Modified from http://elearningstuff.net/2011/07/11/podcast-workflow/
Planning
I would recommend arranging a date and time well ahead of the actual recording to ensure a date and time that works for everyone. You should generally allow 1 ½ to 2 hours of actual time needed and expect to get a 40 minute recording out of that, or a couple of 30 minute recordings.
You should plan what subject(s) are going to be talked about. This can be a list of questions which you would share with all participants or just a general outline. Both formats have merit but generally the less structured recordings are easier to listen to as they sound more natural and are more engaging.
Preparation
For those who have never done a podcast before it can help if they prepare and have an understanding of how the podcast works. There are simple etiquette rules that need to be followed if the recording is going to be smooth and need minimal editing. Also it should ensure a better listening experience.
Regardless of whether the recording takes place in person or over Skype, participants should be in a quiet room with minimal external noise. Participants should test their headphones and microphones (and make sure they use headphones and a decent microphone) prior to recording to ensure they work as expected. Though people are more often than not forgiving of poor video quality, they are less forgiving of poor audio quality. If possible, arrange to have someone attend the recording to manage the equipment and test sound levels and recording.
Equipment
Where possible you should use professional quality microphones, however this is not always possible. Aim to have all participants using the best equipment they have access to.
If you plan on recording mainly at conferences or “in the field”, investing in a high quality portable recorder is vital, however at a push using the voice memo app on your phone in a quiet room should provide usable audio.
Recording
Usually rather than wait for a set time to record, just hit record and record the entire conversation until the conversation comes to an end.
Key rules for participants should follow are:
- Only one person speaks at a time with minimal overlap. This ensures that the listener is not faced with multiple voices, something that is difficult in a face to face situation, but nigh on impossible to work out what is been said during a recording.
- Be aware that visual clues are “absent” and therefore not to keep rambling on because you aren’t been interrupted. Listeners also cannot see you so don’t talk with your hands, describe things instead e.g. “the rat was this big” is not useful for listeners but “the rat was a foot long” is.
- Avoid jargon and explain terms, as though participants may know what you mean, doesn’t mean the listener does.
During the show have someone make notes using pen and paper (not typing near a microphone!) that can be used later to write up the episode and provide links to things discussed.
As a host there are a few tactics you can use to create a better show. For example, bring people in who have not said much, i.e. “That’s a good point David, what do you think Ron?” Always move the conversation on if you think the current one has run out of steam in that area. As the conversation winds down or you get to the end of your questions, ask participants for some final thoughts or comments on the topic in question.
After the recording, and even without all the participants there, record both the introduction and the end of the podcast. In the introduction introduce the topic and the participants. At the end thank the panel and ask where they can be found online. Sometimes it will be more natural to record this with the participants.
Examples
Skeptics Guide to the Universe: https://www.theskepticsguide.org/podcast/sgu
BMJ podcast: https://journals.bmj.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/index.html
DocsOTB: http://www.docsotb.com/
Everyday Emergency: https://www.msf.org.uk/everyday-emergency-msf-podcast
ABC RN Health Report: www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/