First Podcast Appearance- Tips Appreciated

[Laney Cole]

Hey all!
I have been asked to guest on the podcast Landscape Photography World. It's an hour- hour and half episode wherein I will be asked to speak about storm chasing and photography.

I've taken public speaking 101 in college and used to do it a lot but it's been a few years. If anyone has any tips or advice I'd greatly appreciate it.

There will also be a video edition so I have to talk on camera also through Zoom Nervous and excited but if anyone wants to share their own first experiences to help sooth my nerves please feel free. I'll be sure to share the link with y'all when published. Thanks!

 

[Jason Boggs]

Just be yourself and talk. The nervousness will fade after a few minutes.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Agreed about not worrying, be yourself. It’s not high school any more. The only thing I’d say equipment-wise is you will want to have a headset. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just one that works with the laptop or computer you’re using. Speakers don’t play very well with podcasts.

 

[Laney Cole]

Just be yourself and talk. The nervousness will

Agreed about not worrying, be yourself. It’s not high school any more. The only thing I’d say equipment-wise is you will want to have a headset. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just one that works with the laptop or computer you’re using. Speakers don’t play very well with podcasts.

Thank you both for the advice. I think it may have been easier in high school…lol. Jitters happen and even basic advice like be yourself is helpful- especially those used to being on the other side of the camera.

I’d also like to give a big thanks to you all even though we're about the same age you are my storm idols and have inspired me and have so helpful with advice and help. This is truly a special place and I appreciate everyone here.

Headset will be used and of course a ring light- must have good lighting always

 

[Dan Robinson]

I realized I should have said headphones! A headset works too, but you don't need a headset mic, just the headphones. Your computer's webcam mic or built-in mic will work. It's just the speaker audio you want to avoid, that will cause cutouts and feedback.

 

[John Farley]

I used to do a lot of local TV interviews back in my professor days. I think it helps a lot to think of it as a conversation - if there is a moderator asking questions, just kind of chat with them. I found it also helps if you have any key points you want to make to think about them ahead of time and look for opportunities to get them in. If not, just relax and go with the flow.

 

[JamesCaruso]

I have been on a few podcasts - all related to my professional life, but I sure wish somebody would ask me to be on a storm chasing related podcast someday!

Anyway, from my experience, I’d second that the advice above is sound and all you really need - in particular, be yourself, and just think of it as a natural conversation.

I wouldn’t even think of it as “public speaking”: you don’t have to single-handedly hold the audience’s attention with a monologue; it’s just a conversation.

Take comfort in the fact that being on audio, or even Zoom, is much less intimidating than being live in front of an audience. Be yourself, and most importantly let your passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter shine through. Focus more on that, and what you want to share with the audience, and let that replace and supersede any self-consciousness.

This segues into John’s suggestion to think about key points ahead of time; to that end, it may help if they can give you the questions, or at least an outline, ahead of time. Sometimes I’ll actually type up my answers - I do *not* read from it during the podcast, because it won’t sound natural. Writing out the answers is simply my way of thinking about what I want to say. Writing is thinking, so in my opinion if you want to think about your key points in advance, writing will help anchor your thinking, as opposed to trying to think while staring into space, because if you do that your mind will naturally wander. After you write it, you can review it again, or even rewrite it from scratch (active recall is better for retention than just continually rereading something); but then don’t even have it anywhere near you while on the podcast, so you can converse naturally. Even if you don’t get the questions, you may still want to write out the main things you want to share. If you’d rather not write anything out, thinking about your key points while on a walk is the next best thing.

Good luck, and don’t be nervous - all the burden is on the host/interviewer to be honest!

Let us know when the episode drops so we can all give a listen!

 

[Dan Robinson]

The other thing to consider is that being invited on a podcast is a sign you have something of value to offer. That alone is a compliment and a confidence booster. Someone decided their audience would enjoy hearing from you!