Research Guides: Introduction to Podcasting: Creating Podcasts

Creating a Podcast

Decide on the format for your show:

Solo: This is a monologue approach, where one person is discussing a topic. This has the benefit of being easy to schedule as you are relying on yourself only, however, it can be intimidating because you will need to formulate all content.
Co-host: This involves presenting alongside a colleague or friend.
Roundtable: This usually consists of a host and two or more guests in other to discuss or debate a subject, or just to have a conversation.
Interview: Consists of interviewing a guest or several guests. The interviewee usually has expertise in the general subject area.

How will you open?
If you are conducting an interview, what questions will you ask your subject?
How will you close?
See "Podcast Script Template" below for a template that you can download and edit.

Practice your script out loud before you record.
Record a 10 second silence buffer at the beginning of your recording to allow you to collect the noise profile and edit out background noise in the editing phase.
Try to stay on topic.
If you make a mistake, pause, and say the sentence or phrase again. These mistakes can be fixed in the editing phase.
Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you are interviewing someone for your podcast.

Only use music legally as permitted by copyright and copyright exceptions i.e. Creative Commons, Public Domain or Royalty-Free.
Properly give credit to the creators in your podcast or podcast description.

We recommend using Audacity to edit your podcast, which is a free, open source downloadable software for Macs and PCs.
Remove background noise
Ensure vocal volumes are even
Trim unwanted parts from segments
Collage together segments, music and sound effects