So you want to be a podcaster A few things to think about By Shawn Wheeler

What type(s) of podcast shows will you be creating Format Audio recording of your classroom lessons Study guides Tutorials Parent communication Homework help focusing on parents working with their child

Frequency How often will you be doing your podcast(s)

Student Created Content Individual student podcast Oral Report Reading a poem, essay, or story

Student Created Content Group Assignment Old time radio show format Student created play Recreating a historical event through audio Interviewing adults, other students etc… Classroom News, a podcast for adult consumption

Naming and describing your show Make it memorable and meaningful The name is the attention getter (bait) Your description is your sales pitch The description should tell the potential listener why they should listen or subscribe to your show

Presentation Wing it (Not recommended) Scripted reading Bulleted topics list Filler words and editing (and, um, like, coughing and sneezing)

Voice Relax Talk to your audience like they are sitting in front of you. If you use humor live, use it in your show Be memorable

Standard Introduction and Exit Content What should you tell your audience at the beginning and end of each show – The Name of the show – Your name – Date and Episode number – What is it you plan to tell them about? (Topic covered) – Credit where due – How to contact you – Music? It is garnish but it makes a big difference!

Standard Introduction and Exit Content Static Introduction –vs- New each episode Static Music –vs- New for each episode

Music Contemporary (Be aware of copyright) Recommendation… Avoid it! Podsafe Music – – music.podshow.com music.podshow.com – freeplaymusic.com (Thanks Kim) freeplaymusic.com – Royalty Free Topic Transition Background music Sound effects

Show Notes Show notes are written notes which describe the individual show. In addition, the show notes should include links to any resources discussed during the show.

Show Notes If you script the entire show you may want to include it in the show notes for those individuals who wish to read along.

Show Notes Remember your listener could be walking, running, riding and yes, even driving while listening to your show. Show notes allow them to quickly locate the resource from your show.

Archiving How long should a show remain online? Should you save copies of your shows?

Equipment Microphones Mixers Software Recorders Players

Besides Recording Software ID3 Tag Editors - Want album art Want to be a vodcaster - WMV to M4V

Good the Bad and the Ugly What does a good podcast sound like? What does a BAD podcast sound like? There are some great podcasts out there while others should have their microphone taken away! Listen to several other shows, if you hear a format you like, try it on your show.

The Good the Bad and the Ugly Where to find other shows – – – – iTunes

Podcast Aggregators iTunes Winpodder

Finally HAVE FUN!!!!! This is not rocket science. It is radio on your time and mine!

So you want to be a podcaster A few things to think about By Shawn Wheeler