1. Researching, Writing and Presenting Information - A How To Guide: Creating a Podcast

The purpose helps to determine the content and style of your podcast. Do you want to persuade, inform or entertain? What is the main idea that you wish to convey to the audience? How can you make it interesting?

Before you begin thinking about the equipment you'll need or where to record, you need to decide what kind of podcast you'll be making. You need to choose a format. Consider the purpose of your podcast, the task requirements and the rubric when choosing your format. Which format will allow you to show your knowledge of the topic and your skills?

While interviews may be one of the most popular formats, there are many different ways to make a podcast. These include:

Conversational

A conversational podcast involves two people having a discussion about a topic, or a range of topics. This format can be less formal and structured than other formats and podcasters can be more comfortable as there is always someone to bounce off if you get stuck or run out of things to say.

Solo-casts

Solo-casts feature monologues on a topic. This format is used by people who have a specific kind of expertise they want to share. Some podcasters are comfortable ad libbing off their research notes, but others need detailed preparation. You may decide to write a complete script for this format (see below for guidelines). With no one to bounce ideas off, you'll need to keep the monologue going and the audiences' interest piqued on your own.

Interviews

Interviews generally feature a consistent host (or hosts) and feature one, or several, guests throughout each episode. The interview format gives the audience a chance to be introduced to an expert in the topic and allows the host to introduce new ideas and perspectives. It also gives the host a break from talking. Keep in mind that interviewing is a skill and you will still need to do extensive research on the topic to ask the right questions and keep the conversation moving in the right direction. 

Interviews generally start with a brief guest introduction and then the host takes over asking questions to guide the conversation around the episode’s topic.

Educational 

Educational podcasts can have solo or multiple hosts and are more structured than a conversational podcast. The episodes will feature a specific lesson or takeaway and will often have supplementary content like further information on a website or social media page so that the audience can be involved on multiple levels.

Non-fictional storytelling

Non-fictional stories are podcast episodes about real life events. You might chronicle an expedition up Mount Everest, recreate a historical event or detail a real crime story. This format needs a lot of research and precise details as listeners will be reluctant to forgive mistakes of accuracy.

Opening

• Introduce yourself and your topic.
• Tell your audience why your topic is relevant and why they should be listening. Give the topic meaning and put it in context for your audience.
• Give the audience an outline of what you're going to cover and a map of what's to come. People don't like being lost or confused, so give your audience the direction in which you're taking them.
• You may like to include a question in your opening or a misconception, followed by 'let's find out if this is true.'

Middle

• Include all of the theory in this section. Share what you know on your topic with your audience.
• Adhere to the direction you established in your opening.  
• Aim to hold your audience’s attention by delivering your podcast enthusiastically.
• Make connections between your subject and ideas to which the audience can relate. 

Ending

• Summarise your main points. What do you want your audience to take away from your podcast?
• Give your audience something to do, it might be a call to action or a place to go for further information.

If in doubt, follow this simple three step plan...

1. Tell your audience what you're going to tell them.
2. Tell them.
3. Tell them what you've told them.

Writing a podcast script doesn't mean that you have to read off a sheet of paper or sound like a robot. A podcast script can be anything from a list of bullet points or a word-for-word monologue. A script will help you stay on track, break up your segments and help you with timing.

1. The Bullet point approach: This approach is best for a show with a co-host, a guest or an interview. These scripts don't take a lot of time to write and are for experienced podcasters who just need enough structure to keep the conversation flowing.
2. The detailed episode outline: A detailed outline typically includes the main points of the opening, middle and ending of the podcast. This approach works best for co-hosted or interview formats.
3. The word-for-word script: This approach is best for solo-casts or educational podcasts and allows the host to be confident that they are thoroughly covering all of their content. This approach adds professionalism and structure to a podcast.

• Directly address your audience. Use words such as 'we' and 'together' rather than 'I' and 'they.' For example, "In this talk we will explore..."
• Use present tense.
• Know your audience and their prior knowledge. Use words that they will understand, or explain the words that they may not.

Depending on your task requirements, you may be required to design your podcast cover art and write a description. Watch the video below for some tips on this process.