Best practice guide

Recording – Sound Quality Control

There are two main ways that Podlab's sound engineers can record content. Our preferred method is for any contributors to come into our studio, due to the superior acoustic properties and the guarantee that no audible interference (air conditioning/telephones etc) will be picked up by our exceptionally sensitive microphones. However, it is also possible for Podlab sound engineers to record on-location in a variety of situations ranging from a quiet office to a bustling street market!

When choosing a suitable room (for a 'studio-like' recording), it is important that the following points are taken into consideration:

• Does the room have air conditioning, fans, external traffic or any other constant noises? If so, they should be switched off if possible, and all windows should be closed.
• Does the room have any telephones, alarms or computers with reminder functionality? Any devices that could make intermittent noises should be disabled if at all possible.
• Although Podlab sound engineers are all equipped with 'Please Do Not Disturb - Recording in Progress' signs to place at entrances to recording rooms, it is also worthwhile alerting any friends/colleagues to the recording, to ensure that they do not interrupt mid-flow!

As discussed below, Podlab strongly recommend that scripts are kept to a minimum to ensure compelling audio. We also strongly recommend that any paper-based materials are kept to a minimum to avoid rustling between sheets. If more than one page is required during the recording, it is important to make sure that any answers (or sections) do not span 2 sheets and require the shuffling of papers.

Finally, regardless of where the recording is actually going to take place, when the recording day arrives please ensure that all mobile phones and email devices are switched off or set to 'silent'.

Preparation - Content

One of the biggest strengths of podcasting is that it is a totally 'immersive' medium. You can get your message directly into your audience's ears, and engage them in a way that has previously been virtually impossible. And yet this is also the reason that content is so important. With written materials (such as an email newsletter), the reader can simply skim-read long/irrelevant sections. In podcasting, if they get bored, they might simply switch the podcast off.

That is why keeping your content compelling is so important.

Firstly, don't forget that the spoken word reveals presence, energy, interest, and conviction; these are lost on paper. If you read a script verbatim, the chances are that you won't be adding any of your own personality – the secret ingredient that makes a podcast compelling, and turns it from simply information into another person involving you in an intimate conversation. To combat this, Podlab recommend that rather than scripting your contributions, you simply summarise what you want to say in a series of key bullet points that you can refer to if necessary. This approach works for a variety of formats (such as the interview format or round-table discussion format) and ensures that the speech is always flowing in a dynamic way, with improvisation playing a key role.

One point to remember is that unlike other forms of public speaking, podcast audio does not have to flow exactly along a predetermined path. If salient points are accidentally omitted from an answer, no problem; we'll simply start that answer again from the beginning – or from wherever you like! The only programme that we have to keep to, is yours.

When it comes to working out the structure of a podcast, we always recommend that you keep the audience in mind. They might be sitting at a computer, or they might be on the train. As a result, it is important to try to keep speech succinct, and the information flowing. For example, if you are following an interview format, try to avoid having an interviewee speaking for more than 40-60 seconds, if at all possible. This keeps the information flow dynamic, and ensures that monotony is avoided through having the aural landscape constantly evolving.

Finally, when the recording day arrives, remember to relax. Podcasts are not live, so you are not under any pressure to get it right first time!