Instructional

Good Reasons for Making Podcasts and Productions — (Check Out These Short Demos from PCN Productions)

July 2, 2010

I know I’ve talked a lot about podcasting over the last several years, but I do have good reasons for making podcasts and productions and I want you to check out at least one of these three short podcast demos from PodCastNorm Productions. (I’ll give you links for them here at the end of this article.)

I’m not doing this to brag or to get you to buy something, but I do want you to see that not every production has to be an interview with some guru about some subject that takes 90 minutes to get to the reason they wanted you to listen in the first place — buy their product!

Yeah, I know not everyone that makes podcasts just wants you to buy something and not everybody just wants to entertain you. I will be the first to tell you, most of those type things are well produced and often offer great information about the subject they talk about, but there are a number of other reasons to use podcasts, blog/casts, v-casts or whatever you might think of.

One of the reason’s I take the time to make a production out of reading my articles is for those that may not be able to read because of eyesight or health issues. Another would be so they can listen on the fly while they are walking, exercising or driving down the road. In a way, I offer to read my articles to them, (or you), so they, (or you), can multi-task and still absorb the information and hopefully use it sooner or later, depending on what the case may be.

I try my level best to make the presentation acceptable on many levels so that it isn’t offensive to the listeners in several ways. I don’t want to offend them by using harsh language and I try to make the music I use fit the project. I want it to sound at least somewhat professional and not like it was recorded in some large auditorium (although I know those type recordings have their place also.) I try to do the best I can with what I have.

Another reason I read them is because I know I may not be able to capture in writing the text the way I meant for the reader to read it. By reading it, I can put the emphasis where it needs to be for the listener to properly understand what I meant. (At least, I hope I accomplish that.) Voice inflection, chuckles and laughter can often make a big difference in the way something is understood. They also give the listener/reader some insight into the personality of the person presenting the information and, along the way, hopefully making it a more pleasing experience.

So, I tell you this today for two reasons…

So I can demonstrate to you at least one of the other type productions I make through PodCastNorm, (PCN Productions)
To give you some other ideas for making podcasts, blog/casts, v-casts or whatever type presentation or production you would like to make.

The first one I am sending you to is:

<< www.nascarfansview.com >> (Yes, it is about NASCAR from a fan’s view and I hope you like it.)

Please do click on the link and listen to the production all the way to the end. The reason I ask this of you is because I have inserted a commercial in it and I want you to see how you can make commercials for yourself, or others, and turn out productions, if not for yourself, at least for others that may not have your capabilities or talents.

The second one is another of my sites that I use for sharing on a more personal level. (I am still working on this site and it is a growing project that I will be adding more content to on a regular basis.) Please click on this link and just listen to it…

<< http://www.singlesongconcert.com >>

Once you arrive on the site, it should begin playing almost immediately. When it finishes, it will redirect you to the next page which contains a video of one of the songs I’ve written. (I would like you to watch the video and hear the song, too, because it is part of what I want you to see about the possibilities for production and podcast ideas and about ways to use your websites to present your material of all kinds.)

Who knows, this could open up whole new opportunities and possibilities for you as you look for a place to use your talents to make productions for yourself or others…

See ya next time… Rusty

All views expressed are strictly the opinion of the writer

Rusty Norman and Podcasting Resources

(All audio productions by www.podcastnorm.com and PCNProductions.com)

Why You Should Be Using Royalty Free Music In your productions

August 21, 2009

By Rusty Norman

Can I be extremely blunt with you? I do hope you answered yes because I’m going to be anyway.

This may not be the first time you’ve heard this, but, if you’re not using music — legal music — in your productions, you’re already making two mistakes that could cost you in a large way when it comes to getting people to listen to your podcasts or other audio/video productions.

Go ahead, check out just about any audio or video production, whether it be a commercial or an interview or even a documentary of someone or something. Chances are it uses music in some way. There are several reasons for that and all of them relate to how people respond to what they are seeing or listening to and it has to do with the music used.

The music, in many instances, sets the mood the producer wants to set with what is being presented. Whether it be pictures of a vacation or presenting a situation that needs to be addressed in some way, the music can make or break the way it is received.

So, you ask, “What’s the big deal about using ‘LEGAL MUSIC’? Can’t I use what I like? Why do I have to pay someone to use their music?”

All of those are good questions, but there is only one answer. Because the people that made the music own the rights to it and if you use it without their permission, you could be sued for a large amount of money.

That’s why you need to use, legal, royalty free music for your purposes. It makes you not have to be looking over your shoulder waiting for someone to call you up or serve you with legal papers telling you that you’re being sued for using someone’s music without permission. Believe me, the laws are on their side, not yours if you choose to use anything copyrighted by someone else. They own the rights to it and it is their property.

There are many sources for legally obtaining the rights to use music out there. Some are very expensive and some are reasonably expensive, (sometimes depending on the popularity of the song, or songs you want to use.)

We will talk about some of those other sources in the coming weeks, but for today, I would like to mention Mike Stewart one more time. The reason I use Mike Stewart’s Two Buck Themes is because it is affordable and he gives me so much more for my money. Not only does he give me music for a minimal cost, but he gives me good tutorials and ideas for using the music (and software and equipment he also sells) in different ways.

If you to have to pay for it anyway, why not get the best bang for your buck? (Yes, I am making a recommendation here.) Mike Stewart is someone you can depend on to give you your money’s worth.

But you don’t have to take my word for it, check him out for yourself and see if you don’t agree. It costs nothing to check it out by clicking on this link, Get 5 new themes, video tutorials each month for $10

After that, the rest is up to you… While you’re there, you may want to check on some of the specials on equipment he has available:USB Mic Special – Domestic Shipping

See ya next time… Rusty

Podcastnorm.com and Rusty Norman

Beginner Podcasters – You Can, and Should, Make Your Own Audio Templates For Your Productions

March 7, 2009

By Rusty Norman

Click the play button below to hear the audio version of this article

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The way of software and the internet today is toward making things easy for even the most casual users of the technology. Everything is moving toward software and techniques using templates. Templates allow the user to, basically, only need to know how to fill in the blanks (or overwrite what’s there) which makes what they want to accomplish much easier. I think templates are a great idea and I use the ones I have made to make my podcasts.

I make a couple of podcasts and have a couple of more in the planning stage. Using a template makes my job of editing and turning out my podcasts go much faster. I can make them either way — with or without templates — but using them makes things go a little faster, especially after I have decided on the type format I want to follow. (You see, I like to have a plan and follow it. It doesn’t mean I can’t bend it a little; it just means I have a type of map to follow.)

For the purposes of this article, I will be talking about using Audacity 1.2.6. If you don’t already know about Audacity, it is an open source audio recording and editing program that is free and it has a pretty fast learning curve to make it do what you want it to.

Now you may ask why I use the version 1.2.6 instead of the beta 1.3.7. Without going into a lot of detail, it is because it is the most simple and is fairly glitch free. (The newest version 1.3.7 is also good, but, has a lot more features and I don’t think they’re all necessary for the beginner.)

You see, I’m a firm believer in not spending more money than you need to spend for accomplishing the same ends. With what I am going to talk about today, you will find that you still don’t have to spend money to make your own templates for your audio productions (except for maybe the music). What you will have to do is learn, or become more familiar with, your free “Audacity” program and some recording/editing techniques. (Believe me, a little practice goes a long way to getting a good start.)

What equipment and software will you need to make your own templates? That’s pretty simple and straightforward. You will need:

Audacity (an open source recording/editing program from www.sourceforge.net)
A way to capture your voice (a microphone or recording device of some sort)
Some original or “royalty-free” music
Willingness to learn some simple recording techniques
The ability to use what you know and learn from this and others

Okay, now that you know what you need, do you know where to get started?

If not, let’s talk for a moment about the technique to use to make an audio template. The purpose we want to accomplish is to make production much easier and less time consuming, especially when you do something repetitive.)

I’ll to be right up front with you. I am not going to go into a long winded discussion right now of how to use Audacity to make a template. I am going to tell you why and how I do it. On another day, I will offer a screen capture video tutorial (on using Audacity and making a template) available for simply leaving me your first name and email address or joining my soon to come membership site. (As I said, that is coming soon, so if you don’t want to leave me your info at that time, I will also be making it available for a small donation.)

So … let’s talk about this. In fact, just take a quick listen to the audio below. It was made with the same template I use for my “Just A Fan’s View” Nascar podcast. I made this short one to tell people I had moved from one website to another. (Just click the play button below)

“Just a Fan’s View” HAS MOVED TO ITS NEW SITE at www.justafansview.com

I actually use that template to make my podcast over at “Just A Fan’s View” and used it to slightly doctor that little audio file for the old site. I can tell you I can make my completed podcasts in one quarter the time now, (that is not counting the time it takes to write them. That has always taken more time time than I like to admit.)

Okay, now quick overview of why you should use a template.

If you think about making a podcast in a type of format, (or a planned form), then there is every reason why you should consider making a template for it. If you have heard some of my other discussions on this matter, you already know that I like a certain type of format. You don’t have to use that type format, but, you may want to have something similar.

Here is my simplified format:

I use a statement of copyright for my programs because, although I don’t mind sharing information, I don’t particularly relish the thought of someone profiting from my hard work unless I want them to. In other words, I want them to ask permission
I start off with music of some sort just because I like it. It can either fade out after 10-15 seconds or it can play as a musical floor beneath my podcast. (I have done both.) It adds so much to the presentation and besides, most people like to have either a musical beginning or some sort of multi-track concoction to either get the attention of their listener or give a signature, (so they know it is you.) If you don’t believe me, just listen to some other podcasts, radio programs and television shows.
I use “Royalty Free” music for the same reason I make a statement of copyright. This is because I believe that the people that make the music deserve what they ask for it because they work hard to make it happen. There is no reason to steal from a person and there is a lot of “Royalty Free” music available. (At the end of this article I will tell you of a great source for some very affordable “Royalty Free” music.)
I have a canned close that I can insert at the end of my talk or show. This is because I want people to remember who I am and where they can find me in the future. It is also where I can make verbal disclaimers of the material contained in my podcasts. (This protects me and the listener.)
After a template is put together, all that remains is to add the latest talk or interview. If you have planned your template properly, this is merely adding the edited version of the file you want to use to a track in the template. Now, you may be moving a few items around so they fit better with the new track and the close, but that’s very easy, too.

That sounds simple … doesn’t it? Believe me, it is with a properly planned and constructed template. You will be amazed at how easily you can turn out your podcasts on a continuing basis.

There is no reason why you cannot learn how to make templates and use this process quickly and easily. Who knows, you may find you actually have more time to do other things.

Well, I’ll talk more about it next time, but, I mentioned I would tell you a great source for “Royalty Free” music. Click on this link,

and it will take you to the most affordable sources on the planet. Not only that but some other great things, too.

See ya next time …
Rusty

Podcastnorm.com and Rusty Norman

Beginner Podcasters – Podcasting can be more fun when you’re able do what you really like

November 19, 2008

By Rusty Norman

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Go To www.mypodcast.com — or –

Go To www.podcastpeople.com

Hey everybody, this is podcastnorm, maybe better known to you as Russ and I just wanted to tell you about a presently little known fact. I’ve been busy working on my twice-a-week podcast I like to call, “Just A Fan’s View” and that is exactly what it is. It is about Nascar from “Just A Fan’s View” and I have to admit it is something I am really having a lot of fun making. It gives me a chance to have a little fun amongst all of the stresses of life. In fact, I’m having so much fun I just had to let you know about it and what better way than right here on Podcasting Resources.

I can tell you from personal experience that making a podcast can be a lot of work, but it can be a lot of fun if you can make a podcast about something you really like and then it doesn’t seem so much like work. That is why I am telling you about this now. As beginner podcasters, I’ve been telling you a lot of important information about getting started right and how to make your podcasts a cut above the rest, but there comes the time when you just have to take your idea and make it happen.

You see, I enjoy Nascar racing and I’ve been a fan for a long, long time. I just decided I would like to make a podcast about Nascar from a fan’s view so that is what I did. I’ve found out what I already knew and that is what this is all about. That you can:

take your idea,
think about what you want to accomplish with it,
consider whether it is worth the effort
do a little short range planning
at least consider some long range planning
be sure you have the equipment and software you need
and then make it as good as you can with what you have

Now, you can find “Just A Fan’s View” where it temporarily resides at:

www.rustynormanblog.com.

I definitely want you to check it out. It is on my main blog site and the blog is called “Rusty’s View”. That’s where I can talk about any subject I want that affects and interests me. It’s my view … It’s the way I see things. (But that’s another story for another time…)

“Just A Fan’s View” will soon be on its own site at, “www.justafansview.com” and I can’t wait until it is. Now don’t go looking for it because it’s not quite there yet, but trust me, I intend for it to be up and running all on its own on or before December 2nd. In the mean time, (and I know I’m being a little repetitive here), you can listen or read “Just A Fan’s View” at my other site :

www.rustynormanblog.com

What I want to do today is include the podcast in this post/blogcast and give you a taste of what it is like.

Go ahead … Click this link or Press the Play button below and listen to it right here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Check it out … you never know, you may find you like it.

See ya next time …

Rusty

Beginner Podcasters – Three Important Questions You Need To Ask Yourself Before Starting A Podcast

October 8, 2008

By Rusty Norman

Click the Play button below to hear a message from PodCastNorm – Rusty Norman

black Beginner Podcasters Three Important Questions You Need To Ask Yourself Before Starting A Podcast

play video Beginner Podcasters Three Important Questions You Need To Ask Yourself Before Starting A Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Go To podcastpeople

“So … why can’t you just start a podcast?” Well, that’s a really good question and here’s another. “Why bother thinking about the ins and outs and pesky details of making a podcast when all you want to do is interview people and/or talk about what-ever comes to mind?” Well, that’s another good question, and here’s one more. “When all is said and done, couldn’t spontaneity be the key to a successful podcast?”

The answers to these three questions are:

you can;
you don’t have to
and, yes.

But these are not the three most important questions you need to ask yourself before you start your own podcast. Hopefully, you will consider these and other questions as you progress towards producing your own podcast, but, you see, there are a lot of things that need to be considered and some are more important than others.

Let’s get real here. Audio recording and editing (especially simple, digital recording and non-destructive editing) is not at all difficult in this day and age but it is an ever-evolving craft as far as equipment and software is concerned. Although not quite the same, this same thought holds true for video recording and editing. Podcasting, more often than not, is merely an extension of recording and editing either audio or video or both.

While we’re at it, let’s not forget what a definition of podcasting actually is. It is the ability of the listener to take recorded audio or video files of information they’re interested in and listen to them at a time more convenient for them. Perhaps better stated, it is a recorded audio or video file that is portable and time-shiftable by the listener.

In the end, however simple or complicated you decide to make the above tasks determines what equipment and software you will need, but those are questions we can better answer later.

Now that we’ve gotten those preliminaries out of the way, there are other things you need to consider as you plan producing your podcast. You don’t need to consider every little detail here at the beginning, but you do need to think about the bigger picture. In other words, you may know you want to be podcaster, but, do you know what you are getting yourself into?

Let’s take a look at three of the questions you really need to ask yourself before you get started and before you make any large investments in equipment or software.

First: Just how serious are you about making a regular podcast?

You must first make up your mind whether or not you are really serious about doing a regular podcast. Believe me, somewhere down the road you will definitely come to the point of answering this question and you might as well answer it first. It is one of the most important you can ask yourself right now, before you spend any money or invest in any equipment or software. Think it through. After the newness wears off and the drudgery kicks in will you still want to pursue this?

Second: How much do you want to invest in this adventure?

Just because you only have a little money — or don’t have any money — to invest in equipment or software doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goal. It just means you may have to be more creative in your approach to getting started. It may mean you have to think a little harder or consider more broadly how you can actually get started or where you want to spend what little money you do or don’t have to purchase the necessary equipment or software. It is my opinion, if you have a relatively new computer and a microphone that records your voice somewhat decently, you are ready to get started, (even if only on a limited basis to begin with.) Your options are still wide open in any case. Trust me, if you really want to be a podcaster, there are even ways to be one whether you have a computer or not.

Third: How willing are you to listen to the input of others even if you have a working knowledge of recording, editing and podcasting?

Just because you know a lot doesn’t mean you know it all. Swallow that pride, be open-minded and listen to the input of others. You may not agree with them and you may not use all or any of what they offer but you can gain valuable input and information from them; and come to better know why you do things the way you do and why their way won’t work for you. You never know, you may actually find they have some really good ideas that you can tweak and use for your own purpose. (Who knows, you may even one day discover that people are willing to listen to what you have to say concerning this ever-changing way of communicating ideas to others.)

As I said earlier in this article, there are many things you need to consider before jumping headlong into your choice of podcasting. These are three of the ones I consider to be most important to consider before you get started. I do believe if you take the time to evaluate them and your plans for your production you will be miles ahead now and in the future.

See you next time …

Russ

Simple Things — continued — (alternate version)

February 26, 2008

By Rusty Norman

black Simple Things continued (alternate version)

play video Simple Things continued (alternate version)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

I don’t intend to make a habit of this, but, I just couldn’t talk myself out of it. You can call me crazy if you want, but, I just wanted to put this thing out with a musical floor and so that’s what I did.

If you listened to episode #0037, then please, listen to this version (#0037a) and leave me your comments concerning your preference of the version without the musical floor under the main talk (#0037) or the version with a musical floor (#0037a).

Since a future article will talk about more reasons for using a musical floor I thought it might be fun to get some outside input from ya’ll.

Please listen to both if you have the time and let me know what you think. You don’t have to write me book and, please, don’t be too harsh, but do be honest. Maybe you don’t care one way or the other, (that’s okay, too). Whatever your thoughts are please take the time to comment.

I look forward to hearing from you.

See ya next time …

Simple Things Can Make Your Podcast Better

February 23, 2008

By Rusty Norman

black Simple Things Can Make Your Podcast Better

play video Simple Things Can Make Your Podcast Better

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

AudioGenerator.Com
I listen to many podcasts, audio books and audio blogs by many different people and some just drive me crazy. There are just some things I don’t like and when I hear someone continually do the same things over and over … well … it just gets to me.

Here are some of the things that particularly bother me:

Pops, cracks and scratchy sounds
Hums and buzzing sounds
Background noises that continually cause distractions
Room ambience. (You know, that ‘echo-y’ sound that comes from a live room, like you’re doing your podcast in the kitchen or bathroom. I know, I know; some of you actually do that, don’t you?)
Intro music that is much louder than the talking that follows
Exit music that disrupts the final statements of the person(s) talking

In general, I think it is important to pay at least a little attention to detail. (In fact, I admit I probably sometimes pay a little too close attention to details. Sorry, it’s just the way I’m put together.)

I’m not here to say that everything needs to sound as though it is done in the studio, but, some of the more bothersome distractions can generally be quite simply eliminated, or, at least minimized. When I say that, I mean it doesn’t generally take a degree in rocket science to make a noticeable difference. All it really takes is paying attention to some small details.

Have you ever considered what your listeners may think about your podcast? Read more »

When Longer Really Is Better … Podcasting Quicktip #8 __(Making Short Musical Spots, Longer)

November 6, 2007

By Rusty Norman

(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article from “mypodcast.com”

(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article from “podcastpeople.com”

Since we’ve recently been talking about putting a musical floor beneath your talking or reading of your podcast, you may have the problem of your musical spots being to short. So, if that is the case, what can you do to make them longer?

In this article I will be talking about, and using “Audacity” (1.3.0-beta version). It’s for Windows XP . If you download a later version, (like 1.3.3, which I think is the latest) I will be updating this article and it’s information to that version soon. There are some slight differences in the 1.3.3 version and I am not totally familiar with it yet, (but you can get it by Clicking Here).

If you are using an editing program like “Audacity” I will be showing you what I consider to be the easiest way to extend the length of those short musical spots that you have access user rights to and want to use. Even if you aren’t using “Audacity”, the principles and techniques will still hold true. This is not something that is hard, but it does require you to expend a little effort to accomplish the desired results. Who knows; you may actually find that it’s a lot of fun finding ways to make them work differently.

Remember; my examples are just that– examples– and please do not think I am in anyway trying to limit your creative capabilities. I simply offer these examples as my creative offering. Read more »

Things To Consider For The Main Body Of Your Production

August 31, 2007

By Rusty Norman

(Click Here for the podcast version of this article)

Now we come to the main body of your audio podcast. I can’t really tell you too much about the body of your podcast. It is up to you, your subject matter and the format you decide to use with your podcasting idea. What I can tell you is that there are several ways in which you can present it.

The choice is naturally, up to you in how you want to present your information or interviews. I personally like a couple of ways. One is without a music floor and one is with. For those of you that are totally new to some of this, I offer this short explanation as my interpretation of a ‘music floor’.

A ‘music floor’ is some kind of music, usually instrumental, playing beneath your talking or reading of your scripted material. My musical choices are very likely going to be different than yours. Some of you really like to “rock out” and some of you are really into that “head bangin” stuff. Those are fine if that is your taste and choice. Others will choose “heavy metal” while still others will choose some more laid back types such as “easy listening”, “jazz” or even “classical.”

Any of these are reasonable choices because it doesn’t really matter that much what type you choose, but there are a few things to consider while you make your choices in types or styles.

One of the most important things to consider is to make completely sure that the music you choose is not overpowering what you say and the second most important is right there with it. Read more »

Things To Consider When Working On Your Podcast Closing

August 4, 2007

By Rusty Norman

(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

You have to know and you have to understand that the closing to your podcast is also an important part of your production. Some of your listeners will get to the end of your podcast and be ready to move on. If you work the transition of the closing of your podcast into the ending of the body of your podcast properly, the listener will generally hang around for any important info you include in your closing. It is important to have a closing if for no other reason than adding a bit of finality to your podcast. You can use it to point the listeners to more of your information and podcasts, or to other sites of interest. It can also be a great way to transition to an insertion of a spot for your advertisers.

Many of the same rules apply as you think about how you want to close your podcast as when you thought about your opening. Both are important and both should have a specific and definite purpose. The opening was to introduce you and your subject(s) and the closing leaves the listener with a good taste in their mouth about your podcast. As they leave your podcast it gives them something to remember you by and perhaps want to check out more of your available podcasts and information.

As was the case in the previous article, this one also is one you will want to listen to the audio podcast version while you read along (or instead of reading along), because it will have some examples of closings that are better heard than read. (Besides, I won’t be writing out the examples anyway.)

There are only a few things I want to say about the closings. I have a way I like to close mine and that is what I will demonstrate, but remember, a closing needs to be something your listener won’t want to turn off. It needs to smoothly transition them into action of some sort. Read more »

Some Things To Think About and Do For Your Podcast Opening

July 19, 2007

By Rusty Norman

(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

I can’t tell you how important it is to remember that everything you do in your podcasting adventure does not have to sound like every other radio or TV show you’ve ever heard. It doesn’t have to have that relentless radio sound and it doesn’t have to have the television infomercial look or sound either. Your podcast can have its own character and sound. It is absolutely possible that it can be unique and different and still use all of the necessary elements of good recording technique and proper audio/video capture and editing expertise.

Even though you are beginner at any of the above mentioned items, you can soon become very proficient at all of the above with a little practice and planning.

First, lets think about the opening of your podcast. Some like to just start talking or reading to present their ideas to their audience. Others like to have an opening made up of a music intro and then do a ‘voice-over’ to introduce their topic for their podcast. If you don’t want to do much of an opening other than talking, that’s fine. In fact, that is probably the easiest way. However, using an opening of some sort will eventually prove itself valuable to you at some time or other as you begin to produce a regular podcast. It is just one thing less you have to be concerned about. Another plus, depending on how you do it, is how it can give your production something your audience can recognize as you. It is sort of like signing your signature to it.

Because of the nature of this article, it is going to be much easier for you to listen to the podcast version rather than read it. Even though this article will contain most of what will be talked about, the examples I use will only be referred to in the article, but you can hear what I am talking about in the podcast version. I want you to actually hear the difference of how using certain techniques can affect your production in positive ways. (Someday, in the very near future, I fully intend to be able to present to you both audio and visual aids to enhance this teaching and learning experience.)

As is the case with many things in producing podcasts and other types of recordings, you never know what kind of impact something will have unless you try it. I now do things I never thought I would because I did try them. After I heard what a difference they made, I became more comfortable with what they added to my productions and looked for ways to make them even better. I still believe there is often a fine line between something that will add a special touch to a recording or detract from it in some way, whether large or small.

In this article and the next two, we are going to talk about three things. The opening of your podcast, the closing of your podcast and the body of your podcast. Although this seems to be a little out of order, there is a method to my approach. The opening and closing don’t have to change as often as the body of the podcast does. The body of your production will change all the time. The openings and closings only change when you want them to. There are ways to keep them from getting stale, but generally, your audience doesn’t mind them sounding the same all the time. It is that signature type of thing I mentioned earlier. It is something they come to recognize you by.

Let’s get started with an opening. You need to decide several things. One possibility is to decide on whether you want to open with just talk and get right in to the message or do you want to have music and do a voice-over? Maybe you want to start with just music and no talking for your opening. Any of these will work. It is something you need to decide to give your production personality and perhaps a glimpse of its character and subject-matter.

Let’s take a listen to my first example. It is one of my first podcasts for this ‘Podcasting Resources’ site. In fact it is episode #0002. I want you to hear several things about it. First I was was trying out some different kinds of equipment and software. Although they performed well, the sound was a bit lacking probably because of the microphone I was using. It just didn’t have the warm sound I was looking for. It sounds a bit ‘scratchy’ and ‘tinny’. (As you listen to the opening of this podcast, I know you will understand what I mean.)

(Play excerpt example of episode #0002.)

See what I mean. Please remember, I was working at the time on ways for you to simply get started but not make a major investment of cash. I was looking at ways people could get started podcasting “on the cheap”.

Now let’s move to an opening of another one. This would be one I started with music and ‘voice-over’. Now admittedly, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, but I was trying to keep costs down and keep everything legal as far as copyright matters were concerned. (That’s right, it was me playing my guitar and using a bit of music I wrote. It is just a way of demonstrating how to keep costs down and still use a music and voice over opening.)

(Play excerpt of episode #0001.)

See, there is a difference in doing it that way. I didn’t spend any money and I did turn out a podcast, (although perhaps not of the best quality.)

The next example is where I switched to using some free music from Mike Stewart, “theinternetaudioguy”. No matter how you look at it, music produced and made for this purpose is better than something you just sit in front of your computer and throw together. (Yes, I am admitting I just quickly made something to use in episode #0001.) Anyway, let’s take a quick listen to the opening of episode #0017.

(Play excerpt from episode #0017)

This one was a little bit better to me. It just ‘feels’ better. To me, it kind of settles the atmosphere preparing the listener for what’s to come. Yes, I know it’s kinda ‘laid-back’, but then I’m kinda that way myself. Your’s doesn’t have to sound like this. It can be as soft, or as loud and wild, as you want it to be.

Now for the final example of this article. It is one I have pre-made for those times I want to be different. I haven’t used it yet, but, I will some day and I will do it soon. I intend to mix things up a bit, now and again, but I don’t want to mess with the original signature stuff. Lets take a listen, now.

(Play excerpt from Podcast open 2)

This one gives you an example of how different music with basically the same ‘voice-over’ does make a difference in the ‘feel’ of the opening. What I am trying to get across is that you can make an opening in any number of ways and still have an effective production.

So far, all of my editing is done with the program “Audacity”. It is a great program and, I repeat, it is a free download. It is very versatile and turns out great product. The music I use at the present is from Mike Stewart, “theinternetaudioguy” and another bit that he and friends have turned out from “MichaelandMike.com”. It is amazing the quality of stuff they make available for little or no cost. Yes, I know they have stuff available that costs and I have invested in some of it, but . . . well . . . just click on the links here and find out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

This is just the beginning of what you can do with a podcast.

One way to discover what is best for your’s is to try out some of your ideas for openings and see how they work. You don’t even have to totally rely on one idea. Try several different ways and see how it ‘feels’ to you. Maybe you can even bounce your ideas off a few of your friends and see what they think. Now remember, when I say, “see how it feels”, I am talking about how it comes across to you and whether or not it grabs your attention and makes you want to listen. Chances are, if you like it, others will too.

See ya next time . . .