How To Sound Like a Podcasting Pro
How do you record a professional podcast if you don’t know where to start? We know it can feel intimidating to jump into a new industry without a ton of knowledge, so here are our top tips for sounding like a podcasting pro:
Stay out of the red
Are you naturally a loud or soft talker? How far away from the mic are you sitting? These questions are important to make sure you’re hitting the correct levels.
No matter what digital audio workstation (DAW) you’re using, there should be a colored-coded volume level. Anywhere between green and yellow is a good place to be, but you should never hit the red. If your volume is too high, you risk blasting your listeners’ eardrums, especially if they wear headphones.
Use a pop filter and a decent mic
One way to minimize post-production is by using a pop filter, a device meant to reduce the “popping” sounds and background noise. Couple the pop filter with a great mic and you have yourself an easy-to-operate setup.
For reference, MNYK Studios uses Blue Yetis that come with pop filters. These mics have four polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo, so you can choose what works for your specific set up.
Stay consistent
You know when and where your favorite shows come on without having to check the TV guide, right? That’s because the time and place never change.
You need to follow this same idea with your podcast to keep listeners engaged and returning each day, week, or month you choose to post. There’s no set option, though posting at least once a week is ideal for listenership.
Maintaining consistency with how long your episodes are and how often you post them will have your audience tuning in every time you post.
Have a clever intro and outro
Think about all the clever jingles you’ve heard in commercials that have never left your head (cc: I’m loving it!). Now make your intro and outro something listeners won’t forget either.
Whether you really do use a jingle, or you get creative with your copy, the beginning and end of your podcast should leave listeners wanting more.
Be conscious of the fluff
Have you ever listened to a podcast and heard the host say “Hey [insert co-host’s name], look over there. What is that?” You can’t see what they’re talking about, yet you’re listening to 10 minutes of conversation about “that thing over there.”
Minimize fluff, but don’t confuse it with personal anecdotes and relevant information. Your listeners actually find this content relatable because it humanizes you. Remember that fluff is anything irrelevant to the conversation and information that aren’t useful to your listeners.
