Blogging Tips

In the first article of this four part series, we looked at the technology and equipment you need for creating a podcast. We also looked at the software you can use. Today we look at how you should go about recording your first podcast, and the methods in which you can compress your recording, ready for uploading to the web, so without further adu, lets get started.

When you have your computer set up and your microphone working, it’s time to start recording. Take a deep breath and then follow these steps:

1. Jot down a few notes on what you want to talk about.
Nothing too fancy — just make an outline that includes remarks about who you are and what you want to talk about. Use these notes to keep yourself on track. All this — the checking of your computer, jotting down notes, and setting up your recording area — is called preshow prep.

2. Click the Record button in your recording software and go for as long as it takes for you to get through your notes.
I recommend keeping your first recording to no more than 20 minutes. That may seem like a lot of time, but it will fly by.

3. Give a nice little sign-off.
Something like “Take care of yourselves! See you next month.” and click the Stop button.

4. Choose File➪Save As and give your project a name.

Now bask in the warmth of creative accomplishment. Compressing your audio files

If you’re using an application other than Audacity, you may need to make your recording into an MP3 file. Many audio players that come with computers offer the capability to create MP3 files, but if your audio player doesn’t read or compress audio recordings to MP3 files, you can keep it fed by downloading iTunes.

After you install iTunes, follow these steps to convert your audio file:

1. Choose File➪Add File to Library.
2. Browse for the audio file you want to convert and then click Open.
Your file is now in the iTunes Library.
3. Find the audio file in the iTunes Library and click to select it.
4. Choose Advanced➪Convert Selection to MP3.
Your file is converted to the MP3 format.

Congratulations — you just recorded your first podcast. At least the audio part of it. Join us next time when we look into transferring your podcast to the web, and grabbing new listeners.

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