How to Create Your Own Podcast: Equipment and Script Writing

If you have not jumped on the podcast bandwagon, there is no time like the present. In essence, a podcast is similar to a radio show with individual episodes that allow people to "tune in" by subscribing to your podcast. Millions of people have become avid podcast listeners and a good podcast is a unique, innovative, and inexpensive way to get your message to other people.

If you are considering or have made the decision to create a podcast, then you probably have already decided on the content. If not, now is the time to start brainstorming as well as listening to other podcasts for ideas. Once you have picked a topic and collected your content, you are ready to get started. The first step to creating a podcast is to get the right equipment.

There are three basic components in creating your own podcast: computer, microphone, and recording software. While it is possible to record a podcasts using your phone, that method requires you to subscribe to specific podcast hosts and will not be covered here. Besides, it is not that difficult and typically less expensive to record your podcast yourself.

Many computers come with a microphone that is good enough for the beginning podcaster. Otherwise, you will be required to make a small investment of about $20 to $40. This should be the only investment you are required to make since most of the good recording software is free.

Most podcasters choose to use Audacity (which can be downloaded here: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) because it is free and available for both Microsoft and Macintosh computers. It can be a little tricky to learn, but the site has several well-written guides to get you started.

Microsoft users also have the option of using a program already found on their computer called Sound Recorder. However, it saves the files as .wav file, which requires you to covert the files to .mp3s using another program.

Macintosh users also have the option of using a program called Garageband (Garageband 3), which is purchased as part of a compilation of software from Apple called iLife. Although it costs between $79 to $99, it does come with a variety of sounds you can use when podcasting. Once you have the necessary equipment, it is time to get to work on your content.

Scripting Your Podcast
Unless you are an experienced speaker, you need to create a script for your podcasts. It will help organize and focus each episode. Beginning podcasters might choose to read an article that they have written or from their blogs. However, you can also create special material for your podcasts.

When writing the script, it can be helpful to write out words how you would say them instead of how you would normally write them. For example, instead of writing out a web address as "www.google.com" write it as "www dot google dot com". You can also do this for names and words that are hard to pronounce or commonly mispronounced, such as "zoe ology" for the word "zoology."

Typically, a podcast will be broken down into an introduction, main episode, and conclusion (outro). Some things that you might want to include in the introduction include podcast identification, host name, episode number, and recording date. You can also use music or a jingle to introduce your podcast--just remember to credit it. Typically, the conclusion, also known as an outro, is where you are going to place any necessary credits, contact information (email address or phone number), website address, and anything that you did not include in the introduction.

Now that you have your script, your next step will be to record and edit your podcast.