Topic 1 What is a Podcast?
A podcast is “a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer” (Dictionary.com).
Interestingly, “the “pod” of podcast is borrowed from Apple’s “iPod” digital media player; and the “cast” portion of podcast is taken from Radio’s “broadcast” term” (International Podcast Day).
There are two main kind of Podcast:
- Audio Podcast
- Video Podcast
… in other word a Podcast is an audio or audio/video product that:
- Inform-disclose;
- Involves-entertains;
- Describes-tells.
For further information you can watch this video:
A Podcast could have different kind of format:
- The Solo Show, also known as the monologue.
Benefits: You don’t need to rely on anyone else to record your episodes
Challenges: Perhaps the most intimidating style of show for the beginner podcaster. One of the biggest challenges of the solo show is getting over the feeling that you’re ‘talking to yourself’ and realizing that you’re actually talking to the listener.
- The Co-hosted Show, presenting alongside a friend or colleague.
Benefits: A great way around the ‘mic fright’ of recording alone is to chat on the show with someone else. If you find the right co-host you have someone to bounce off, debate. Some co-hosted podcasts have great chemistry between the presenters.
Challenges: Not only do you need to set aside time to record, but that time must also be suitable for your co-host.
- TheInterview Show, “borrowing” the expertise or entertainment value of others.
Benefits: Doing an interview show gives you the opportunity to have a chat with someone you’ve always looked up to. Challenges: Interviewing is a skill that you’ll need to improve through practice. You’ll need to constantly find and approach potential guests, schedule interviews, and rely on others to show up.
Things to know/do before producing a Podcast:
Each Podcast need:
- Title: Each Podcast must have a title which could be the podcaster’s name, a descriptive title or an abstract title.
- Format: Podcast formats are ways to organize your show’s content. They are delivery methods that give your podcast a structure. The right format will keep your content organized and make it accessible to your listeners. Without a strong format, your show will seem disjointed and messy.
- Structure: Podcast structure, on the other hand, defines how you deliver on your chosen format. It defines the framework – all the segments your podcast show will include. Different podcast formats will use different structures or frameworks.
- Script: this is a guideline that keeps the speaker on track and ensures you hit all the right key points. It will also help the speaker prepare transitions and get everything in within the allotted time.
- Episodes: The Podcast can be divided into episodes that can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes. Each episode must be planned and have a specific and interesting title.
- Public/Target: Each Podcast has a specific target/public. Having a specific target will help the podcaster to choose the topics to talk about, the language to use and the way to speak.