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Here’s Your Sign For Podcasting, Part 2
Did you read the last post that was a set-up for this one? If not, you may want to do that first. I’ll wait.
Back so soon? Great, let’s get to it.
Podcasting . . . or how to keep from embarrassing yourself in front of millions of iTunes users.
First, get a script for your podcast.
If you know how, write one. If you don’t then hire someone (like me) or go get Syd Feld’s excellent books on scriptwriting and teach yourself.
But get it done.
Strategize how you’re going to handle a guest who’s a semi-literate stumbler and is just as uncomfortable as you are (see the last “Here’s Your Sign” post).
Nearly every ‘cast I’ve listened to suffers from the same three problems:
- No direction.
- No work-around strategy for when the interview gets into trouble, goes South — pick your metaphor.
- Laughing uncomfortably, asking inane filler questions to buy time and trying to “Umm” their way out of a tight jam.
The worst do all three.
In short, what’s needed to get your podcast to the next level is some semi-professional training in how to conduct an interview.
Every good journalist has this one down. They’re pros, see. Getting the pattern?
Get a book. Take a course. Get someone to train you — but for god’s sakes, quit podcasting until you’re competent!
Even a “conversation” between you and your guest — it needs to be scripted to flow naturally and sound interesting and entertaining, while giving your listeners the maximum useful information in the shortest time possible.
Look, I sold two scripts in Hollywood and have written numerous video scripts and have scripted more than a few interview-”conversations” that sold beaucoup products.
And I’ll tell you this, the best, most natural-sounding interviews are scripted out. Those teleconference calls that sound so friendly and natural and wow . . . full of great information?
Scripted.
In order for your podcasting info product to become the next Hot Buy (without massive returns once they’re forced to listen to a hour of your Little Rascals Radio Skit) is for you to become a professional interviewer.
Heck, even your local community college or Discover U have interviewing classes.
Here’s a litmus test to see if you’re ready to podcast: would you be comfortable submitting it to a radio station to put in a primetime slot (you know, one where advertisers pay for the space)?
If your answer is anything other than an unqualified “Yes!” then don’t release it.
Get the training so you don’t embarrass yourself, embarrass your guests and damage all hope of anyone ever anything from you — ever!
‘Nuff said.
By Walter |
Topics: Client Top Secret, Here's Your Sign, Marketing Mishaps, Pet Peeves |