How to Get Podcast Guest Preparation Right
Getting guests set up to record well before the session starts.
Tomas Lindqvist
Why does it matter?
Guest audio is usually the weakest part of a podcast, and most of it is fixable with preparation.
What are the numbers?
- Microphones headset or USB microphones beat laptop microphones
- Rooms soft furnishings reduce reflections
- Headphones prevent echo from speaker bleed
- Test recordings reveal problems before the session
What should I do?
- Send simple setup instructions in advance
- Ask for a short test recording
- Require headphones
- Suggest a quiet, soft-furnished room
- Keep spare equipment for local guests
What should I avoid?
Avoid:
- Recording without a technical check
- Guests on laptop microphones
- Sessions in echoing rooms
- Instructions sent minutes before recording
When should I get help?
Short answer Bring in help when guest audio quality varies widely.
Where this comes from
- European Broadcasting Union — Speech recording practice
- Apple Podcasts for Creators — Podcast RSS feed requirements
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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Where to go next
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