Ten quick steps to get your podcast on:
Step one: Listen to podcasts
Get a ‘feel’ for good podcasting. See how different episodes structure their segments.
Where to start?
Try here, here, here, or here…or here.
STEP Two: Go analog
Map out your show.
You don’t need to follow a template (like this one) exactly, but you do need structure, more on why here.
STEP Three: Find a quiet space and capture a conversation
I use a microphone. Â You don’t have to, but it does help. Â You need a small space, with as little background noise as possible. Â Try to position your microphone or your computer up high enough to be near to the face of the people you are recording. Â I use QuickTime Player to record.
If possible, provide questions to your subjects in advance. Â I make sure to keep a notepad nearby to quickly make note of any follow-up questions I want to return to.
STEPÂ Four: Listen to the recording and look for soundbites and organic pivot points
A good podcast is well-edited. Â That means you’ve thought carefully about where you want to bring your audience in. Â Do you have a clear hook? Do you preface or underscore crucial points? Have you curated the conversation? Â Radiolab absolutely nail this. Â Have a listen here.
Be sure to keep your episode moving. Â Watch out for lulls. Â Segments can be short and snappy.
STEPÂ Five: soundscape accordingly
Don’t overwhelm the audience, but be sure to tease out the tension, suspense and wonder. Here’s a great example of excellent soundscaping.
STEP six: use GARAGEBAND to create your own intro
How to do that? Use loops. Â It took me less than ten minutes to create the intro above.
Alternatively, Audacity is a nice option--here is a start to finish tutorial.
STEP seven: creative commons-use it!
There are different ways to get music for your podcast without ‘stealing,’ Â Here are a few go to places for open use music:
STEP Eight: share the links too
When you post your podcast, share it in a space (like your blog) where you can include relevant links to the topics (or music used). Give your audience access to readings/viewings/listenings that shaped your show. Â Slate Culture Gabfest does this on their blog and on their Facebook page.
STEP nine: make room for your audience
The best episodes ask questions. Â There is space for the audience to think. Â Many pro podcasters ask their audience for their thoughts after the show drops.
STEP Ten: stories matter
We love stories. Â Don’t be afraid to start or end your episode with an anecdote. Â No one does this better than this show right here.
So step up to the mic and share away. Â
Did I forget a crucial step? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks Tricia, this is just what I was needing! We thought about podcasting for one of the Grade 4 summative assessments last year but ended up reverting to known video forms. Have you got any of your students’ podcasts published where I can have have a listen?