Before You Record...
Did you know that you can prepare your mouth for podcasting? If your mouth is dry, you may inadvertently make unattractive mouth sounds, such as tongue clicks. And that doesn't sound nice!
Before you speak into the microphone, drink and swish your mouth well with warm water, not cold water (which will constrict your vocal chords), and not hot water. Don’t drink milk, which will cause mucus, and avoid bubbly soda or sugary fruit juices. Don’t eat right before you podcast, and use lip balm, to keep you from smacking your lips.
Did You Just Say "Um?"
Do you say "um" a lot? I know I do. I've noticed if I slow down and try to relax, that I don't say "um" quite as much. But it's still a challenge for me. I'd love to hear what other people do to not say "um."
Bruce Sharpe, the inventor of the Levelator, says it's important to edit out distracting sounds, such as “um” or other mistakes in the sound editing process. After you have identified the segment of sound you want to delete, he recommends using a cross fade on the volume next to the cut sound section so that the sound cut-off doesn't sound quite so abrupt.
I use Garage Band for audio editing, so I haven't tried it out this plug-in, but if you’re using Audacity to do post-production editing, you can download Bruce Sharpe’s handy plug-in to smoothly handle cross fades with Audacity. This plug-in can be found on http://www.singularproductions.net.
Happy Podcasting!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
New Podcast Advertising and Traffic Standards to Be Announced
Mashable.com, the Social Networking News site reports that “the Association for Downloadable Media
for when they plan to release their long awaited Advertising and Sponsorship Standard and Guidelines for Traffic Measurement - April 16th. The announcement will be made during the
.”
to read the full article.
DC Podcaster Alliance Meeting Video
In this 7-minute video, meet some DC Podcasters. Monthly meetings are free! Join us!
Recorded on February 16, 2008
Featured members:
Featured members:
Mary, "The Fletcher Prince Podcast" and "Living Well With Autism"
Naomi, "Tales of a Single Parent"
Yvonne, produces documentaries
Ray, "The Produce Picker Podcast"
Will, "Cloudy Day Art" (poetry podcast)
Oxana, "The Microfinance Podcast"
Michael, "DC Derby" and "Inside AOL"
Ray, "ABC News"
Jason, "Audio Editing"
Busybee, "Story Telling Podcast" (coming soon)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Field Production Strategies for Video Podcasting
: The rules of the studio don’t apply the same in the field. In this session you will learn how to properly capture your video content outside of a controlled environment and unpredictable lighting and background noise. You also learn how to achieve the best results when encoding files for various output devices. See how the experts retain overall quality with an overview of the latest methods and technologies. This session will also share best practices for multi-camera productions.
Download mp3:
(1:00:46 min 27.9 MB)
Testing the Feed
F
E
E
D
Validator
There are lots of things that can break an RSS feed. A misplaced character, a misformed date, the list goes on. Fortunately testing a feed is easy. Once you have your feed and media available online, you’ll want to test it. The easiest way is to visit
where you can enter the adress for your feed. If there are errors in your feed, they are clearly identified. The website also offers suggestions and links to more information on how to fix common problems. This website is invaluable and shoot be a part of your testing process.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Recording Techniques for Podcasting
How to Record A Great Sounding Podcast
I learned some valuable tips for recording podcasts from professional podcaster, John McJunkin of Avalon Podcasting.
John identified three problem areas for sound:
John identified three problem areas for sound:
- Distractions, such as mouth noises.
- Masking–hiss buzz, music, sound effects, and acoustical blurring from the room.
- Distortion–that you add electronically, e.g., the by-products of sound editing.
He says podcasters should understand that there are elements of sound production that they can control, and ones that you have to live with. For example, you can control
- How you prepare for your podcast and the way you speak.
- The equipment you use, such as good quality microphones.
- The sound editing equipment you use, such as compression.
- The digital encoding rate and other features you employ.
But you can’t control how the listener accesses the podcast. For example, you can't control
- the quality of their computer and the speed of their download.
- the quality of their MP3 player.
- the quality of their ear buds or head phones.
It may seem obvious, but it’s good to remember what you can control for in sound production.
Here are some tips he mentioned, along with some of my own comments.
Here are some tips he mentioned, along with some of my own comments.
Finding a Podcast-Friendly Space for Recording
John McJunkin says that the recorded ambiance–or noise from within the room–cannot be removed in editing. It can be adjusted with the noise reduction feature in sound editing, but that feature can cause its own challenges in altering the sound of the recording. I know this is true, because I have tried it. For example, once I recorded a podcast on a road trip. It was good material, but it was hard to take out the engine sound, even with noise reduction.
Of course, there are times when ambient noise adds something to the podcast. Tee Morris (the author of "Podcasting for Dummies") has mentioned the example of when you may be recording interviews at a conference and you want a certain amount of background hub-bub to give the listener a sense of excitement of that environment.
John recommends record in a small, innermost room with absorbent elements, such as draperies or furniture. The standard is to use Auralex foam. If foam isn't handy, you can use heavy rugs and draperies (or even blankets and quilts). Cover up anything hard that will reflect the sound. I've even heard tell of people who podcast in walk-in closets! The clothing provides good sound insulation.
If that kind of preparation just sounds like too much trouble for you, at least try to avoid recording directly in front of your computer monitor, e.g., with a USB mic. Sure, I've done it. But the sound bounces back from the hard surface of your screen. The podcasts that I've recorded in my living room with soft furnishings and drapes sound better.
Correcting for Environmental Noise
If you're going to be really serious about it, John proposes recording the environment before you podcast. That way you can identify the sounds you may otherwise miss. Examples of sounds that you may not notice until you record them include environmental sounds such as cars on the street, a computer fan, air conditioning, cellphones (do not put on vibrate), jingling jewelry, change in your pockets, and even squeaky chairs. John also advises not to wear headphones while you podcast; let a friend do that.
What to Do About Notes
One of the most distracting sounds in a podcast can be the noise that comes from turning the pages of your script or notes as you speak and record. It’s hard to record a podcast without a script or outline at hand, but the papers do create audible noise. To minimize this, put your papers and notes on a music stand covered with a carpet remnant and arrange them so you don’t have to shuffle them.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Analog to Digital
Author and video podcaster Richard Harrington explains how you can best convert an analog video source to a digital format.
Like the podcast? Subscribe for
.
Podcasts Reach A Desirable Market Segment
New media marketing is all about engagement, and nothing engages customers and constituents like blogs, social networks, and podcasts.
Arbriton assesses that 13% of all Americans have listened to an audio podcast, not counting the millions who have tuned in to “You Tube.” This desirable market segment is well-educated and affluent, listens to news and public affairs shows, and shops online.
Gender-wise, podcast audiences are almost evenly distributed between men and women. About half of all podcast enthusiasts are 35 or older, while the other half of podcast listeners and viewers are between the ages of 12 and 34.
You can review the Arbitron Report on Podcasting (2007) at
Sunday, February 10, 2008
New Plugins for Broader DVCPRO HD and P2 Support
This is just awesome,
has a bunch of new plug-ins on tap that make it possible to work with MXF and DVCPRO HD codecs. This will streamline P2 workflow for both Mac and Windows users, as well as make it easier to move DVCPRO HD material to a PC. I promise a detailed review soon. The codecs cost $49 each. Here's the info.
QuickTime P2 MXF/DVCProHD Decode Components for Apple
For playing P2 MXF Files and QuickTime DVCProHD Files on Mac OSX (Intel) and importing native P2 MXF Files into Final Cut Pro Studio 2 Applications (see Read Me)
Please note: The P2 MXF plugin has NOT been tested in long form projects in FCP Studio 2 Applications and the DVCProHD Codec should NOT be installed if the Apple DVCProHD Codec is already installed.
Please note: The P2 MXF plugin has NOT been tested in long form projects in FCP Studio 2 Applications and the DVCProHD Codec should NOT be installed if the Apple DVCProHD Codec is already installed.
QuickTime P2 MXF/DVCProHD Decode Components for Windows
For playing P2 MXF Files and QuickTime DVCProHD Files on Windows (see Read Me)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Using Levelator
For those of you who may be new to podcasting, I wanted to tell you about
Levelator
– created by the effervescently charming Bruce Sharpe! which is a free tool you can download to even out the volume of your recording.You can find Levelator at
.
After you have downloaded Levelator, drag a .wav file (recorded audio file)into the Levelator window on your desktop. Like magic, within the duration of a few seconds, it creates another .wav file with smoother levels of volume in the recording (less peaks and valleys of volume).
This is especially useful for recorded conversations in which one speaker has a soft voice (like mine) and the other has a more powerful voice (like my friend’s voice). The Levelator brings those volumes closer together, and the result is a recording that is more pleasing to listen to.
You may still have to do some additional sound editing to make your podcast sound its best, but Levelator is fun and easy to try.
After you have downloaded Levelator, drag a .wav file (recorded audio file)into the Levelator window on your desktop. Like magic, within the duration of a few seconds, it creates another .wav file with smoother levels of volume in the recording (less peaks and valleys of volume).
This is especially useful for recorded conversations in which one speaker has a soft voice (like mine) and the other has a more powerful voice (like my friend’s voice). The Levelator brings those volumes closer together, and the result is a recording that is more pleasing to listen to.
You may still have to do some additional sound editing to make your podcast sound its best, but Levelator is fun and easy to try.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Podcasting & New Media Conferences at NAB
Looking for some great training on post production, podcasting, or new media? I'll be speaking at several conferences located at this year's NAB conference.
Choose the training you need at NAB Show 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada:
April 11 - 13
This is a can’t miss conference for podcasting professionals and anyone interested in diving into this evolving content delivery method.
This is a can’t miss conference for podcasting professionals and anyone interested in diving into this evolving content delivery method.
April 14 - 15
This new conference is designed for content creators looking to harness the power of the Internet for increased distribution and new audiences.
This new conference is designed for content creators looking to harness the power of the Internet for increased distribution and new audiences.
April 11 - 16
The largest event of its kind anywhere, this conference delivers high-level training on the latest production and post-production techniques and software.
The largest event of its kind anywhere, this conference delivers high-level training on the latest production and post-production techniques and software.
April 11 - 13
This new conference is designed for those content creators who are charged with managing and developing content. Learn new techniques for planning and managing successful video and new media projects.
This new conference is designed for those content creators who are charged with managing and developing content. Learn new techniques for planning and managing successful video and new media projects.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
New Report on Podcasting
We're always only the lookout for news on podcasting, here's a new report from eMarketer.com.
Heard the Latest About Podcasting?
Heard the Latest About Podcasting?
Here's the highlights.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Local Podcasting Classes (and Podcast-related)
Ready for school? Here are some local podcasting and podcasting-related classes coming up now through the spring. I put a star next to the ones I am planning to attend, so look for me! Additional dates and offerings are available that aren't listed here.
- offers all kinds of evening and weekend classes for affordable fees, from lighting to makeup to directing, and more. None of them appear to be specifically related to podcasting, but the audio and video classes, and editing classes, would be very helpful. I haven't taken any of their classes, but I'mseriouslyconsidering it!. They offer free orientations on Saturdays once a month.
- offers podcasting classes and video production classes during the work week, and other classes where you can learn an awful lot in two or three days. The classes are not cheap, but they are a good value, and I have had excellent instructors there. I recommend them.
- Also, checkandAdult Education classes. There aren't any podcast or video classes (or audio or video editing classes), but they offer inexpensive classes like Adobe Photo Shop Elements (which I am taking--got to learn how to fix those podcast logos and enhanced podcast images!).
Podcasting Classes
- Cooking Your Podcast(http://entrepreneur.cpcug.org/workshops.html). Saturday, March 1. 1:30-4:30. Bethesda, MD. $30.
- Podcasting for Business and Government(2 days). April 7-8. $745. EEI.
- Enhanced and Video Podcasts Training(2 days). April 14-15. $745. EEI.
Final Cut Pro Classes
- Apple Final Cut Pro I Training(2 days). February 21-22. $745. EEI.
- Apple Final Cut Pro(Many classes and schedules available) $500. FCAC
Garage Band Classes
- Free hourly workshops offered weekly at local Apple Stores! Checkfor the schedule.
iMovie Classes
- Free hourly workshops offered weekly at local Apple Stores! Checkfor the schedule.
Video Classes
- Sony Vegas Video(2 days). Feb. 28-29. $745. EEI.
- Digital Video Production for Streaming and DVD Training. (3 days) March 17-19. $1,065. EEI
Creating A Logo for Your Podcast
The First Impression Is The Most Important One
Your podcast's logo is part of your podcast's "brand" and is the first impression you make on potential subscribers, since the logo for your podcast will appear as the "album art" on iTunes and in other podcast directories. Importantly, iTunes considers the attractiveness of your logo as one consideration when deciding whether to prominently feature your podcast. So, it's worthwhile to create a simple and appealing logo.
Good Logo Design
When designing your logo, select an image and/or type face that works well in a variety of sizes, and that is legible when reproduced in a small size (it will be appear quite small if it is featured in iTunes and in embeddable podcast players). It should also look well when expanded. iTunes prefers square .jpg images that are 600 x 600 pixels (my logo isn't square, but it still was accepted, thank goodness!).
Logo Symbolism
Your podcast logo should reflect the tone and content of your podcast, as well as the preferences of your audience. The symbolism associated with the logo may be personally meaningful for you, and may subtly convey characteristics about your podcast to your subscribers.
For example, the logo for my podcast "Living Well With Autism" features a "Brady Bunch"-style font that suggested "family" to me. I made the words "Living Well" larger than "with Autism" because I want my subscribers to understand that having a child with autism doesn't preclude a good quality of life. I made the words slightly askew to suggest a child-like playfulness--which my podcast advises as an approach to engage children with autism.
Selecting Logo Colors
Your colors of your podcast's logo can be especially meaningful. For simplicity, you may want to select one or two colors. For my logo, I chose two upbeat, friendly shades--lime green and citrus orange--because those colors are popular on the web right now, are associated with health, and convey the positive tone of my podcast's content. The color orange is also associated with RSS feeds.
Creating Your Logo
So, now that you know about logos, how do you go about creating one? If you aren't the artistic type, you can hire a professional graphic designer to create a logo for you. The price for a professionally designed logo starts at about $1,000. If that's out of your budget, you can create your own logo for about $50 using Logo Maker (http://www.logomaker.com).
Uploading and associating the logo image you create (in .jpg format) is pretty straightforward if you use a program like GarageBand (for Macintosh) or a podcast host such as Podomatic. iTunes also has online instructions for podcasters who can do programming.
And don't forget...you can put your logo on t-shirts and blog posts!
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