One of the most powerful emerging media trends is the rise of podcasting. People used to need an outlet like a TV program or a radio show to get their message out. Nowadays, all they need is a laptop and a microphone. To produce the best podcast interviews possible, use the following tips.
1. Do Your Research
You can’t construct a good interview without knowing a lot about your subject. That means going beyond a mere Wikipedia entry for background information. Every hour of podcast time should be backed up by at least a matching hour of research and preparation time.
2. Cater to Audience Interests
Knowing who passionately follows your podcasts is as important as the actual content. Using analytics to figure out the kinds of interviews that your serious followers crave is vital. Use that in-depth intelligence to guide your efforts as far as content direction is concerned.
3. Develop a Unique Style
A podcast often swims or sinks based on the personal style of the host. If you’re not a good interviewer, become one in a hurry through trial and error. Though he may come off as abrasive, Howard Stern is a master interviewer because he can elicit great answers from anyone.
4. Invest in Solid Hardware
While it’s possible to put together a podcast with nothing more than a MacBook, you need professional tech to do the job right. Start off with a quality microphone like an ATR2100 or a Blue Yeti. Invest in some great Beyerdynamic or Audio-Technica headphones while you’re at it.
5. Learn to Edit Like a Pro
The last piece of the puzzle is the final editing process before uploading your pods to the Web. A good processing program is vital. For the Apple fanatics, GarageBand is probably a good option. Open-source die-hards can always use Audacity or PiTiVi. The key is to familiarise yourself with your weapon of choice, inside and out.
It’s an Art & a Science
Putting out great podcasts isn’t rocket science. It’s just a matter of attention to detail and experience. The reality is that you’re not going to produce the best product right out of the gate. Keep at it and you’ll eventually reap the fruits of your labor.
