Podcasting Tips
- A good microphone and a stand will increase your podcast's quality.Microphone image by denionline.de from Fotolia.com
Podcasting refers to recording audio of yourself about a subject and then putting it online for others to download. You can also make music podcasts, introducing the bands and talking between songs. Whatever podcasts you record, there are some basic tips that will make the experience more pleasurable for the listener and less stressful for you. - Stock microphones, such as the built-in microphones that come with most laptops, will not cut it. They often create low-quality recordings that have loud hisses, clicks or crackles. Buy a good microphone that offers a decent level of audio quality for a reasonable price. The type of microphone and level of quality you need depends on the type of podcast you are doing. If you plan to interview guests, an Omnidirectional microphone might be best, but be aware that it will also pick up other noise from the room, such as a running computer, a fan and other small sounds. A directional microphone is suitable if you plan to record just your own voice. As far as quality level, pick a well-reviewed microphone that fits your budget. Note that a good microphone can cost as little as $50 and as much as several thousand. To determine which is best for your needs, read reviews for each microphone and ask the staff at retail stores (such as electronics or music-instrument retailers). If you listen to a podcast that has a quality level you admire, try asking the creators what type of microphone they use.
- It's best to write out a script to keep you on track so your podcast doesn't drag on or lose focus. But you don't have to read it word for word. For example, if you want to record a podcast about fishing, sketch out the basic ideas you know you want to cover, such as what bait works best, choosing a location, casting a lure and releasing your catches. If you feel yourself losing focus, look at your notes to get yourself back in line.
- Lengthy podcasts can grow tiresome. By being concise and keeping the podcast short, not only do you save yourself time, but you save the listeners time as well. Focus on giving the facts clearly. Your listeners can rewind to repeat anything they didn't understand the first time around.
- Students and teachers alike benefit from educational podcasts. For students, podcasts are an easy way to keep up with what they missed in class. And an educational podcast can help students gain a deeper understanding of a difficult issue by allowing them to revisit a subject as often as necessary. For teachers, podcasting provides a new outlet for exposing students to difficult-to-grasp content, without spending a lot of classroom time going over it repeatedly. Just record the podcast, tell your students where they can download it and ask them to bring their questions to class.
