This week’s Podcasters Mistake is something that probably comes with practise: Over-scripting, rather than learning to freestyle your way through what you need to tell people.
For one thing, writing spoken words isn’t the same as writing words that are intended to be read in the privacy of the readers’ minds - it’s a very different skillset (for more info, ask Scott - it’s part of his job).
As a result, over-scripting can make everyone sound slightly robotic or not-quite-human.
So…?
Instead of spending all that time writing out the entire thing, just write out bulletpoints, specific facts, figures and any other important bits, and then practise getting through it without a full-on script.
Remember, one of the joys of podcasting is that it’s not live - when you mess up, you can just edit it out later on. As far as your audience knows, you got it in one take. If it took you all afternoon to get it in one take this time, then next time will be easier, as you’ve had all that extra practise!
Next meetup: The Basics of a Good Interview - 17th Feb, Kings Place
If you haven’t already, please sign up for our next workshop and meetup, where seasoned Comms pro Andy Wasley will be talking us through the basics of recording a good interview. Then we’ll be in the pub, although there is the possibility of it being Karaoke night. Apologies in advance.
The workshop is free, as always, but please register your interest here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-be-a-better-interviewer-tickets-90806656153
For those unable to attend, we’ll be recording the talk and releasing it as a podcast for you lovely mailing list people.
That’s it for this week. Until next time, be good to yourselves, and each other.