Understanding The Basics Of Podcasting

What is a Podcast?

A podcast is a rich media found in almost all dynamic websites that can either be in a digital audio, a video format or both (enhanced podcast). It is distributed over the Internet by syndicating web feeds, which you can download to your computer, portable media players or mobile phones, or simply listen to it in real time on the Internet.

The term \"Podcast\" is the buzzword from the revolution of the portable audio player, iPod. It is a portmanteau of the words \"iPod\" and \"broadcast.\"

Benefits and Advantages

If you were to summarize the benefits and/or advantages of podcasts, it would be convenience.

In traditional radio or video broadcast, episodes that have already been aired will never heard or watched again unless the station replays them. On the other hand, audio or video podcasts can be transferred to your portable-on-demand (pod) device so you can listen or watch them anytime, anywhere.

There are so many contexts in which you can apply podcasts: for personal use and distribution; for information and entertainment release; for educational purposes; institutional advocacy; and commercial use.

Students and teachers take advantage of this new media online where lectures are done; radio stations in AM or FM format feeds their program for those who weren\'t able to catch it live; non-profit organizations utilize this format to transcend their issues and ideas; corporate and other private companies between small-scale and large-scale profits to this mainstream trend where they can promote their services and products; personal interests, too, are cultivated by this rich media to express opinions, sentiments, or simple FYI; and some utilize this rich media to spread information like how-to’s or step-by-step features.

Enhanced Podcasting

The idea of combining a video and an audio to compose a podcast is ingenious. This is ideal especially for how-to’s and step-by-step features. And if I were to describe it, it would be like reading a book except you can hear an audio with video presentations. Enhanced podcasting is a full multimedia experience.

Subscribing to Podcasts

Remember that a podcast is a subscription. Some websites offer it for free, others would let you pay.

Before you can download a podcast, you are required to have a feed aggregator or a podcasting client (a.k.a. podcatcher) in your computer. To date, the dominant source of podcast is Apple\'s iTunes; next are Microsoft\'s Zune, MediaFly, Wordpress\'s Doppler and ZenCast.

When you subscribe to any podcast, you are actually subscribing to the show’s RSS feed. Every time a new episode is produced, it will immediately be available via the show’s RSS feed. Your aggregator or podcatcher will then be able to notify you of new episodes. Some podcatchers even download the podcast episodes automatically.

Podcasting is for Everyone

From mere user-generated content, podcasts promise creators and users alike with new communication platform -- even if it rivals traditional media -- and that is content contribution.

Podcasts target all demographics, status quo and lifestyles. There are hundreds of podcast topics to subscribe to -- from FYI to how-to’s, to step-by-step procedures, to news bits, to full-length shows.

With the wide variety of podcasts for every demographic, a student can subscribe to his professors’ lectures; an amateur photographer can subscribe to photography tips and tricks; a housewife can get the latest gardening techniques; even a grandparent can subscribe to The Best Place to Retire featurettes.

In fact, podcasting is for everyone.

Podcast Production

Aside from enjoying a podcast feed, you can contribute to this process by producing your own podcast. All you need is a concept, the right tools, and the channel.

It all starts with the concept. Would you be interested in casting a news update type of feed, an inspirational speech, or a mini lecture? Once you have a topic and have brainstormed a format for your podcast, you can begin writing your script. Practice your script and focus on modulating your voice and perfecting your enunciation. A well-modulated voice that enunciates well is an essential factor of a successful podcast. Always make sure that your listeners will be able to understand every word you say, as it will make or break your podcast.

Once you are ready with your script and confident with your spiel, recording the podcast is your next challenge. Know and find the right tools. Find a good microphone and audio recording and editing software. You can even add more life to your podcast by using background music and sound effects.

When you are done editing your podcast, listen to it and review your initial output. There might be some points in the podcast that may need to be changed or refined, In which case you can re-edit your podcast until you are perfectly satisfied.

Remember, a successful podcast is one that has good content, understandable audio, the right amount of effects and excellent editing. There is no room for hurried production if you want to have a successful show. Once your podcast is ready for prime time, you can upload it to your own website or social audio blogging sites for your listeners to enjoy.

To learn more on how to promote and get listeners to your podcast, you may contact the author, a freelance producer dedicated in finding quality podcast production talents.

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The author (Grant Cambridge) is the “Chief Earful Courier” for Screaming Bob (www.screamingbob.com), a Cincinnati, Ohio firm specializing in websites, e-learning applications, signage, kiosks and live presentations. To learn more about how to produce your podcast you may contact Screaming Bob for a custom audio production introduction.