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Podcast

Breaking Down An Effective Introduction – PTC 324

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The introduction of your podcast is probably the most critical part of your show. A typical listener will give you between 90 seconds and a few minutes to entice them to stick around. Don’t blow it. You can’t catch up to a slow start.

Today, we are going to break down six different podcast intros. I will show you which parts of the introduction are effective and which are not.

When you create your podcast introduction, you need to put yourself in the shoes of your listener. What is in it for them? That is what they will be asking. How will they be better by the end of the episode?

If you are going to use a clip from the episode at the beginning, you need to open a conversation loop. Tease the content to come by creating some intrigue. Make your listener want to stick around. If you can’t do this, don’t use a clip.

The voiceover intro should tell your listener who you help, what you help them do and why. You do not need to structure it in those exact words. However, your intro should answer those questions.

As an example, our first sample episode opens with, “Do you love your work? Do you think it’s possible? You’re about to find out.”

Do you know what this show is all about? It sounds like a show about finding a career that you love. I don’t even need to tell you the name of the podcast.

Edit your introduction. Keep it short. Let it give your episode momentum. Don’t coast and wander your way into the show. Start quickly. Capture the attention of your listener and get them excited about the content.

If you would like help with your introduction, grab my Podcast Introduction template at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/intro.

Ok, let’s jump into the intros. First up is “48 Days to the Work You Love” with Dan Miller.

48 DAYS TO THE WORK YOU LOVE WITH DAN MILLER

Host: Well, a listener says, “Hey Dan … all this talk about setting goals and getting things done sounds great but, I’m a thinker. Not a doer.”

(VO over music bed) Do you love your work? Do you think it’s possible? Well, you’re about to find out. It’s time for 48 Days to the Work You Love with Dan Miller on the 48 Days online radio show. Whether you need a professional tune up, or a work overhaul, this is the program for you. Now here’s your host, Dan Miller.

Host: Well, what do you think? Do you need a tune up or a complete overhaul? You know, we’re still here at the beginning of the year. A great time to be looking at that. Just gonna have some little kind of subtle realignment to what you’re gonna do? Or, are you gonna really make a break and head off in a new direction? We’re hearing from lots of you who are doing both of those things. Delighted to hear the plans you’re making.

You know, last week, the lead in was, “I know what to do, but can’t make myself do it.” We had a whole lot of you that that apparently kind of struck a nerve, and you commented on that. I’m delighted to have you do so. We’re gonna talk some more about that. What is it that keeps us from doing? There may be some unique kind of built-in traits that we have that make us more a thinker than a doer. Well, we’ll look at that.

So, questions … “I know what I need to do, but I’m easily turned back to wonder and invention.” Somebody asked, “How can I make some money off the land I just inherited?” “Where do you find customers who aren’t broke?” Love that question. We’re gonna dig in.

INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

First, the title of the episode doesn’t get too cute. It let’s you know what the podcast is all about. “48 Days To The Work You Love” sounds like a career search podcast. The name isn’t too clever or too cool for the room.

The tease to open the podcast is effective. It is short and to the point, while creating anticipation of what is to come. The tease gets you guessing what the quote is all about. It makes you want to stick around to close the circle.

The voiceover introduction starts with the listener point of view. “Do you love your work? Do you think it’s possible? Well, you’re about to find out.” These three sentences reinforce exactly what this podcast is all about. The intro makes it relevant to you. We don’t waste a lot of time with information you don’t need.

Dan comes in after that with the overview of this particular episode. We know what the podcast is all about. He now tells us how this particular episode is special. What makes this one different than the others.

Again, he begins in the shoes of the listener with, “Well, what do you think? Do you need a tune up or a complete overhaul?” He gets the listener invested in the content.

Dan does a nice job creating social proof. He uses phrases like, “We’re hearing from lots of you”, “Delighted to hear the plans you’re making”, “and you commented on that”, and “So, questions …” All of these statements show listeners exactly what he wants them to do.

Finally, Dan gives an outline of the questions he will address on this episode. This is sort of a table of contents.

Overall, this is a solid introduction.

BUSINESS UNUSUAL

The next introduction is “Business Unusual” with Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank.

(Host) Hey this is Barbara Corcoran you are now tuned in to “Business Unusual”. And, everything you ever learned about business, throw it out the window. I’m gonna tell you the real deal. Listen in.

Today, I’m gonna answer all your burning question about work, life, starting a company, getting on track, and much much more. Be sure to call into the “Business Unusual hotline” with your question at 888-BARBARA. That’s 888- BARBARA. But first today we’re gonna be talking about moms getting back in the workforce. What do you do when you put your life on pause, or at least your career on pause, to raise a bunch of kids and you want to get back? Listen in. I’m going to give you great advice.

INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

This is a solid intro. It doesn’t start with your typical sample clip from the episode. Barbara gets right into it.

A sample clip isn’t necessary. If you plan to use a clip to tease the episode, you need to do it properly. A teaser clip should create some anticipation. It should open the loop that needs to be closed by listening to the show. Pulling a random clip doesn’t accomplish either of those.

Barbara tells us exactly what the podcast is all about. You know she tells it like it is. Her intro is focused on you. She says, “I’m gonna answer all your burning question about work, life, starting a company, getting on track, and much much more.” Barbara also gives you the phone number to participate.

She effectively tells you what the podcast is about, so you know it is right for you. Barbara then says, “Today we’re gonna be talking about moms getting back in the workforce. What do you do when you put your life on pause, or at least your career on pause, to raise a bunch of kids and you want to get back? Listen in.” She sets up the content for today to keep you around for the entire episode.

This whole intro is short and sweet. I love the momentum it creates.

FLIPPED LIFESTYLE

Next is the “Flipped Lifestyle” podcast with Shane and Jocelyn Sams. 

(Host) Hey y’all! On today’s podcast we welcome back Brooke Butcher. Last time Brooke was on the show, she was just starting out and growing her online nursing community. On this episode we get to celebrate Brooke’s growing membership and her incredible milestone. Brooke just quit her job and works full-time online. On today’s podcast Shane is helping Brooke get used to her new, self-employed, location independent lifestyle as well as growing her nursing membership. You’ll learn how to balance your time between business and life while working at home, promotions to help grow your membership site and how to know when it’s time to go full-time online. You are going to love today’s podcast. Enjoy the show.

(Voiceover) Welcome to the “Flipped Lifestyle” podcast, where life always comes before work. We’re your hosts, Shane and Jocelyn Sams. We are a real family who figured out how to make our entire living online. Now we help other families do the same. Are you ready to flip your life? Alright. Let’s get started.

(Host) What’s going on everybody? Welcome back to the “Flipped Lifestyle” podcast. It is great to be back with you today and I am super excited because not only is this an amazing member of the Flip Your Life community on the show, it is a repeat guest. It is someone we know and love and we are going to be celebrating some major, major wins in her online business and her membership world today. Welcome back to the program Brooke Butcher.

INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

This intro is solid, but could be cleaned up a bit. The opening bit delivered by Jocelyn before the voiceover says much the same thing Shane says after the intro.

Jocelyn’s part could have been cut in half. This portion is intended to get you to listen to the rest of the episode. We don’t need a full guest introduction here. This portion would have been sufficient:

“On today’s podcast Shane is helping Brooke get used to her new self-employed, location independent lifestyle as well as growing her nursing membership. You’ll learn how to balance your time between business and life while working at home, promotions to help grow your membership site and how to know when it’s time to go full-time online. You are going to love today’s podcast. Enjoy the show.”

After this part, Jocelyn says Brooke is self-employed, location independent and the owner of a nursing membership site. We’re going to learn about time management and how to promote our site.

Shane then comes on and again tells us that Brooke has a membership site. We got that in Jocelyn’s portion. He says she is a repeat guest. We know that, too. Finally, he tells us we are going to celebrate some major wins in her membership. Jocelyn told us that as well.

I do like the voiceover intro. We know what the show is about. It is focused on us.

“Welcome to the ‘Flipped Lifestyle’ podcast, where life always comes before work. We’re your hosts, Shane and Jocelyn Sams. We are a real family who figured out how to make our entire living online. Now we help other families do the same. Are you ready to flip your life? Alright. Let’s get started.”

With this intro, we know exactly what the show is all about and what we are getting. We know how we will be better off when the episode is over.

I also like the way Shane doesn’t waste much time before he jumps into the interview. Tell us what we need to know to understand this interview is applicable to my situation.

SPEAK UP

The next podcast is “Speak Up” with Matthew and Elysha Dicks.

(Host) Welcome to “Speak Up”, a podcast about telling better stories. This is episode 103. I’m Elysha Dicks. I’m the Executive Director of Speak Up. We are a Hartford-based storytelling organization. We produce shows, teach workshops, and help people find and tell better stories.

And I am Matthew Dicks. I am the husband of Elysha Dicks. I am also the Artistic Director of Speak Up. I’m a storyteller myself. I’m an author of several novels. And the non-fiction title “Storyworthy: Engage, Teach and Persuade and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling”. A book that will help you become a better story teller.

How are you doing today, honey?

I am fine.

Excellent.

How are you?

I am great. I am happy to be podcasting again with you.

Yes.

It’s a glorious summer day. We only have two weeks left of our summer vacation before we have to return to school, but we are trying to suck the marrow out of every minute we have.

That sounds gross.

No, it’s a phrase.

I know it’s a phrase. That doesn’t mean it’s good.

Alright. It’s poetry. You’re supposed to suck the marrow out of life.

I know I’ve heard it before. This one I’m going to pass on.

Alright I’m going to be sucking the marrow over here.

Suck it by yourself.

Do you have any follow up for us honey?

Not that I can think of today, how about you?

INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

“Welcome to ‘Speak Up’, a podcast about telling better stories.” This is probably the shortest intro that tells us exactly what the show is all about. I like this a lot. No questions here.

However, they follow it with “episode 103”. Is that important? Not really. That doesn’t have anything to do with anything. Leave it out.

Elysha then gives us their pedigree. I usually suggest podcasters start in the shoes of the listener. However, this is effective in giving the audience a reason to believe what they have to say. This intro gives them credibility.

We also know they teach workshops and produce shows. We know they know what they are doing. If we want more of what they have to offer, we also know we can get it.

The intro is followed by some chit chat. I love the way the play off each other. It gives us a sense of their style and sense of humor. However, it gives us no reason to stick around. You can’t catch up to a slow start.

If Elysha and Matthew took some of their story teachings, they would realize they need to start strong. Set the stage. Suck me in. Give me a reason to care.

“How are you? Fine. Glad to be podcasting. Have two weeks left in summer break.” I’m getting fidgety listening to this. I’m inclined to find something more compelling. They need to hook me sooner.

Most people give themselves anywhere between 90 seconds and a few minutes to decide if they will stick with an episode or find something else. Make it count.

INSPIRED MONEY

This one is “Inspired Money” with Andy Wang.

(Clip) Today on “Inspired Money” … Take this year, what a crazy year we’ve been in. So if I think that nobody’s hiring, there’s no opportunity for a small businesses, they’re all shutting down, that we’re all going to get sick and then it’s going to kill a whole lot of us, well, there’s some pieces of reality in there. If that’s what is dominant in my mind, I’m dead in the water. I’m not going to start a profitable business. I’m not going to see new opportunities. But if I think wow, this is a challenging time. With every challenge there’s the equal seeds of opportunity. If I believe that, then I look at this, ok, i didn’t expect this to happen. Yes, it closed this door. What am I going to find if I just re-direct a little bit in terms of a new opportunity?

This is episode 163 with career coach and author of “48 Days To The Work You Love”, Dan Miller.

(Voiceover) Welcome to “Inspired Money”. My name is Andy Wang. A managing partner at Runnymede Capital Management. Each week we bring you an interesting person to help you get inspired, shift your perspectives on money and achieve incredible things. From making it to giving it away, inspired money means making a difference, creating something bigger than oneself, and maybe, just maybe, making the world a better place. Thank you for joining me.

(Host) Hey inspired money maker, welcome back. If this is your first time listening welcome. Are you happy in your career? Do you feel like you found your calling? So many people aren’t quite sure and experience midlife crisis. I want to open with a quote from our guest. “Success is never an accident. It typically starts with imagination, becomes a dream, stimulates a goal, grows into a plan of action, which then inevitably meets with opportunity. Don’t get stuck along the way.” That’s Dan Miller. He’s author of the New York Times best-selling books “48 Days To The Work You Love”, “No More Dreaded Mondays”, and “Wisdom Meets Passion”. He also hosts the top ranked career podcast “48 Days to the Work You Love Internet Radio Show”.

INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

The clip at the beginning of this episode sets up the interview. We get inspired with just a few sentences. We also end with a question, which opens the loop. The guest ends with, “What am I going to find if I just re-direct a little bit in terms of a new opportunity?” That’s what the episode is all about.

The voiceover part of the intro tells us what the podcast is all about. “Each week we bring you an interesting person to help you get inspired, shift your perspectives on money and achieve incredible things. From making it to giving it away, inspired money means making a difference, creating something bigger than oneself, and maybe, just maybe, making the world a better place.” We know what we’re going to get.

When you create your intro, tell your listener how they will be better after listening to an episode. What’s in it for me? This intro does exactly that.

Andy then introduces Dan. He gives us just enough to find his guest credible. He has written a few New York Times bestselling books and he hosts an online radio show. I’m good with that. I’ll listen.

The introduction of your guest only needs to provide your listener with enough information to make them care and want to stick around for more. It doesn’t matter that Dan is a career coach or that he has started multiple businesses. Just give us enough to want more.

SCREW THE NINE TO FIVE

The next show is “Screw The Nine To Five” with Jill and Josh Stanton.

(Clip) Your mission is to pay back how much you spent on ads. I’m getting all these customers coming in. Now, I’m building a customer list. And then you have a flagship program or one-on-one coaching and it’s so much easier to upgrade an already existing customer than it is the first acquiring of them.

Yeah.

Right? Once you get them in the door and you rock their world they’re going to be like, “This guy is awesome. I wonder what else they have.”

(Voiceover) Warning. This podcast may cause you to quit your job, and start a business. What’s up? We’re Jill and Josh Stanton. And we help people quit their jobs. Right now you’re joined by tens of thousands of up-and-coming entrepreneurs all around the world who are using their commute to redefine their lives and build a business online. So if you’re ready to create the financial freedom, time freedom, location freedom and personal freedom you crave so you can do what you want when you want, then turn up the volume and let’s do this thing. This is the “Screw the 9 to 5” podcast.

(Host) Hey! Welcome back to another episode of the “Screw The Nine to Five” podcast. Today we are jammin’ on if we were to start all over again … no audience, no revenue, none of the things … how would we build this business from scratch?

INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

The clip at the beginning of this show does very little for me. At the end of the full opening, we know the episode is about “if we had to do it all over again, what would we do?”

The intro clip is all about, “Your mission is to pay back how much you spent on ads” or “getting a customer is harder than keeping a customer.” What does that have to do with anything? It doesn’t open a loop or create any intrigue. Be sure to tease effectively.

Now, I do love their voiceover intro. “Warning” is a great way to start. “You are joined by tens of thousands” shows social proof. They talk all about the life I want to create. This is all perfect. They are in my shoes and telling me the benefit.

When Jill comes back in with “Today we’re jammin’ on starting over again”, you get a sense of how she rolls. She jumps right into the content. The momentum is great.

The intro overall is nice and short. It would be much stronger if they had just used a more effective clip at the beginning.

TEMPLATE

If you need help creating your introduction, get my introduction template at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/intro. This will help you shape the opening of your podcast.

Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

How To Develop Your Podcast Personality – PTC 310

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There are three legs to the podcast stool if you are trying to grow your audience. Those are programming, promotion and personality.

Personality is critical to keep your listeners coming back episode after episode. Your personality is what makes you magnetic.

In order to grow your podcast, you need to retain the current listeners you already have. It will do you no good simply bringing in new listeners if your current listeners are leaving. Your show won’t grow.

Building a relationship with your audience will keep them coming back. You build that relationship through the stories that you tell and through your personality. This is how your listeners get to know, like and trust you.

CO-HOSTS

Dave Jackson and I do the Podcast Review Show together. Each episode we invite a podcaster on the show for a critique of the entire business from content to website to revenue opportunities.

If you would like to be featured on the show, visit PodcastReviewShow.com.

Being part of a two-person show highlights the importance of a defined personality. If there are multiple hosts on the show, you each need to have a lane. Your personalities should compliment each other.

If the two co-hosts on a podcast are cut from the same cloth, one isn’t necessary. A discussion between two people with the same opinions on everything isn’t a very compelling conversation.

There are four steps to develop your personality.

Most of these tips apply if you are a solo podcaster or only have guests on your show just as much as they apply to shows with multiple hosts.

DEFINE EACH ROLE

Your first step is to define your role. Describe the persona you want to project on your show. Describe how you want to be perceived by your audience.

Most importantly, be yourself. Don’t try to be something or someone you are not.

List as many of your personality characteristics as you can.

If you have a co-host, select your partner carefully. If you are the same, one of you isn’t necessary.

You then need to determine what each is expected to bring to the show. Define your duties, so there is no animosity or confusion.

PERSONALITY FOUNDATION

Once you have an exhaustive list, select three to five that you would like as your foundation. These three to five personality traits should be those that you would like to represent your brand.

Many think an over-the-top personality is necessary to get noticed. You don’t need to be like Gary Vaynerchuk or Howard Stern or Tony Robbins to be a big personality. There are plenty of other styles.

You could be warm like Dr. Phil, funny like Jimmy Fallon or tell-it-like it is like Dave Ramsey. Your personality could be energetic like Russel Brunson or motivate like Brendon Burchard or optimistic like Dan Miller.

The fun part is you get to decide. Again, be yourself.

BE PRESENT

Now that you have decided on your primary traits, focus on these. Make sure they are present in each episode.

Let your personality traits come out through the stories that you tell.

Start with the point you want to make or the lesson you want to teach. Next, find a story that will highlight that point or lesson. Finally, include a little of your personality in that story.

Remember, a little goes a long way. You don’t want to be the person that tries to make everything funny. You don’t want to be up in the face of your listener with everything. Just add a little here and there as role work.

In order for your audience to appreciate your personality, it must be contrasted with other complimentary traits. When you yell at your kids for everything, they eventually stop listening. Players stop paying attention to coaches who scream about everything.

On the other hand, if a typically mild mannered coach blows up about a blown play or a parent who is normally nurturing suddenly explodes over bad grades, they are taken seriously. Timing is everything.

If you are naturally funny, let it shine when the time is right. Your show doesn’t need to be a comedy routine. It simply needs to be funny when the time is right if that is your personality.

TAKES TIME

Finally, give it time to develop. Do consistent role work episode after episode and let your personality develop.

This will not happen overnight. Your listeners don’t develop a relationship with you after two episodes. Give it time.

Add personality to each episode. Over time, your listeners will get to know who you are and what you are all about.

This is where true friendships develop.

In order to be sure your personality comes out in each episode, plan your show before you begin. If you are already creating content, it is never too late to start. Start planning today and let it shine.

 

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment. For your free strategy session, check out www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/coaching.

Podcast

Learn Podcasting From The Pros – A Critique – Episode 182

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Learn Podcasting From The Pros – A Critique – Episode 182

Learn From the Pros
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We often talk abut coaching and receiving feedback about your show from somebody other than your mother. Today, I want to share with you that process and help you learn podcasting from the pros.

I do a show with Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting called “The Podcast Review Show”.

Dave has 20+ years of experience teaching people technical things. He has also been podcasting since 2005.

I have been coaching radio hosts since 1995 and podcasters for the past 4 years.

Podcasters pay us to review their show so they can improve. We cover all aspects of the show including content, show structure, style, website and business process.

Once Dave and I have listened to the show and reviewed the website, the podcaster appears on an episode with us to discuss the review and promote the show. This is a great opportunity to expose the show to a new audience while getting feedback from two experienced podcast coaches.

This week, I want you to get an inside look at a coaching session. This episode will show you the benefit of one-on-one coaching and how those sessions work.

On a recent episode of “The Podcast Review Show”, Harry Duran of “Podcast Junkies” joined us to get his show reviewed.

You get a chance to hear that episode this week.

We would love to review your show and help you learn podcasting. If you would like to be in Harry’s seat and have your show reviewed, check out PodcastReviewShow.com.

Enjoy the episode with Harry.

 

Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

REACH YOUR GOALS WITH YOUR PODCAST REVIEW – EPISODE 157

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REACH YOUR GOALS WITH YOUR PODCAST REVIEW – EPISODE 157

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Do you spend time each week reviewing your own show? The best way to improve is to check the results of your work with a podcast review. Know where to look, ask the right questions, and develop a plan. If you want to get better, it takes work.

REVIEW IT

Dave Jackson and I do the the Podcast Review Show together. This is a show where we invite a podcaster to join us for a podcast review. Dave has over 20 years of experience teaching. He has been podcasting since 2005. I have over 20 years experience coaching broadcasting talent. Together, we help podcasters reach their goals.

On one particular episode, Dave mentioned he was reviewing his own episode and discovered something he could do to make his show better. Dave has been doing this for a dozen years and is still discovering ways to make his show better.

I have coached broadcasters for the past 25 years. Some of these broadcasters have been in the business for 40 years. The best in any industry use coaches to improve. That is why they are the best.

Using my radio knowledge and experience, I began coaching podcasters.

REAL TIME

I’m a big proponent of podcast reviews in real time in order to get better. One of my free worksheets at PodcastTalentCoach.com is dedicated to reviewing your show. It is called the Podcast Review Worksheet. You can find it for free in the Worksheet Library.

If you want to review your own show to improve, download the worksheet for free and put it to use. This worksheet will help you know where to look and what questions to ask to improve.

The key is to review your show on a regular basis. Actually listen like a listener. That is the only way to improve.

Many hosts finish recording a show and think, “That was pretty good. What’s next?” There isn’t much time spent actually reviewing a show. There are so many other duties to handle, such as editing, posting, and promoting the show.

The strongest path to improvement is spending quality time listening to the show.

TAKE NOTES

Play it back. Grab a pad of paper and write down the parts that jump out at you. Jot down the “oh wow” moments. Take note of the sections that didn’t work exactly as you planned.

You will only find these moments when you listen like a listener.

The show will sound much different to you when you listen back than it did as you were recording it. You will hear things you didn’t notice as you were focused on creating the content. Words that you overuse will suddenly become noticeable to you.

Allow time between recording and reviewing allows you to forget excuses.

Once you have created the lists of good and not-so-good, create two more lists.

First, determine how can you create more of the “oh wow” moments on the show. How might you incorporate into the show more of the great content that worked?

Next, make a list of ways you can eliminate the parts that weren’t polished enough.

Get on the road to show improvement. Use a podcast review with your show on a regular basis.

WORKSHEET

Here are the questions on the Podcast Talent Coach Podcast Review worksheet that can help you improve your podcast.

Pick an episode from a few weeks back. Listen to it in real time. Then, ask yourself these questions.

  • What did you hope to accomplish on this show?
  • Did you succeed?
  • How did you make the audience care?
  • Where were the “oh wow” moments?
  • Where were the surprises?
  • What were the powerful words you used?
  • What did you like about the show?
  • What was memorable about the show?
  • What worked?
  • What could have been better?
  • How did you position the story from the listener’s point of view?
  • How did you include the listener, making them part of the story?
  • At what points did you introduce and reset the show/topic?
  • How did it appear you were prepared for every element?
  • What did you reveal about yourself to help foster the relationship with the audience?
  • What stories did you tell?
  • What details did you use that were spectacular and visual?
  • Where did you use active language? (walking instead of walked, eating, not ate)
  • What crutches do you use that need to be removed?
  • What is your plan to make tomorrow better?

GOOD COACH

A good coach can help you objectively review your show.

There are many myths about coaching.
Myth: I know what I am supposed to do, so I can do it myself.
Truth: Your coach can see things you cannot.

The best in any industry use coaches. There are business coaches, quarterback coaches, vocal coaches, violin coaches, writing coaches, speaking coaches and many others.

Coaches are everywhere. Unless you are in a particular industry, most people have never heard of these coaches. These instructors are well educated and experienced in the profession. They help the greats become even better.

Check out “Why Pay For Feedback – Episode 068” for an in depth look.

Coaches will hear things you do not. They are not too close to the content and can be objective. They don’t have the excuses.

Coaches also bring a different perspective and different experiences to your podcast review.

A good coach should also help you recognize the strong parts of your content. Your coach should give you confidence to take chances and hold you accountable to review your show.

You can be a guest on the Podcast Review Show with Dave Jackson and me. See how coaching works. Hire me for one-on-one coaching to help you improve. Or simply use the worksheet and give it a try for yourself. Either way, I would suggest you listen to the Feedback episode.

“Why Pay For Feedback – Episode 068”

Next week: how to promote your podcast without being obnoxious.

I’d love to help you with your podcast. Post any questions or comments you might have, or e-mail me at Erik@PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Do It Yourself Podcast Critique – Episode 133

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Do It Yourself Podcast Critique – Episode 133

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Do you fear sounding like a beginner? Do you have a desire to have stronger content?

On this episode, I want to help you learn to review and critique your own podcast in order to make your content stronger.

Reviewing your content on a regular basis is critical to your improvement. Learning how to critique yourself will help you sound more prepared, more organized and more like a true, professional broadcaster.

When I was beginning my broadcasting career, I feared people would see me as someone simply trying to play the part of a professional. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, let alone how to get better.

I wanted to have more credibility. How could I get there? Over 20 years, I learned to review and critique my own show through coaches, consultants, articles, conferences and mentors.

My broadcasting career began while I was in college studying for my architecture degree. What started as something fun to make college money suddenly turned into a career.

Here I was, a college kid studying architecture, trying to pretend I was a professional broadcaster.

I had no idea what I was doing. It was all trial and error.

Now, 25 years later, I am trying to help podcasters avoid the growing pains I suffered learning by diving head first into the deep end and quickly figuring out how to swim.

Over the years, the mistakes I made were plenty. In radio, on-air talent learn to be better through a process called the aircheck session. These are some of the most painful meetings you could have if the coach doesn’t have a teacher’s heart.

My aircheck sessions were typically run by my Program Director of the radio station. I would bring a recording of my show. We would listen to the show together. Then, my Program Director would tell me everything I’m doing wrong.

Over the next week, I would try to improve. We would go through the entire process the following week.

Once I was able to find a Program Director who had my interests at heart, we began working on my strengths. We would find the area that were strong and try to do more of that.

This became a much more enjoyable process. Over the years, I learned to recognize those strengths myself. My show continuously got stronger. I was then able to critique myself on a regular basis.

By sharing my scars and battle wounds, along with the processes, tips and skills I have learned over the years, I can help you fast track the road to great podcasting.

Over the past 20 years, I have been coaching radio talent with their shows. I have helped many radio shows reach the top of the ratings. My show has also been at the top for years.

This success is built on a quality review and critique of each show. When you learn to recognize the powerful parts of your episode, the will naturally become part of your content over time.

I have developed a Show Review Worksheet to help you review your show. You can download the worksheet for free.

This tool is one of nine worksheets included in the Podcast Talent Coach Workbook. The book includes complete explanations and instructions for each worksheet. You can get the workbook in a paperback or Kindle version.

Here are the questions included on the Podcast Talent Coach Show Review Worksheet. These questions will help you review and refine your show.

QUESTIONS

What did you hope to accomplish on this show? Did you succeed?

Part of your show prep should have included a goal and focus for the episode. We walked through that in the episode about show prep. Did you accomplish that goal?

To create more engagement with your listeners, your show needs to take the next step. Where do you take your content from here? How do you continue the conversation? Did you succeed?

How did you make the audience care?

Engagement is created when you stir emotion. Why is much more powerful than how. How did you make them care during this episode?

Where were the “oh wow” moments?

You do not need to make your entire show amazing. You simply need a few memorable spots. Create a couple moments to make your listener say “oh wow”. This is how you get your listeners to share your content. Find the “oh wow” moments in your episode.

Where were the surprises?

Surprise and delight. That will keep listeners returning week after week. Surprise will bring a smile to your listener’s face. This is where your information becomes entertainment. Where were your surprises?

What were the powerful words you used?

Words are powerful when you make the right choice. Selecting smart words help draw pictures in the mind of your listener. Thick and lush evoke two different emotions. Sad and devastated spark two different visions. Find the words in your episode that jump out of the speakers.

What did you like about the show?

When you are interested, you are interesting. What parts impressed you?

What was memorable about the show?

Find the one thing that people will remember. Your listener will not remember the entire show. What is your one thing?

What worked?

Did you try something new in this episode? Did it work? Push yourself to create new content in every episode. Then evaluate that content to see if it was a success.

What could have been better?

This is the other end of the previous questions. Where can you improve?

How did you position the story from the listener’s point of view?

We often talk about “what’s in it for me”. Did you position your content from your listener’s point of view?

How did you include the listener, making them part of the story?

Great marketing is more like a mirror. Reflect the life of your listener. Make them forget they are listening to a podcast by putting them in the story. Where did you include your listener?

At what points did you introduce and reset the show/topic?

Resetting the show topic is important to maintain the flow of the show. If the theme of the show is improvement, and you have a few different topics that support that theme, reset before each topic. Help support the overall concept by reintroducing the theme that ties it all together. Where was that apparent in the show?

How did it appear you were prepared for every element?

Keep your notes close as you record your content. We discussed this in the episode about show prep. Did you sound prepared with every piece of information you presented?

What did you reveal about yourself to help foster the relationship with the audience?

We talk about doing business with those we know, like and trust. Where did you reveal things to allow your listeners to begin to know you?

What stories did you tell?

Stories are the best way to allow listeners to get to know you. When you tell stories, you reveal your thoughts, beliefs and values. Find the stories in your episode. Learn to recognize when stories can be included.

What details did you use that were spectacular and visual?

Details help stories come to life. Specifics make the story more believable. This is similar to powerful language. Where did you use vivid details?

Where did you use active language? (walking instead of walked, eating, not ate)

Listeners can see active language. You can see “walking”. It is difficult to see “walked”. If you want your content to come to life in the theater of the mind, use active language. Find some in your episode.

What crutches do you use that need to be removed?

Crutches are words you use too often to fill time. These are typically phrases you use when you cannot think of anything else to say. Where do you hear crutches in your episode?

What is your plan to make tomorrow better?

Find three things in the 19 questions that you can work on this week.
Do you find yourself struggling to find time to create your podcast every week? Next week, I am going to walk you through step-by-step on how I create my content.

I would love to help you with your podcast. E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

The Critical Piece To A Great Podcast – Episode 123

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The Critical Piece To A Great Podcast – Episode 123

Podcast Review Show

On a recent episode of the Podcast Review Show that I do with Dave Jackson, we got into a discussion with a podcaster who struggles with the introduction of his show. This happens with so many hosts. How do you properly begin an episode? Why are the important elements of a solid introduction? What is the purpose?

We were talking with Doug Salamone of Mind Drippings podcast. On this particular episode, Doug was interviewing Taylor Pearson, author of “The End Of Jobs”. Doug said he was having trouble forming the introduction of his interviews.

START WITH WHY

Here is Doug’s first question: “Taylor, why don’t you introduce yourself a little bit more, and start off at the beginning with what brought you to decide to write this book and I’ll just let you roll with it and we’ll get the questions going.”

Doug needs to make us care about the author as he introduces him BEFORE he brings Taylor on the show. Then, Doug needs to make us care about the subject.

Before you begin your show, determine what are you hoping people will take from the interview. What is the point.

When you use, “Tell us about yourself”, it sounds like you didn’t do your homework.

The show is about big ideas. What is the big idea in this episode? The world of jobs is coming to an end. Start there.

Later in the interview, Doug asks, “What are people to do … if the opportunities are limited … and every single year we have thousands upon thousands of people graduating from universities across the country … what are people to do to protect themselves from becoming obsolete in this current economy that we’re seeing everyday increasing where jobs are being eliminated or being exported to countries across the world?”

This is the essence of the conversation. Let’s start here.

Many introductions are a waste of time. They host wanders into the episode rather than creating anticipation and setting up the content.

“Tell us a little about yourself, who you are and what you do.” It is such an overused first questions.

Do your homework. Know the important facts about your guest that support the topic. Provide those pieces of information right at the beginning. Then, hit the ground running with great questions.

Make the introduction of your show compelling. It should make your audience want to stick around for the payoff. I hear so many shows begin with their standard show open immediately followed by a bunch of housekeeping. Don’t waste the time of your audience. Your introduction should make a promise (tell the audience what to expect). You should then follow through on that promise (give them the content they expect).

When a show begins with, “I’ll show you how to make a million dollars in 4 easy-to-understand steps”, followed by, “But first, let me plug 14 things and chat a bit about why I didn’t post an episode last week”, you are losing your audience. Your fan tuned in to hear your secrets, not your problems.

If you have housekeeping notes to pass along, sprinkle them within the show throughout the content. Lead with your strongest material. Housekeeping is not it.

Your introduction should set up your podcast. It should be an intriguing introduction that tells the listener exactly what the podcast is all about. What will I get when I listen? It doesn’t matter whether your podcast is 10 minutes or 60 minutes long. You need to tell the listener what is to come.

“Welcome to Podcast Talent Coach Podcast. My name is Erik K. Johnson. This is where we help you transforming your information into engaging entertainment so we can turn your podcast into powerful, profitable relationships.”

With that quick introduction, I told you exactly what to expect. You know the name of my podcast. You know the name of the host. You know the goal we are setting out to accomplish. I’ve also put you in the mix by referencing your dreams and how my podcast will help you. In those brief seconds, I’ve given you who, what, when and why.

That content should be followed immediately by a creative tease of this particular show. It might be something like, “We will help Steve figure out how to gently end a bad interview. Shelly asks about incorporating a call-to-action without making the show sound like an infomercial. And finally, we will hear a clip for the ‘The Golden Garden’ podcast and help Chris increase the energy and forward momentum in the show. Let’s get to it. First up …” This goes right into the show content. We start delivering on the promise made in the introduction. The show is moving forward.

If I said, “Before we get to it, let me explain the new look of my website”, I would only be relevant to a small portion of my audience. Who cares about my new layout? That would assume first that most of my audience has visited my website prior to this show, and second that they can’t find their own way around the new layout. That’s a pretty big assumption. If is important enough to include, put it at the end, or somehow incorporate the information into an answer.

Don’t waste the time of your audience. Make your introduction intriguing and get to the content immediately.

MAKE THEM CARE

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “what’s in it for me?”

Your audience will be asking this very question every time they tune into your podcast. Your introduction better tell your listener exactly how your topic will affect them. You need to hook them right at the beginning with an intriguing introduction. If you don’t hook them early, they will be gone in search of something more captivating.

When your audience knows what is in it for them, they begin to care. Making your listener care is the only way to get them to listen and more importantly come back again.

Lead with an intriguing introduction.

This is true for your podcast in general as well as each individual topic. Your intriguing introduction should hook your audience, let them know exactly what to expect, and allow them to enjoy the story.

What do you hope your audience will take away from this particular discussion? Your introduction should spell it out. It should set up what is to come.

If your goal is to make your listener laugh at your misfortune over the weekend, lead with it. “This weekend was so disastrous, I wouldn’t have had time for anything else to go wrong even if I tried.” The audience will now have time to enjoy the vivid details of your horrible weekend rather than trying to figure out what point you are trying to make.

When you begin your story with the details, your listener spends energy trying to determine the point you are trying to make. They are trying to figure out what the story is about.

Have you ever been stuck listening to someone tell a story while you’re thinking, “Will he ever get to the point?” That is what we are trying to avoid.

Here is an example of a story you might hear. “This weekend we went to the mall. It was just the two of us. We were looking for a gift for my dad.” Are we telling a story about finding gifts? Is this story just recapping the weekend? Maybe it is about my dad. You don’t know. I haven’t told you. There is no lead to this story.

To hook your audience and allow them to truly enjoy the story, lead with an intriguing introduction.

EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL?

A successful podcast is built on a strong relationship with the listener. It could be called a tribe as defined by Seth Godin in his book of the same name. The strong relationships with your listeners begin to develop your brand. You can then monetize your brand and associated relationships with an effective call-to-action. But it starts with the brand.

Powerful brands are more than just recognizable names. Powerful brands are full of emotion. A brand is a collection of perceptions, creating emotional connections, while consistently delivering on a promise. The more powerful the emotional connection, the more powerful the brand.

Take a moment to think of some very powerful brands and the associated emotions of the rabid fans of those brands. Nike. Volkswagen. Star Trek. Starbucks. Apple. Harley Davidson. Fans will go out of their way to interact with their favorite brand. These brands are unique, because they create powerful emotions within their fans that are not found in ordinary brands.

Ordinary brands lack emotion. Keds. Buick. Battlestar Galactica. Dunkin’ Donuts. Hewlett Packard. Honda. The powerful emotions are not present for most people in these brands.

An amazing book entitled “The Power of Cult Branding” by Matthew W. Ragas and B. J. Bueno describes the seven golden rules to cult branding. Emotion is the key to all seven. Social Groups, Courage, Fun, Human Needs, Contribution, Openness, and Freedom. All emotional. None are functional. It’s not the best, biggest, brightest, loudest, or #1 product. Cult brands are focused on emotion, not hype.

If you want to turn your podcast into a powerful brand that you can monetize with a strong call-to-action, stir emotion every time.

Next week, we will walk through the steps in creating a powerful introduction. I’ll give you a step-by-step process.
Do you need help with your podcast? E-mail me any time at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Let’s see what we can do.

You can find my podcast and other tools to help you create great content at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com.

Let’s turn your information into engaging entertainment.

Podcast

Review Your Podcast For Success

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Review Your Podcast For Success

If you hope to improve your show episode after episode, you need to properly review your show each and every time.  To improve, you must look for the correct things.  You also need to listen as a fan and not simply as a podcast producer.  Below is a list of questions to help you effectively review your podcast.  Let me know how I can help.

1. Review Your Show

Review your show on a regular basis. Actually listen like a listener. That is the only way to improve.

Many hosts finish recording a show and think, “That was pretty good. What’s next?” They might recreate parts of the show in their head to determine what might make the show better next time. Usually, there isn’t much time spent actually reviewing a show. There are so many other duties to handle. It’s on to the next thing, which is probably editing, posting, and promoting the show.

In order to make your podcast better, you need to spend quality time listening to the show. Play it back. Grab a pad of paper and write down the parts that jump out at you. Jot down the “oh wow” moments. Take note of the sections that didn’t work exactly as you planned. (read more)

2. Is That The Right Measurement

Many podcasters and bloggers measure their success by the number of downloads of, or visits to, their material. Unless you are blogging or podcasting simply as a hobby, this is a mistake. Downloads and visits really don’t move the needle for you. They don’t generate revenue or move your product.

You need to figure out what you want your audience to do and how you measure it? What is your call-to-action? Maybe you want them to visit your website. Maybe you want them to buy your product. Maybe you want them to donate to your cause. Determine the call-to-action. (read more)

3. Think Like A Fan

There will always be new people joining your podcast. Never take your audience for granted. Never act like you have been there and done that. Your listener is still enamored by your celebrity status and ability to do what you do. Be humble. Be real. Be just as amazed as your listener is by the things you get to see and do.

Help your new listener get up to speed with your podcast. Inside jokes only make your new listener feel like they are not part of the group. You want your podcast to feel inclusive. If a new listener feels like they are being left out of the inside jokes, they will leave quickly. Your listener will feel unwelcome. Nothing will keep them around if they feel left out. (read more)

4. Questions For Review

At Podcast Talent Coach, we take great care to help our clients develop the “art” of podcasting.

Do you fear sounding like a beginner? Do you desire to have stronger content? Do you wish you could sound more prepared, more organized and more like a true, professional broadcaster?

Do you fear people will see you as someone simply trying to play the part of a professional?

Our FREE worksheets will help you develop your target listener, create a focus for your show, develop topics and stories, prepare for each show you record and properly critique your podcast to make it stronger.

Find the worksheets by clicking here.

 

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.

Podcast, Podcast content, Podcast improvement

Show Prep & Review – 004

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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.

In this episode, we cover 5 things …

1. How to properly prepare for your show

2. Is rehearsal really the enemy of spontaneity?

3. Lose the script

4. Review to improve

5. Coaching