Planning:
Script
- outline of main points
- conversational tone
- include tags for who is saying each line
- transitions / transitional phrases
- Make sure that everyone’s voice is equally heard throughout the podcast
Equipment:
- Avoid using your computer microphone.
- Recording with the built-in mic on your headphones will improve audio quality.
- Make sure your mic is below your mouth and a bit to the side.
- Don’t speak directly into the mic.
- Make sure you watch the audio levels as you record. You don’t want your levels to be too high (too loud) because the quality will sound bad and if they are too low, it will be too soft.
Environment:
- Try to record in a quiet environment.
- Check out the environment before you start recording and listen for any background noise such as fans, air conditioners, printers, washing machines.
- Avoid recording in environments with hard surfaces since they can cause an echo.
- If you can’t find a quiet place to record, you can always find a small space to record in with a blanket over your head. It sounds weird, but it works.
Recording:
- Take a sample recording before you start your interview. This will allow you to check the volume, as well as make sure that everything is working/saving correctly.
- Keep all of your files in one place and make sure that folder is backed up to something like Google Drive, TCU Box, etc.
- Can record in-person or virtually
- Make sure you check your files after you are done recording
Podcast Activity
Step 1:
What do we know about podcasts? What elements do podcasts have?
Step 2:
Watch the CDEx’s 5-minute Audacity tutorial.
Step 3:
Jot down a few ideas about what you could make a 1- to 2-minute podcast on (for fun and practice purposes only). Decide what direction you’ll take. What intro/ outro audio might you need?
Step 4:
Download Audacity by following this link to SourceForge.
Step 5:
Using Audacity or a voice recorder on your cell phone, record yourself speaking on the topic, introducing yourself for the intro, and then signing off in the outro.
Step 6:
Import your voice recording into Audacity. Start experimenting with splitting the audio tracks, adjusting the speed or volume of the tracks, etc.
Step 7:
Save the version of your final product and export it to the desktop as a .WAV file (not an Audacity file – go back to the Audacity video tutorial if you forgot how to do this). Share with another member of the class and offer each other feedback.
Step 8:
Whole class discussion of the process:
- What lessons did you learn about file management?
- About locating appropriate sound files?
- About using Audacity?
CDEx Resources:
Audacity Tutorials:
- Andrew Mercer’s Audacity Tutorial Playlist
- Exporting to iTunes – Audacity
- Tutorials Page – Audacity
- Mixing Narration with Background Music – Audacity
- Your First Recording – Audacity
- Audacity settings for recording – Audacity
- Reducing Noise – Audacity
- Using Effects – Audacity
- Edit Menu – Audacity
- File Menu – Export – Audacity
- Basic Recording, Editing, and Exporting – Audacity
- Making a Test Recording – Audacity
- Tutorial – Selecting your Recording Device – Audacity
- Tutorial – Connecting up – Audacity
- Keyboard Shortcuts – Audacity
Additional Resources:
Royalty Free Music
- Royalty-Free Music
- Royalty-Free Sound Effects
- Sound Bible
- Free Sound