Codes & Conventions of Podcast Production

How familiar are you with Podcasts?

I’ve heard of them, but i’ve never actually listened to them before, but after listening to some for this project they sound okay and speak on a lot of topics that i like to hear about.

What do you enjoy about the Podcasts mentioned?

how they speak, and the topics they speak about, if its like everyday life advice or advice for like teenagers and adults i find that helpful and interesting to hear about. and to see what information i can take on board to help myself feel better.

What were the subjects?

• helping the environment with climate change
• to do with the music industry and how to be successful in that industry
• mental health
• advice/ tips for when you get older

What Elements of the Podcasts do you remember: The Interviews, Conversation, Music,Sound, Effects etc?

Technical Elements:

A Speech:

• The manner in which words are spoken
• Enunciation,Pitch,Accent,Timbre,Clarity etc
• Prevent Popping, Fillers(erm,huh) cussing, being close to the mic
• Usually formal language(audience)
• Voice track should be equalise post

Music:

• Highly important
• Sets the Mood,Tone, and Setting of a Scene
• Consider the audience
• To not be louder than the speech ( background music) unless solo

Sound:

• Ambience sounds
• Special sound effects (SFX)
• 3D Perspective( surround system like we are there)
• Aural sign posting ( setting the scene: noise,sounds & voices)

Silence:

• Dramatic effect
• Accentuate a moment
• Endings of a scene/sections
• Breaks of a dialogue
• Gives breathing break
• Prevents from switching off
• Thinking moment

Narrative(Storytelling)

• Linear– Chronological evolution of events
• Non-Linear– Builds up argument without timeline
• Single Stranded– 1 individual presents/analyses themes and can have temporary guests
• Multi-Stranded– 2 and more presenters discuss theme

Narration (Types)

• First person– Protagonist tells story, not objective but reflective
• Second person– Character speaks directly to the audience breaking the fourth wall
• Third person– Omnipotent narrator tells story

Sound Design:

• Audio logo- Ident/Aural mixed used its own to identify a product/service
• Intro-Musical welcome/Initial credits
• Outro- Musical farewell (shorter) the end
• Jingle/Bumper- Slogan/ Vocal line set to an engaging melody
• Foley- Incidental/Natural sounds to create ambiance
• Instrumental-Music track without vocals
• Loop-Music track being seamlessly repeated infinitely

Points Of View (POV):

• Monologue-Individual presents own views/Thoughts of a theme
• Interview- 1:1 Semi structured questions to understand the theme
• Vox Populi(Vox Pop)- Structured a few questions asked to different people (thoughts and behavior)
• Pane- A group of people discuss the theme
• Debate- Discussion with opposing sides moderated by neutral person

Microphones:

Your microphone should be pointing at the source of the sound.

Noise:

Try to record your sounds with little to no background noise, as any processing done to these clips will effect the background noise too.

Timeout:

Control your own breathing, if you need a break indicate the operator, simply give a few seconds after the sound has been recorded.