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How To Get Your Voice Out There.
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New Oxford American Dictionary named "podcast" its Word of the Year for 2005, but what is the hype all about?
Essentially, a podcast is a recorded audio or video broadcast that you can play online or download to your iPod or other digital music player for anywhere, anytime use. The content ranges from news and entertainment talk shows, to political and pop culture commentary, to audio books and college lectures that students can download at their convenience.
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There are thousands of podcasts on iTunes, as well as other destinations on the Internet. The beauty of a podcast is that it's uniquely yours, and the possibilities are really endless. If you have something to say, podcasting gives you a new way to say it!
With a little planning and a few gadgets from your neighborhood RadioShack, anyone can produce and distribute a podcast. Here's what you need to know to get started. |
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Prepare Your Material
Before you record your podcast, it's important to prepare your material. Some people develop a complete script, while others prefer to speak off an outline. Still others choose a "stream of consciousness" format, although it may be difficult for some listeners to follow. In general, a good podcast meets the following criteria:
- Is topical and newsworthy
- Is thought provoking
- Is informative
- Contains a unique point of view
- Has a beginning, middle and end
- Is published consistently (on a daily, weekly or monthly basis)
Take a few minutes to listen to the most downloaded podcasts on iTunes (there are more than 50,000!), and discover what makes them work. You might be able to emulate some of these positive characteristics in your own podcast. At the same time, you might notice a need for information that's not being met or a point of view that' s not represented and develop your own content to fill that void.
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Set Up Your Recording Studio
Now that you have a focal point for your podcast, it's time to set up your recording studio. While some podcasters have access to professional recording environments, you can easily get started at your home computer. First, you will need access to a program that can capture audio. Software programs like iTunes, Quicktime and Windows Media Player will work just fine.
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The next step is the hardware, and you need to look no further than your neighborhood RadioShack for a couple of inexpensive devices. A good microphone that plugs into your computer is a must. The Desktop Mic with Noise Canceling from RadioShack has a long adjustable neck and technology that aids in noise reduction, so the only thing being recorded is you.
RadioShack's Tie Clip Microphone is a good option for folks who like to move around while they talk, and the Lightweight Computer Headset features a built-in microphone that allows you to listen to playback of your recordings.
If you're planning a video podcast, you will need a webcam.
Make Your Masterpiece
You have the tools to produce, and now it's time to create! Find a quiet place with good acoustics, and experiment with your microphone to ensure the highest quality output. If it's too far away, you'll have too much background noise. If it's too close to you, it will be muffled.
After a few test runs, just follow the directions and prompts in your chosen software program, and you're set to record!
Publish Your Podcast
Once you have recorded your podcast, make sure that it's saved as an MP3 file on your computer, and you're ready to publish. You can host your podcast on your own Web site or utilize a hosting service such as Podblaze.com.
Podcasts are best distributed either virally or through iTunes. There are also more than 50 podcast directories like iPodder.com. If you plan to publish a series of podcasts, you can start to build an audience by offering a feed (RSS or XML) that listeners can subscribe to. Subscribers will be notified when a new "episode" or "show" becomes available.
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RadioShack is home to the complete Apple iPod line and dozens of the best accessories for recording your own podcast or listening to others. If you're interested in podcasting, our knowledgeable sales associates can help you find what you need to get started. For more information, visit your nearest RadioShack or www.RadioShack.com.
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