| Before you begin podcasting develop a plan and a | | | | to recording anyone! |
| format for your show. Determine the focus of | | | | When requesting an interview with a specific |
| your podcast and what types of guests you | | | | individual, be sure to tell them the topic of the |
| would like to interview. Time spent planning your | | | | show and give them an idea what types of |
| show will contribute to it's success. | | | | questions to expect. Let them know how long the |
| Location, Location, Location When you are | | | | interview is planned for and the format of the |
| producing a podcast on a regular basis it is | | | | show. Let prospective interviews know whether |
| important that you select an appropriate location | | | | the broadcast will be edited or will the interview |
| for the recording to take place. The location | | | | be broadcast live. It is always a good idea to |
| should be free of external distractions and | | | | provide interviewees a link to previous interviews. |
| relatively quiet. It is easiest if you use the same | | | | If the interviewee will require any specific |
| location each time, that way the equipment can | | | | equipment or software, provide them ample |
| remain in place and will not require moving or | | | | notice and do a test run to ensure that |
| setup each time you produce a show. | | | | everything is working properly. |
| The room should have a carpet or furniture that | | | | Interviews A little preparation goes a long way; if |
| will absorb echoes and dampen the sound. The | | | | you have an interview scheduled, be sure to |
| room should also have a door, so that you will not | | | | adequately prepare. Make sure that you can |
| have unexpected interruptions. Reduce | | | | accurately pronounce the interviewers proper |
| extraneous noise by turning off fans or any | | | | name, and ask them prior to the interview how |
| equipment. Consider hanging a note on the door, | | | | they would like to be addressed. Research the |
| so that you will not be disturbed while recording. | | | | interviewee and come up with a list of questions. |
| Recording Away from Home When taking your | | | | In some cases it might be appropriate to provide |
| podcast on the road it is equally important that | | | | the interviewee the list of questions prior to the |
| the quality of the podcast is not compromised for | | | | interview, this will not only help them prepare but |
| the sake of portability. Consider using a directional | | | | help them relax and prepare for their on-air debut. |
| microphone or finding a quiet alcove for interviews | | | | If you prefer not to tip your hand in providing the |
| when on the road. | | | | questions prior to the interview, then be sure that |
| Equipment Make every effort to minimize | | | | you have an idea of what their reaction and |
| background noise, at the very least use software | | | | responses will be. Follow up questions should |
| that will allow you to edit out extraneous noises | | | | based on the interviewee's reactions to your |
| that occur while recording. | | | | queries. While broadcasting, use your research |
| While Recording Before you begin recording | | | | notes as talking points to direct the conversation. |
| sample different volumes and microphone | | | | When you guest is talking let them explain their |
| distances and determine what levels result in the | | | | point of view; don't interrupt them unless there is |
| best recordings. To save time, do a test | | | | a point to clarify. |
| recording and listen to it prior to every show, this | | | | Biographies of show guests should be included in |
| will help you catch anything that was inadvertedly | | | | the show notes or on the shows websites. |
| unplugged. Spending a little more money on your | | | | Request the interviewee send a photo to be |
| microphone goes a long way. | | | | included along with the biography. After the show |
| Permissions and Contracts The legalities | | | | is published be sure to thank the interviewee and |
| surrounding audio recording are a bit muddled. | | | | provide them a link to the finished interview along |
| Regardless of what the legalities are in your | | | | with instructions on how they can listen to the |
| region, it is best that you request permission prior | | | | show. |