Tips for great zoom audio for podcasting
Zoom and other online video platforms have made podcasting truly international - a client of mine in Maryland interviewed a lawyer in Australia last week for her weekly episode. But the sound can be tricky, sometimes it sounds tinny, kind-of sharp, and other times there’s a lot of echo. Here in this video I share some ways to improve it.
Prepping your guest and the setting
The good news about podcasting on zoom is you can interview anyone in the world, and you can see the guest. The bad news is, you can see the guest. First, unless your guest is an accomplished public speaker, put your guest at ease. Ask a couple of easy questions to ease the nerves. It’s a strange environment . So here are some more simple tips for podcasting on zoom. Watch the video!
How to get your new podcast on all the leading platforms
If you have something important to tell people, or you want them to hear great conversations, entertainment or information, you might have thought about becoming a podcaster. But you may have asked yourself the question : How do I get on Apple, or Spotify, or Stitcher, or all of them? It’s not as challenging as it might seem. Watch the video for important information about how to get your podcast out!
Here’s a template you can copy, to send to your video/audio podcast guests ahead of time. When recording time comes, it will help to be prepared.
Podcasting Audio/Video Interview Guest Guide
Thanks for agreeing to be a guest on our podcast/video via Zoom - we’re excited to chat with you on this episode!
Please consider helping us with a few preparatory steps before the recording, so everything runs smoothly and on time, and so you will sound and look your best :-)
Pre-recording
Please send us your favorite headshot to include with the episode (high-resolution pictures are best if you have them) and any short biographical materials and/or links you want us to include in the Show Notes.
Day of recording
Audio If you don’t have an external microphone, please make sure to sit close to your computer to maximize the sound quality (On a laptop, the computer’s microphone is likely on the sides or front of your keyboard)
Speak into the microphone and try to stay within 18 inches of it.
Close your eyes and record a quick sound test of yourself without looking at the screen when reviewing it. It’s easier to understand someone when you can see their lips move, but less so for listeners-only.
Choose a small, warm room where the sound doesn’t echo off the walls (Full bookshelves, curtains, hung clothing, low ceiling, are all good sound-proofers!) Echo happens when your words go past the mcriphone and reverberate from the walls and ceiling. We want to avoid this :-)
Use a fixed-leg chair to sit on, not one which swivels or squeaks !
Remember to close all windows and doors to avoid intrusive sound, check for buzzing overhead lights and air conditioners, and make sure children and pets won’t be noisy or intrusive :-)
2. Video
Choose a background for your video which reflects well on you: books, decorations, artwork, or an attractive “virtual” background from the program’s selection. No pictures of identifyable children.
Make sure your head is in the center of the frame, and that any light on the room falls on YOU, not in front or behind you. Ideally, throw an evening lamp on the side of your face. Make sure there are no clocks or calendars in the video image which would date the production. Make sure there is nothing to identify the location for a stranger.
3. The Conversation
Remember that interruptions do not go over well on remote podcasts - the sound of one person cancels out the other. Likewise, expressions of agreement or empathy (although they’re SO tempting) may interrupt the sound. Better to nod and smile, and follow-up when it is your turn to speak.
4. Post-episode release
We’ll let you know when we release your episode and where you and your community can find it. To help us to grow our audience, we’ll also share our social media marketing content for the episode with you, so you can re-share it on your platforms with your audience/communities.