Hardware / Software Key Notes

• A good USB Headset (headphones with microphone) will provide the best audio quality
• A fast stable Internet connection ensures constant communication
• A computer that is running well, free of malware, spyware, viruses, unstable programs, and minimal background startup applications
• Use contemporary computer hardware for best results
• Only run essential programs related to podcasting during the interview to optimize the recording quality  (i.e., avoid having a web browser, word processer, and games running while recording)
• Try before you buy any software - trial versions exist for authentic applications

Best Practices

• Avoid extraneous noises during the recording session such as shuffling paper, sipping coffee, going to the bathroom, or cell phones  (HINT - A USB headset with mute will avoid unwanted audio)
• Create and follow a script
• Do a practice recording session with a script to reduce the "umms" and "aahs"
• Continue recording (avoid starting and stopping); cut out unwanted audio clips after recording session
• Editing usually takes longer than the recording session to produce a broadcast quality podcast with introduction and ending content (the more extraneous noises there are, the more editing is required)
• Focus on creating a relaxing fun conversational environment and the podcast will feel inviting
• Use intro and exit music that is appropriate to the subject content  (avoid elevator music)
• Work with lossless audio format; either WAV or AIFF
• Only final output should be in MP3 (lossy format)

Legal Guide

• Podcasting Legal Guide
  This is an American based document that may have applicability to future podcasting in Canada.

Goodies

• Scripts Templates
  BBC - Writersrooom - ScriptSmart Gold
• Windows Teleprompters:
  Proverb Teleprompter ; Teleprompter PC
• MAC Teleprompters:
  MirrorScript Pro ;