PRE PODCAST RECORD

The following tips can be done ahead of time, before your podcasting recording session. 

They will help you prepare, learn more about the podcast, make the interview easier and maximise the impact of your time by being on the podcast. 

CHECK OUT PREVIOUS PODCAST EPISODES

It can help to know what you have agreed to be a part of. Take the time to understand the podcast and its objectives.

In advance of any recording, be sure to check out previous episodes and read the show notes. This will help you determine if this is something worth being part of or not. If there are no previous episodes, talk to the host about their vision and purpose of their podcast.

MAP OUT YOUR TALKING POINTS

No need to script your every word, but having some talking points mapped will greatly improve the interview. You should send these ahead of time to ensure the host is aware. 

The host should be seeking to provide content of value for the listener. Therefore, you as a speaker should try to be succinct and ensure that they aren’t missing key takeaways the audience needs to know.

GET ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHOW

A good host should send you all of the information about the interview, the topics, schedule and publishing dates. If they don’t, make sure to ask for everything. 

This is a great time to ask about the review process for the episode.

SEND YOUR DETAILS

The podcast producer will need a bio about you and any additional content related to your interview. 

This can include:

• High Resolution Photo / Headshot
• Job title
• Social media handles
• Presentation slides 
• Weblinks 
• Offers  
• Promotional materials

TALK UP THE PODCAST AHEAD OF TIME

If you are giving your time to be part of a podcast, make sure that you take advantage of the opportunity and share what you know. This will lead to other opportunities and generate more credibility in your field.

You might not always notice, but your social media posts don’t get seen by all of your followers. Don’t fear oversharing on your social platforms, 2-3 post about your podcast episode is a good amount to reach as many as possible.

THE RECORDING SESSION AND BEYOND

The following tips are for your podcasting recording session. These tips will make sure you look good, sound great and get the most out of the podcast experience. 

OPTIMAL RECORDING SPACE 

Soft surfaces: Curtains closed, No flat hard reflective surfaces, Smaller rooms offer less echo, Hang some duvets and blankets to reduce echo. Try the clapping to hear how sound bounces around the room. 

Comfortable: Sit where you are comfy and set up around you, you might be recording for a while. 

HEADPHONES ON 

Not wearing headphones can cause echo on the recording. You do not want the mics to pick up other contributors. Headphones can help with distractions in your recording space. 

Any headphones are better than none, but be wary that the mic settings do not default to the headphones. 

Yes, I am looking at you Airpods! 

NOTIFICATIONS OFF 

Turn on airplane mode & do not disturb on mobiles and computers. 

Imagine you are entering a physical recording studio or sitting down in the cinema; nobody what to hear the update alerts or ring tones. 

Be careful where you place your phone on vibrate too, this can be picked up by the microphone.

GIVE COLLEAGUES/FAMILY A HEADS UP

Forewarn those around you that you are recording an interview. Let them know you will be unavailable for an hour or so. Pets aren’t great at understanding you are recording a podcast, make sure they are fed and happy to reduce any interruptions.

KEEP WATER HANDY

You’ll need those vocal cords nice and hydrated. Be prepared by drinking water before your interview and keeping more close by during. Don’t be afraid to request a pause to take a drink. To be fully hydrated you need to drink at least 45mins before the event.

YOU CAN STOP AND RESTART

Podcasts can be edited after the recording, including video formats. 

This means you can stop at any point rephrase or restart your answers. 

If you make a mistake or stumble, take a breathe and begin again. 

If you forget something or want to add to a response, simply record them at the end of the show and the podcast editor can splice them into place in post-production.

DON’T READ FROM A SCRIPT

It’s great to have notes and your talking points mapped out, but trying to read a script can sound very artificial and might not encourage an open conversation. Script reading pulls your focus and gets in the way of letting your personality shine through, especially if the podcast is in video format.

You have been asked to be on the show because you are an expert or key person of influence in your niche, be yourself and engage the host. It’s far more enjoyable and they can always edit anything out later. 

PROMOTE THE SHOW TO YOUR AUDIENCE

Once the interview is completed you can share that you have done the recording and share the show’s marketing when the episode goes live. Talk to the podcast hosts to see if there are promotional materials or marketing content you can use on your channels. 

We have compiled all of these tips into a handy pocket guide, complete with a quick checklist for you to use with every podcast.

To download the guide click HERE.

And if you’re intrigued about the power of podcasting, book a FREE strategy call to chat.