Description
(00:00) IMPRESSIVE
How to make a podcast without a guest. Host the podcast yourself and say a few things into the microphone. Well, first of all, we're not going to lie to each other, sitting alone in front of a microphone, can be impressive but it can always generate a little doubt.
Even if five minutes before, we had this incredible idea in mind, and we now suddenly wonder if it's really the case. It's a pretty good question though: it means that you want to do the right thing and you care about the benefits your listeners will derive from you.
(00:32) LIKE A BLOG ARTICLE
A podcast is not too different from a good blog post. The idea is to put your passion and mastery of a subject at the disposal of those who are intrigued by it. Just like in a blog article, presentations are the norm. Introduce yourself quickly before each episode.
Who are you and what do you do? What do you do for a living? Why did you decide to launch this podcast? Why did those who listen to you click on play? It's important that the listener gets an idea of who you are: it will allow them to have an idea of what you can teach them.
(01:09) A CLEAR PATTERN
Before you start recording, I advise you to write the plot of your episode so as you do not get lost on the way. Make a precise plan, a clear structure, with the important points to be addressed. You can even already visualise the topics to be covered in the next episodes.
Personally, I write everything down that I want to say to you. Then I read my text out loud, without a plugged microphone, and then I do some cleaning. This means that I remove words that are too heavy and change the punctuation so that my spoken text sounds more natural. In short, I make sure that what you are hearing is not too stiff.
And then, I use Lilicast's card recording tool. It allows me to record small parts as I go along. And so I don't have to start all over again as soon as I repeat a word.
(01:59) CONTENT
In terms of content, it's difficult to have full grasp on what we are saying as you have no one in front of you to confirm or refute what you are saying.
If you're afraid of not being relevant and answering questions that no one is asking and which therefore only sound interesting to you, I advise you to check out forums or Facebook pages that deal with your topic. Read the interactions between the passionate and the curious and I am sure you will have many more ideas to handle.
(02:27) THE RYTHM
For an episode without guests but with rhythm, don't make it unnecessarily long. People normally listen to you while being active: at work, in the kitchen, in the car, in while travelling. Most of the time, they are doing something else at the same time. If you take too long, they will have to cut you off and come back to your episode later. Unfortunately, there is a risk that they won't come back... due to lack of time or interest.
You can also keep up with the rhythm and the attention of your listener as well by illustrating what you are saying with a sound. For example, if you're talking about a train, you can use sound taken from a train station.
Just like there are free or paying image banks, there are sound banks, again, free or paying. You can also insert sound archives to support your comments or to contextualize them.
(03:18) MIDDLE GROUND
In an episode without guests, you have to find the right balance between showing off your science and appearing pretentious. Do not hesitate to cite examples, talk to people who inspire you, give references. It's really worth working on your subject in depth to gather fun and interesting anecdotes to share. And it's also the work you've done beforehand that will allow you to improvise during the recording.
In any case, have fun. Take pleasure. Because it's important for you: having fun gives meaning to what you do. And it is also important for your listeners: The joy you will derive from doing your podcast will be heard and will be communicative. And that's good for your listeners as they will come back and listen to you...
