Podcasting Alphabet Soup: D, E & F

Continuing on through the Podcasting Alphabet…

D is for Demand

Before you launch a new podcast you should do market research to determine if demand exists for content on your topic of interest.  Generally, if there are books, magazines and websites built around the topic, a podcast has a good chance of attracting listeners as word spreads.

E is for Editing

Try as you might to do everything right the first time, you will have audio quirks and verbal flubs to clean up in the editing process.  I don’t believe that you have to remove every ‘um’ and ‘ah’ from your speech, but repetitive ‘filler’ sounds are quite annoying for listeners and should be taken out.  Volume disparity between you and a guest (one of you being louder than the other) should be corrected.  If you recorded with the telephone you may also have some background humm or buzz to remove or your guest may have had to pause to take care of an unexpected intrusion.  Do take the time to do a good job of editing your podcast audio.  It is worth the effort to present the best audio you can as listeners can forgive an occasional audio issue but will soon grow tired of having to work so hard to listen to your content.

E is for Energy

Your listeners will sense your level of energy and excitement when they listen to you.  Make sure that you sound awake and enthusiastic when you record your shows.  Nobody wants to listen to someone who sounds down in the dumps or tired.  One trick to make sure that you sound alert and happy is to have a mirror to look into as you speak.  Note your expression.  If you look bored, you will sound bored.  If you look cheerful and bright, you will keep their attention longer.   If you are tired or feeling sluggish - just don’t record!  No show is better than a bad one.

F is for Fun

Have fun and be fun!  Your listeners will recommend you more and come back every week when they enjoy the time they spend listening to your program.  You may have a podcast dedicated to a pretty serious topic but you can still open or close the show on a light note.  Don’t be afraid of a little levity and humor.

Have a D, E or F idea to add?  Use the comment form below :)

Last 5 posts by Kelly McCausey

• Podcasters Take Care with Wordpress Upgrade - August 8th, 2008
• I Want Guests! - July 8th, 2008
• Is it ok to take a Hiatus from your Podcast? - June 17th, 2008
• Build A Community Around Your Podcast - May 27th, 2008
• Podcasting Alphabet: P, Q & R - May 23rd, 2008