The Reality of Recording a Podcast Episode
In a world where podcasting has taken the world by storm, with great stories and useful conversations, there's a hidden journey that goes unnoticed - the journey of recording itself. For introverts, like myself, stepping into the realm of podcasting can be both exciting yet daunting. Let's talk about the reality behind the mic and the challenges introverts face, along with valuable tips to navigate the world of podcasting.
Public Speaking Anxiety
Introverts often face public speaking anxiety, which may intensify when recording podcasts even though there isn’t an audience in the moment. The pressure to deliver engaging content while keeping energy levels high throughout an episode can be hard to do. To combat this challenge:
Practice deep breathing exercises to calm nerves before recording.
Break episodes into manageable segments to maintain focus and energy.
Most importantly, embrace your natural speaking style and pace, allowing authenticity to shine through! When we filmed our first podcast episode, this is where I lacked, making it fast paced and robotic sounding. Don’t forget to throw in a smile every once in a while too.
For the sake of full transparency, and to show you that even us in the marketing profession don’t always get it right, here is a look behind the scenes at our disastrous first attempt at recording Episode 1. We enjoy a good laugh every time we look back on this!
Podcasting Tips & Strategies for Introverts
To excel in podcasting, introverts can use specific strategies tailored to their strengths:
Create detailed outlines to structure episodes and alleviate speaking anxieties, but don’t write a full script! A script can make you anxious and seem more inauthentic to viewers.
Use visual aids or storytelling techniques to engage listeners.
Collaborate with co-hosts or guests to share the speaking load and create dynamic conversations.
Navigating the Technical Aspects
The technical side of podcasting presents another layer of complexity, especially for newcomers. Key areas to focus on include:
Branding: As a marketer, my favorite part is the branding - creating a logo, podcast name, podcast covers, etc. These aspects, however, can take a lot of time if you are unfamiliar with them. Use simple programs like Canva if you are just getting started with marketing.
Equipment: Invest in quality microphones, headphones, and recording software for optimal audio quality.
Editing: Familiarize yourself with editing tools to enhance sound, remove background noise, and streamline content.
Publishing: Learn about hosting platforms and distribution channels to reach your target audience effectively.
When People Tell You Podcasting is Easy…
Contrary to popular belief, podcasting is not a simple task but requires time, dedication, and skill. It involves:
Research and Planning: Conduct thorough research on topics, guests, and industry trends to create engaging content.
Consistency: Stay committed to regular episode releases and continuous improvement in content quality.
Marketing: Develop a promotional strategy to reach a wider audience through social media, guest appearances, and collaborations.
Behind every good podcast episode lies difficulties for introverts and requires much more preparation than you may think. Podcasting offers a powerful platform for people to share their voices and insights. By understanding the realities of recording and implementing effective strategies, introverts can thrive in the world of podcasting and leave a lasting impact on listeners.
