Action!
The blogger’s favourite! At the end of each episode, and especially on any written posts you put out there, be sure to include what we call a “Call to Action,†also sometimes called the “Over to you†segment.
You’re asking your listener to get involved. Maybe your episode was about the top 5 ways to do something, so you invite them to contribute to the discussion;
“So now it’s over to you – do you agree with my list of 5? Have you found another way to do it? Or maybe you’ve tried some of the things I’ve talked about today? I’d love to know how you get on so please let me know, either in the comments box below the show notes or by getting in touch by e-mail. I’ll read the best responses out on next week’s episode.â€
See how I’ve left it open to listeners in both camps – those who agree and those who disagree. You’re inviting a discussion, not just looking for a pat on the back. Getting them involved helps to build trust and rapport with your audience. They feel like they’re a valuable part of your podcast, which they are!
Podcast Presentation Skills: Next Steps
Hopefully this has all been useful to you in your quest to become a better-sounding podcast presenter. Remember, this is essentially all just down to practice, so always prioritise progress over perfectionism.
So what next? Well, you can be a world-class presenter, but if you’re recording into terrible gear, you’re never going to sound your best. Check out our Best Podcast Microphones roundup if that’s an avenue you’re exploring right now.
We also have a comprehensive Voice Training for Podcasters course inside Podcraft Academy. In there, you’ll also find courses on everything from editing, to promotion and monetisation. We run weekly live Q&A sessions in there too, so you’ll always get the help and advice you need to keep you moving forward!
]]>It’s a meaningless statement. Of course you don’t want your work to be boring. But what should your podcast be? “Exciting?â€
Terms like “boring†and “exciting†are relative to personal taste. Instead of worrying about what makes a podcast “exciting,†let’s take a second to look at what makes a podcast boring. If your podcast:
- Confuses
- Relies on shock, sensationalism, or being “edgyâ€
- Meanders, and/or doesn’t deliver what it promised
- Relies on only one kind of sound
your listener will probably let their mind wander and not take in your work, or they’ll turn your podcast off, and listen to something else.
Engagement & Empathy
The opposite of boredom is not excitement, but engagement. You can hook listeners in and get them emotionally involved with your work, by using
- Empathy and psychology
- Experimentation with audio
- Planning ahead and keeping your promises.
When we talk about empathy here, we don’t mean simply being nice or saying, “I’m here for you.†We’re talking about a complex process that happens in the brain.A lot of scientific papers have been written about this process, which we’ll call the use of mirror neurons.
Mirror neurons are the parts of a person’s brain that are activated when they see another person experience something. This is how we, as a species, learn all kinds of behavior. We don’t feel exactly what the other person feels, but we feel something close to it.
For example, let’s say that you’re riding a bus to work on a very cold winter morning. Out of the window, you observe a person walking on the sidewalk. We see the person step on an icy patch, slip, and fall. Though we don’t feel the physical impact, we experience a jolt of adrenaline, a sharp intake of breath, we make a noise, and even the nicest of us would think, “I’m glad that wasn’t me.â€
Next, we consider being careful when we are walking on the sidewalk. The more vivid the experience observed, the more likely we are to feel sympathetic physical symptoms that affect our behavior.
Advertising does this all the time. Think about commercials where you see a woman eating food, closing her eyes and sighing with pleasure. It’s no accident that late-night television shows are sponsored with fast-food breakfast commercials. Viewers might not buy the advertised food immediately, but they might after sleeping on it.
Intimacy of Audio
So, we know that a vivid, realistic experience can make your listener empathize with the action in your podcast. This is where you need to think about what audio can do that other kinds of media can’t. What does audio do better than film, live theatre, or text?
Here are some examples of podcasts which use sound to achieve unique goals and pluck heartstrings.
Sound can illuminate places that cameras can’t. Wireless Nights is a production for BBC Radio 4, hosted by singer-songwriter Jarvis Cocker. Because of the intimacy of audio, and Cocker speaking in the second person, the experience can be like traveling to unusual nighttime locations with an intellectual pop star.
Though not a soporific podcast, it’s dreamlike. For the BBC Proms, Cocker performed the show with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. They supported recorded interviews with the survivors of a bathysphere accident, a free-diver who wears a mermaid tail, and a hunter of giant squid. Any of these stories could be told via underwater filming and audio recording. In this case, the intimacy of audio, use of story crafting, and music provide an experience in which the listener is grateful to be able to breathe.
Sound can humanize creatures that are alien to us. Radiotopia’s Radiolab created a podcast episode about how different people and animals perceive color. They brought it to life by using a choir. Each color of the spectrum was a different vocal part, reds being basses and baritones, moving through the rainbow to violet, illustrated by sopranos.
This allows the audience to hear and understand different kinds of vision, even how mantis shrimp can see. Could this be done through film? Of course, and visual art as well. However, not everyone could understand it on a level playing field. The choir helps people with different types of vision understand what others see, as well as what other species perceive.
Sound can put tiny detail at center stage, without distraction from other elements. We have all experienced an awkward silence after an argument. Left alone with our thoughts, we might notice little to no sound at all.
In the audio fiction podcast Unwell, sound designer Eli McIlveen illustrated a post-argument moment of tension. Rich with unspoken drama, we hear all the tiny, usually un-noticed sounds of a household winding down for the night, in summer. Dialogue barely carries the drama here. The creak of an old screen door, crunch of cereal softening in milk, jingle of wind chimes, and chirp of insects all let us feel a warm night, and the tension of feelings unspoken.
Tone & Pacing
Another engagement hook is to be mindful of your pacing and tone while speaking. A conversational tone can relax, while reading directly from a script will formalize. If you suddenly speed up or slow down, this draws attention and highlights what’s mentioned.
Be worthy of the listener’s trust. Plan ahead, and keep your promises. Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them in sustainable detail, then reiterate what you told them. If your toy industry podcast episode starts out saying that this episode of your podcast will be 20 minutes about the history of Legos, don’t go off on a 15 minute tangent about the Tv show Ultra-Man, and end up with a 35 minute episode.
If you love your show’s topic, research it carefully, cite your sources, and serve it to them in a way that’s easy to digest.
Many podcasts will open with a couple of minutes of housekeeping business, such as an introduction, thanking sponsors, welcoming new listeners, and mentioning upcoming live events. Keep this short. It’s not unusual for hosts to deviate from the promised topic, making a conversational atmosphere. This is welcoming, but don’t take a lot of time for personal chitchat, or apologies for sound quality or scheduling issues.
Returning listeners will want you to get to the point, and new listeners will think this is a show about something other than what was advertised. For a more in-depth look at this, check out our article on how to introduce and end your episodes.
Key Takeaways
So, let’s sum up. We know that “don’t be boring†oversimplifies the craft. What are some tactics we can use to make our podcast “not boring?â€
- Activate the listeners’ mirror neurons, so they feel like they’re there as it’s happening.
- Create a layered sound environment like the places that your topic explores.
- Humanize your topic, with characters, goals, and conflict.
- Use sound in place of visual elements, such as music and atmospheric effects.
- Be mindful of pacing, your flow of speech, and how much you adhere to the show’s material.
Ultimately, if you basically like your listeners, and create a multi-faceted audio experience for them, they will come back for more.
Planning
Many of the issues that lead to boring content can be put down to a lack of planning in the launch stages. That’s why we place so much emphasis on the Who, What, and Why in our comprehensive Podcast Launch course inside Podcraft Academy.
This course, combined with the many others in the Academy, are complimented by regular live Q&A sessions, an active community forum, and a plethora of downloadable resources and checklists.
Our aim isn’t simply to help you launch your own podcast – we want you to launch one that impacts, grows, and matters!
]]>The Beginning, Middle, and End
There are five parts to a story: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Although we normally hear these parts as they relate to fiction, they also apply to other types of storytelling, anecdotes, and narratives.
First ensure your story has a beginning, middle, and end. I’ve always thought it was silly to formally point out that a story must have a beginning, middle, and end. Of course it has a beginning, middle, and end! Any complete sentence has a beginning, middle, and end; however, when we look at this oversimplified adage a little more closely, it’s clear that it speaks to the elements of a story. A beginning, middle, and end is just an easy way to say a story needs exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and a resolution.
Beginning: Exposition
Middle: Rising Action/Climax/Falling Action
End: Resolution
Organize & Structure
The prewriting process covered last time can incorporate outlining your narrative. Don’t worry. An outline does not have to be the formal, boring exercise you learned in grammar school or university composition. You don’t have to organize it into roman numerals with perfectly formatted, lettered indents and nested details, unless you just like making outlines.
An outline can be as simple as a list:
- Exposition: Introduce the story
- Rising Action: Build the tension
- Climax: The exciting bit
- Falling Action: Set up the resolution
- Resolution: End the story
Embellish, Then Stop
Take a few minutes and make a simple outline following this model to structure your narrative. Once the parts of your story are clear, stated in a straightforward way, you can embellish as much as the story requires. This is the trick for many: knowing when to stop. Always keep in mind your audience, for this is all for the benefit of them, first and foremost.
Dramatic Structure
These five steps are also known as dramatic structure. Once you decide your podcast’s topic or story, and you have outlined the beginning, middle, and end in a simple format, it’s time to expand:
- Exposition: Think of three points that further develop the introduction of your tale.
- Backstory of events leading up to the story
- Important information on characters
- Setting the scene
- Rising Action: Building interest and tension (conflict)
- Interesting events or information to deepen interest
- The most important parts of the story
- Information that the climax is dependent upon
- Climax: Turning point, often exciting or heartbreaking
- Height of the conflict within the story
- Revealing a secret
- A twist in the plot
- Falling Action
- The conflict falls apart
- Last information or moment of suspense
- The direct result of the climax; setting up the resolution
- Resolution
- Tie up loose ends of the plot
- Information or closure to leave your audience feeling satisfied
- Looking to the future.
Use this example of expanding an outline to help develop your digital story into a smooth, captivating narrative. Even if you’re teaching a lesson or speaking about a specific topic, storytelling engages readers and keep them coming back for more. By giving your audience something they can relate to–someone they can root for–you’re connecting with them on a very personal level, and that’s when you’ve made a devoted listener.
Looking for More?
If you want even more digital storytelling goodness, check out the episode of Podcraft on the subject: The Art of Podcast Storytelling with Dan Feld.
]]>They’re inescapable, so they force rest of us into our own little world, retreating in an attempt to block them out. Our headphone cords drip off our jaws into a thin, white cascade that disappears somewhere in our pocket while we watch the city roll past. We listen to music. We listen to books. We listen to podcasts.
People love stories and get absolutely lost in them. The best songs often tell a story. It’s amazing how a short three-minute song can inspire listeners to laugh or move them to tears. It’s in the storytelling, something to which listeners can personally relate.
Books tell a story, of course, even nonfiction books, keeping the readers (or audiobook listeners) engaged, regardless of what’s happening around them. The musicians and authors of these works capture their audience through storytelling.
Tell Me, Teach Me
Podcasters connect in intimate conversations with people all over the world. The best podcasters offer their listeners not only entertainment or education, but they also serve up a slice of their heart. Their passion. Their soul. To make this connection, a podcaster must engage their audience, which might prove difficult since many podcasters are talking to themselves when they record alone in a room with little more than a computer and microphone.
Captivated Audience
One way to captivate your audience is by good, old-fashioned storytelling. Even if you’re presenting history or a lesson, a storytelling style can enthrall your listeners, making you and your podcast memorable. Dynamic storytelling starts with a hook, tells a story, and then ends with an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve just heard:
Hook. Story. Sink-In.
Ensure your voice holds the appropriate tone and inflection to demonstrate your passion for the subject. Passion is contagious. Share it. Indulge in it. When your podcasts incorporate a topic that’s both meaningful to you and benefits your listeners, you’ll find your audience growing quickly.
Preparation and Trust
Prepare for your podcast with thorough research and at least a general outline to organize your thoughts. Avoid rigidity; rather, allow the creative flow to turn that stale, scripted monologue into a living, changing flow of ideas, hitting the most important points multiple times in unique ways. After all, you’re having a conversation with the world.
If you offer a product or service, resist the urge to turn your podcast into a lengthy sales pitch. As long as the content benefits your audience, they’ll listen. Once they hear your passion, they’ll come back for more, which will inevitably lead them to your website where you tastefully have links that sell said product or services.
By that time, you’ve earned their trust, so they know they will get their money’s worth.
In short, ensure your content captivates your audience by making it relevant to their lives, conversational in tone, and narrative in style. The most engaging podcasts have a personal element, whether through storytelling or teaching. If done well, listeners feel as if they are in a private conversation with an expert, expanding their knowledge or just pleasantly passing the time.
They not only get to know the subject, but they also get to know the podcaster.
Need More Help Honing Your Presentation Skills?
Then we’d love to work with you. Check out Podcraft Academy, where you’ll have access to all our ‘how to’ ebooks, downloads, checklists, video courses, community forum, and regular live Q&A sessions!
]]>