When done correctly, podcasting can be an effective way to build an audience. When done poorly, you can turn off your listeners very quickly. Many of the mistakes that podcasters make are relatively simple to spot and correct. Here are a few of the most common podcasting mistakes, along with tips for avoiding them.
Microphone and Positioning
You don’t need studio quality for your podcast, but if your listeners would need to strain to understand your speech, then you need to buy a real microphone. Any microphone that came with a computer isn’t going to be of sufficient quality; the same goes for your iPhone microphone and any microphone that came with a cheap headset.
Also, make sure you are positioned correctly. If you are speaking too close to the microphone, it will pick up spitting sounds and the sounds of your lips opening and closing; too far and your voice will sound muffled. Use the levels gauge to see whether you are too close or too far. Position the microphone slightly to the side rather than right in front to avoid popping sounds.
Long-Winded Introductions
Podcasters who don’t get to the point within the first three minutes are going to lose audience. Don’t spend too much time introducing yourself, your topic, selling the audience, etc. Your audience knows who you are and is there to hear the content. Don’t keep them waiting.
Unscripted Podcasts
Recording a podcast completely off the cuff just doesn’t work. Having a script can really help smooth out your presentation. A “script” in this case is just a list of topics and main points in those topics. Never script out an entire conversation, as your audience will easily pick up rehearsed content. Instead, by having a list of main points ready, you will be able to create a smoothly flowing conversation without ever stumbling on what to say.
Monotone
Having a monotonous podcast is another guaranteed way to chase away your listener base. For one, doing a podcast solo is much harder than doing one with a co-host. A co-host provides another voice and another perspective, which is much more entertaining to the listener than just one voice. If you insist on doing a solo podcast, however, make sure to modulate your voice. Take on different emotions, different stances and different personalities to keep your audience engaged.
These are a few of the most common mistakes podcasters make. Make sure you have good sound by buying and properly using a good microphone. Get to the point quickly. Have a detailed outline of each podcast before you start. Finally, keep your audience engaged with different voices, opinions and emotions.
