Podcast interviews connect to listeners best, when feeling like they are in the room with you, just you, the podcaster, and your guests.
The right room and recording equipment are all obvious places to go to ensure you capture the best sound possible.
But there is another little trick I learned when I was hired as a musician for a recording session at a major studio in London.
The singer - let’s call her Jane, had just been signed to a major record label and that meant a multi-million dollar (or pound) investment.
From being a singer in small London clubs with a following of a few hundred, they were going to make her a star.
Immediately the machine got to work, stylists, designers, marketing teams, session musicians, and a producer who’d just won a Grammy for the last act she’d worked with. The studio was booked and Jane arrived to record the ballad that had won the hearts of the record execs.
Understandably, it was clear to all of us she was completely overwhelmed and distracted.
We began recording in the same room some of the biggest film scores and hit songs in the world had been created.
Jane was far from being in her comfort zone. The room itself was about 10 times the size of the bars she’d been honing her craft in, and rather than the slightly intoxicated friends she knew, she was surrounded by musicians she’d only just met and about 10 eager and strange faces behind the glass in the control room.
And.. the red light.
The red light is the same as the red light you’re probably familiar with. It means you’re recording.
Unfortunately, Red is also the colour of danger and arguably the least relaxing colour possible.
What did all this lead to? A terrible performance of a song Jane had written and sang thousands of times. And not just once… this happened all morning.
We were all frustrated and Jane was starting to beat herself up.
Then Kay stepped in. Kay was the producer I mentioned earlier. Unlike everyone else in the control room, she was the picture of calm.
She stopped the recording and said,
“Jane, we’re going to take a few minutes and try something different. I totally get this is not how you normally sing so I want to try something. Is that ok?”
After the break and some fresh air, Kay announced that she was going to turn the lights out.
We sat in the dark for a few minutes in silence with only a few lamps so the musicians could see their instruments and Kay pressed record.
Jane nailed it.
Years later I’m using versions of the same technique Kay taught me to ensure our podcasters and guest are giving their best podcast performances.
Here are 3 ways this lesson can translate into improving your remote podcast recording.
Firstly… Cameras off.
You might find you get a more honest interview from someone when they are not concerned (even subconsciously) about what they look like.
People tend to make interesting expressions when they are thinking deeply. So you can simply say hi on camera and let them know you’ll be conducting the interview without the camera on. Bonus… it can also improve recording quality where the internet signal is poor.
Secondly…
You will be more focused on your conversation if you can’t also see yourself on the screen. In zoom, there is a setting called ‘hide self-view you can use if you are keeping your camera on.
If you think about it, when we speak with people in person we don’t hold a mirror up next to their head. Surprisingly powerful.
Thirdly - think about what’s going on behind you. The cleaner your environment the more chance you and your words will connect.
Does your background support your position or not? My studio/office also doubles as my practice room. It’s full of my drums. Now that lockdowns have been lifted and I’m playing live again… the room can be far from tidy. So I’ve taken to pulling a black curtain behind my desk chair.
There are also what I like to call the virtue-signaling bookshelves. British politicians were masters of creating these during the lockdowns when they were forced to dial in from home knowing that others would make judgments about the books on their shelves.
So the question to ask yourself here is… Is your environment supporting you or distracting away from you?
All of this is to say that even if you are not capturing the visuals for your podcast be aware that they will change how you and your guests show up and how the recording is captured.
Whenever You’re Ready Here Are Five Ways I Can Help Your Business Grow Using Your Podcast
1. Get your FREE ‘Ultimate Profitable Pod Checklist’
2. Read ‘Narrow Podcasting’
3. Implement with the ‘Profitable-Pod Method’ Online Course
4. Enjoy seamless Podcast Production powered by my global team
5. Work with me 1:1
About The Show
Podcast Business Coach tells you exactly what you need to know to grow your business with your podcast.
Hosted by me, Toby Goodman - CEO of Production Company Podcast Network Solutions, Author of Narrow Podcasting, and Creator of The Profitable Pod Method.
These tips and musings can also be found on Blubrry's Podcast Insider Show.
