Learn How to Podcast

How To Podcast

You can podcast. It really isn't that hard and you probably have everything you need as far as hardware goes. You will just need a little bit of free software and you are on your way.

What hardware do you need?

• A computer, One that is reasonable. It doesn't have to be state of the art but you will need to record quite a bit of information on it so it should be running at least Windows XP have at least 512 meg of ram and have a good sound card.

• Here is a link to Amazon.com Computer section. Do some shopping if you need a computer
• Computers at Amazon.com

• You should also have a sound card. Here is the one I recommend: Sound Blaster Audigy 4

• If you don't have a microphone you should spend a few dollars and get a headset microphone. It will make a big difference in the quality of your podcast. It will eliminate a lot of background noise and give your voice a better sound.

Now for the free software

• You will need two pieces of software: A recorder/editor program and an MP3 converter program.

• First get and install the recorder/editor program. Audacity is perfect for the job and it's free. Download the audacity program here.

• Now install it. It's as simple as double clicking on the audacity install icon.
• Now you need some software that will transform your audacity podcasts into an MP3 file that can be listened to by other people. Again you can get a free download. It's a program called LAME. Download it here: (select any of the lame3.96.1 programs)
• Install it anywhere on your computer and when you run audacity for the first time you have to tell it where the LAME program is so crank up Audacity and select Edit | Preferences | File Formats and click on the find library button. Now browse to where you put the LAME program. You only have to do this once and you are all set and ready to record podcasts.
• If you need more instructions or are having trouble here are some more resouces:
• LAME Instructions for Audacity
• Audacity explains how to install LAME
• Audacity Instructions

Now you are ready to start creating podcasts!

• Here are some great video tutorials that will take you through the process of setting up and using Audacity

Podcasting

Tips for the actual podcast

Before doing the actual podcast you should prepare yourself and your materials. Write a script. What will be the things you will talk about? And do some research. Listen to similar podcasts and pay attention to what you find interesting. You should always focus on what your listener will want to hear. Rehearse your script as a podcast and then play it back and listen carefully. Make sure you have good continuity and there are not any dead spaces.

Be sure that your speaking is clear and that you do not frequently say things like "umm". This can be very irritating to the listener.

Add Sound effects and bumper music to your podcast

This can change an average podcast into an above average podcast. There are many resources for free music and free sound effects on the web.

• Podcasting: Do It Yourself Guide (Paperback)
• Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting (Solutions) (Paperback)