Insights and Tips for Podcasters Looking to Improve Show Structure
Welcome to podcasting!
I suggest staying ahead of the game, as a podcaster you must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques because the podcasting industry is growing rapidly. No matter what stage of podcasting you're in, there are always ways to improve your skills and improve your podcast game. In this blog, I'll provide valuable advice on enhancing your podcasting skills and attracting a wider audience. In 2024, I will help you become a successful podcaster by offering tips on effective guest engagement, improving your listening skills, and strengthening your interviewing techniques.
Relax, grab your microphone, and let’s dive in!
Understand Who Your Audience Is
Your podcast will not be effective if you do not have a clear understanding of your audience and the purpose behind wanting to influence them. One way to improve your content is to rehearse your show outline with a friend or engage in a casual conversation with someone at a coffee shop. This will allow you to receive honest feedback and gauge how well your show outline holds up. Finding your voice takes patience and practice and developing your content is important before you start recording each episode because there are so many to choose from. Podcast audiences tend to switch between different shows, so don't become complacent with a stable audience as it can quickly change if you don't produce fresh content. Plus, once you lose listeners it’s extremely difficult to get them back.
The primary focus of your show is the explanation for each episode, also known as its "Why".
Outline Your Show Topics
I can only assume that most podcasters want to do the right thing and record multiple episodes at once but if you have not taken the time to outline your show topics getting behind the mic and publishing will be a waste of time. When I say outline I mean really dig into topics, cross reference, and research key areas that interest you because this is where your show will peak due to your expertise and passion towards the subject you are talking about. Your popularity will decrease if you don't learn from your episodes and talk with your listeners to find out which parts they find interesting.
If you are disorganized before recording your show, your rhythm and subject matter will be disorderly and hard to comprehend.
Record Session + Edit Session = Close to flawless.
Why not aim for flawless production? If you can't carefully listen to the entire recording at its regular playback speed and eliminate any sections that are too long, boring in structure and off-topic. What is the rationale behind expecting a listener to subscribe? Profanity is the next area I want to focus on.
I realize some people may feel that Podcasting is a type of freeform ad hock entertainment where you can riff on the spot without rules and constraints, allowing for the most unique and raw kind of material, but let's be real for a minute. If you were at a networking event, would you say, "It's nice to fucking meet you"? Remember that your goal is to attract new listeners right from the beginning. If you don't monitor your cursing, know that using profanity as a host can come across as rude, destroy your credibility, and make your content look immature. Especially when you're starting out and attempting to gain the loyalty and trust of new listeners. If your interviewee is unable to help themselves, then that's okay. As a show host, curb your cursing.
Stay Professional.
You're a Podcast Host, So Act Like One
If you prefer not to act as a professional podcast host, that's okay with me, but don't expect social media engagement, show growth, audience engagement, or any other monetization. To achieve a high ranking in show quality for your podcast, it is essential to develop the same skills utilized by successful broadcasters. Dedicate time to studying your favorite hosts and train your listening abilities. Consider the importance of surrounding yourself with a diverse range of individuals who can provide unbiased feedback. While family members and close friends may have good intentions, their personal biases could unintentionally limit your show's reach and potential audience. Seeking feedback from a broader circle of individuals can help ensure a well-rounded perspective. The number of downloads and subscriber activity is a reliable indicator of how well your content is meeting your intended mark. If you don't have any intention, it's important to make one quickly.
Have realistic expectations about the work you are producing.
Scan for Mistakes and Take Honest Criticism like a Pro
Performance checks in podcasting are meant to be a tool to help you get better not to hurt you. You must check your entire performance process which means to review yourself, your entire episode, check your music, instruct your guests, your sound FX, sponsors, and long pauses and repeat words. It's hard in the beginning to take constructive criticism but knowing what works and what doesn’t is just part of the process.
On a side note, most people do not see the amount of work that goes into how a podcast is produced so take the honest feedback when you get it because it will only make you better. Every element of your podcast, from the beginning to the end, including every section that aims to impress your listeners, holds significance.
Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
I highly recommend reading "The Big Podcast" by David R. Hoper, an incredible book that I recently discovered.
DELIVERY & CONTENT
1. Delivery - Is the content consistently succinct, straightforward, and easy to follow? Is there forward momentum throughout each episode, or numerous rabbit trails and tangents in an attempt to arrive at your destination?
2. Content - Is it personable, engaging, and thought provoking? Does whatever's being discussed have relevancy to the typical listener's life today, right now?
Hoper, 2019-2013 , Page 192
What did you say?
Don't simply endorse everything your co-host says or alter topics without exploring a topic that your listeners may strongly agree with. You have to interpret things from their point of view, not put words in their mouth so they just go along with you because you're the host or you’re pressed for time. Be yourself and use your authentic voice to convey your personality to others. And above all else, do not waste people's time and take the time to plan a good show. I further suggest that you focus sincerely on your guests and less on speaking into the microphone or looking at each other on video. Type out a joke and put it on your computer. When things seem slow, glance over and pick up the humor to engage laughter.
Last but not least, avoid sounding like a boob. Stay away from criticizing how others live, jumping on the bandwagon of popular opinion to sound cool, making bad jokes, and being mean.
Listen & Laugh
Well, I hope you found this content useful. Remember that producing good entertainment content for an audience has been around for years and the fundamentals will not change. You have to put in a lot of work ahead of time to reach your audience, and good production is not cheap. What is difficult is training yourself to evolve with your show, your audience and provide content that many people can identify with even if it's only for 30 minutes of airtime.
