An Effective Podcast Opening Spiel
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Now that you’ve decided on a format for your podcast, everything should be a breeze for your recording, if you think about it. However, before you actually hit the record button, it’s best to have an outline right in front of you to cue you as to where your conversations should be going and to make it easier to know where you are in your chosen format.
You don’t need to write an actual script; in fact, it’s better if you don’t to make sure the flow of discussions is organic and it prevents you from sounding monotonous. Also, with a script, you tend to follow what’s written in minute detail and, as a result, you can get lost in the conversation should your co-host or guest crash into a slight tangent or move unprompted to another topic.
When making an outline for your podcast, always consider the main elements present in most radio or television programs today, like an intro, main segment body, an “outro” and a few minor audio cues in between. You may notice that some of these elements usually vary for every show in that they differ in length and placement within the outline, it’s essential to have them as they are proven standards that will keep your podcast glued together and stay afloat. Here are a few suggestions in making an effective opening sequence.
If there’s one thing we learned from watching TV’s varied programming, it’s that every episode you produce will always be someone else’s first foray into your podcast and, possibly, your brand. To help ease your podcast and brand into their ears, always have an Opening sequence. It’s there to welcome your listeners into your fold and to make sure they won’t go blindly into your podcast.
As such, an effective Opening should introduce yourself (and your co-hosts or guest/s should you have any), your brand and its Web site. You can also insert your brand or your podcast’s official tagline to spruce it up with a little personality and corporate identity. Add the date or episode number to give them an idea of the sequence and how many episodes they can backtrack to catch up.
Including a recap to show your new listeners what you’ve discussed in previous episodes helps if you’re doing a step-by-step how-to or merely progressing from a topic you talked about in a previous episode. Also, attach a short, catchy opening music to serve as a smooth auditory segue into the show which can continue playing in the background while you deliver your Opening spiel.
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RSpears @ April 27, 2010
