The Theory and Practice of Business Podcasting

Slide 1: Theory and Practice of Podcasting

Slide 2: Agenda • What is a podcast? • Podcast publishing mechanisms • Characteristics of successful podcasts • The podcasting process

Slide 3: What is a Podcast? • A podcast is an audio program delivered via the internet • The first use of the term “podcast” was in fall, 2004 • There are now millions podcasts • Apple’s addition of podcasting support to iTunes in 2005 was the breakout moment for the medium

Slide 4: Common Traits Of Podcasts • Regularly updated • Vary in tone from formal to relaxed • Commonality of structure from episode to episode • Can be listened to directly, or subscribed to via RSS • Example: Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson’s For Immediate Release ( http://www.forimmediaterelease.biz ) and the Clue Unit ( http://www.clueunit.com )

Slide 5: Delivery via a blog site • Just like a “regular” blog post • Attach link to MP3 file as an “enclosure” to the RSS feed • Many listeners simply “download” instead of subscribing via RSS • Can also “embed” an audio player in the post itself

Slide 6: Delivery via iTunes

Slide 7: Characteristics of successful podcasts • Successful podcasts include: – Regular updates – Consistent sound quality – Frequent interviews – Oftentimes have multiple “on air” personalities in conversation – Are engaging, informative and/or entertaining

Slide 8: Typical Show Components • Interviews • Music • Transitions • Recurring “segments” • Listener feedback

Slide 9: The Podcasting Process • Plan the show • Prepare your equipment • Record audio • Edit audio • Create show notes • Publish audio and show notes

Slide 10: Many choices in recording tools • Standard laptop tools • Headsets (inexpensive-to- expensive) • Skype + HotRecorder • Portable recorders • High-end gear

Slide 11: Editing tools • Audacity (cross-platform and free!) • GarageBand • Others

Slide 12: Publishing, RSS and Submission to iTunes • Post to blog • Publish directly to the iTunes directory • With tools such as FeedBurner

Slide 13: The Importance of iTunes

Slide 14: Samples

Slide 15: For Immediate Release http://www.forimmediaterelease.biz

Slide 16: NPR http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=7031547

Slide 17: PM War Stories http://www.pmwarstories.com/

Slide 18: Creating a Podcast

Slide 19: The Podcasting Process • Plan the show • Prepare your equipment • Record audio • Edit audio • Create show notes • Publish audio and show notes