One of these days we’ll get back to in-person recordings. But for now, in this new work from home world, we are going to be doing a lot of podcast recordings remote. So here are some tips for both the host and guest for getting the best sound quality AND the best content.
1) Get an external mic like a Blue Yeti or Blue Snowball. If that’s not an option, use headphones that have a mic built in. Last resort, use the built-in computer mic, but that is definitely the worst option. And please, use headphones no matter what.
2) Turn off your cell phone to eliminate distractions so you can be engaged in the moment.
3) Record in a quiet space. away from kids, dogs, traffic sounds. Recording in a closet is perfect for sound because the clothes trap any echo.
4) Have some water on hand, but don’t have ice in the cup, and don’t use those crinkly plastic bottles. You want to stay hydrated so your mouth doesn’t make any weird noises during the interview, and you don’t want the listener to wonder what the heck is making those clinking or cracking noises.
5) Avoid other foods and drinks that cause you to make “what was that?” noises, like spicy foods and soda.
6) If you have long hair, pull your hair back so it doesn’t interfere with the mic.
7) Don’t wear any jangly jewelry.
8) Use a wired connection if you can. If you’re in the closet, odds are you don’t have an internet connection there, but what you can do is buy a 50 or 100 foot network cable. And if that’s not an option, just make sure your wifi is strong.
9) Record backup audio on your phone. Ask your guest to record their end of the conversation on their phone, and you should hit the record button on your phone as well, just so you have those as backup in case for whatever reason zoom or zencastr or uberconference or whatever you’re using doesn’t record.
10) Be Prepared. You don’t get the same camaraderie with a remote interview that you do with in-person, so your preparation is even more important. Have stories that you want to tell, research the person you’re talking to, and remember the talking points that you absolutely want to get across in this interview.
BONUS) Take a Picture. If you’re using video as well, take a screenshot. If it’s just audio, take a picture of you in front of the mic, even if it’s in your closet. These are always great to share on social media!
By following these tips for remote recordings, you can relax and focus on the interview itself. And I can’t wait to hear all of the great content that comes from this break from in-office life!
