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Speaking On Mic or Speaking In Public?
I received a question the other day from a brand new podcaster. He was curious to find way to help him be more comfortable speaking into the microphone while recording his podcast. He asked if he should be taking public speaking classes.
My suggestion was to save his money. Podcasting and public speaking are different in many ways. One-on-one communication should be your focus for your podcast. Addressing the common denominator of a crowd is key to public speaking.
To help you get in a better frame of mind while recording your podcast, in today’s podcast we touch on five key points regarding your speech.
1. The Audience Of One
As you are creating your podcast, treat your audience like you are talking to each person individually. This is critical when creating a trusting relationship with your audience.
I hear many shows address their audience as a group with comments like “hello everyone” or “hey guys”. Each person in your audience is listening to you as an individual. Audio is a very personal medium. Many times, they are listening with headphones. It is just you and her. Talk to her just like that. (read more)
2. Pretend you’re on the phone
You do not need public speaking classes. You are not speaking in public. You are having a one-on-one conversations. Broadcasting began in the theater. We are no longer living in that world. This is a New World medium. It is all about personal communication. Talk to one person as if you are talking on the telephone. Post a photo up if you need one.
3. Avoid the scoop
The scoop is that fake announcer voice that you hear quite often. It’s like a slow start with a gradual build.
“Wwwwweeeelllllcom to the big show.”
It sounds like your voice is going up and down as if it is on a yo-yo.
Real people don’t talk like that. You are trying to build trusting relationships with your podcast audience. You want to sound real and authentic. (read more)
4. Hear the smile
It may sound strange. It may sound hard to believe. But, it is true. Your audience can hear it when you smile.
If you want your listener to have fun and enjoy your podcast, you need to smile as you deliver your lines. The smile will come through in your voice.
Just like you can hear when someone has fear in their voice, you can hear joy in a voice. (read more)
5. Pregnant pause
Our world today is so busy and noisy. There are thousands of messages hitting us everyday from every direction. In a noisy world, silence attracts attention. Silence is golden.
When you are interviewing a guest during your podcast, don’t be afraid of the pregnant pause. When that long pause begins to feel uncomfortable, let it last a little longer. Don’t create just a pause. Make it a pregnant pause. Not only will the silence attract attention, the break will give your guest time to think of a great answer to your question.
Too many hosts ramble on with their questions fearing the pause that naturally comes between question and answer. Some hosts make their questions go on and on to the point where the question is almost answered before the guest even has a chance to speak. When conducting an interview, avoid the urge to continue talking. Shut up and listen. (read more)
This podcast is created to help you with the ART of podcasting. Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment. I’d love to help you with your podcast. E-mail any questions or comments you might have to Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.