Podcasting is a burgeoning arm of the entertainment industry.
Sadly, too many of them fail to engage, entertain, or even hold the listener’s attention beyond the first few minutes.
As someone who has done extensive research into podcasting, I’ve pinpointed why your podcast might be putting people to sleep.
Here’s a rundown of the main reasons.
Most podcasters rely heavily on the interview format.
Unfortunately, podcasts have become synonymous with interviews.
Want to start a podcast?
Get a guest, ask a few questions, slap some music at the beginning, and voila!
You have a podcast.
Editing?
Not necessary!
Publish it with mistakes and all—who cares?
Editing it down to the most interesting bits?
Why?
That sounds like way too much effort!
As someone who has made interview podcasts, I can tell you they are super easy to produce.
While they are a way to get into podcasting, most people get stuck in this format, to their detriment.
Yes, an interview podcast can be informative, but you often have to sit through 40 minutes to an hour of waffle before reaching the point.
In a world overwhelmed by content, who has the time to sift through hours of interviews to find the interesting bits?
Example:
“SmartLess” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett
My biggest qualm with interview-style podcasts is the lack of care in editing.
The result?
Unbearably dull content.
Monotonous voices, poor audio quality, and awkward pauses are just the beginning.
Too many ums, ahs, and mistakes in the middle.
Not summing up and tying the whole thing together is the end.
For crying out loud, listen to your interview!
At the bare minimum, edit out the part where you said, “Don’t worry, I’ll edit this out later.”
Cut the boring bits.
Just because you recorded it doesn’t mean it’s interesting or relevant.
Actionable Tips:
– Use music to break the interview into sections.
– Add sound effects to enhance the audio experience.
– Improve sound quality by investing in a good microphone and using audio enhancement tools like Adobe Podcast Enhance.
Most inexperienced podcasters do not think past the current episode they are recording.
They spare no thought for the overall message they are trying to convey, the themes that need exploring, or the story they want their podcast series to tell.
While each episode might be interesting in isolation, where is the overarching narrative?
Without a story arc, there’s no reason for listeners to come back week after week.
Podcasting, like all media, is about telling stories.
Take a series on Netflix, for example.
I am currently watching American Horror Story.
The series tells various horror stories, each set in a different location—haunted house, insane asylum, coven of witches, and so on.
Each season is a self-contained story broken into episodes.
By the end of the season, you have the full picture.
Example:
“Serial” by Sarah Koenig is a prime example of a podcast with a compelling story arc that keeps listeners coming back for more.
Actionable Tips:
– Decide on the story you want to tell and how many episodes it will take.
– Break the story into episodes with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
– Find the right characters (interviewees) to help demonstrate your story.
Speaking of entertainment value, I hate to break it to you, but information alone doesn’t cut it.
A podcast needs to be entertaining to keep people engaged.
If it feels like a lecture, listeners will stop listening.
Seek to entertain your listener.
Nobody wants to listen to a boring interview just because you recorded it.
Your download numbers probably already tell you that.
To keep listeners engaged and coming back, strike a balance between entertainment and information.
Example:
“The Moth“
Actionable Tips:
– Incorporate humor or personal anecdotes to add interest.
– Focus on storytelling rather than just presenting information.
– Ensure your podcast blends its message with high entertainment value.
Regrettably, very few who host interview podcasts make any effort to learn interview skills.
Most podcast hosts lack enthusiasm and charisma, making even the most interesting topics unbearable.
If the host sounds bored, why should the listener be interested?
A good podcast host is passionate about their topic and comes across as engaging.
They improve their diction and articulation and speak not at the microphone but through it to their listener.
Example:
“How I Built This” with Guy Raz
Actionable Tips:
– Improve your speaking skills with vocal training or Toastmasters.
– Practice proper breathing and vocal warm-ups before recording.
– Consider standing while recording to maintain higher energy levels.
Covering the same topics as everyone else without a unique perspective or new information makes a podcast redundant.
If listeners can find the same content elsewhere, they will.
If it’s presented in a more entertaining style, they’ll go where the laughs are.
You haven’t planned anything and are just winging it, hoping for the best.
You haven’t made an effort to find a unique angle or deeply niche into your topic.
Trying to reach everyone will result in reaching no one.
Look at the most popular podcasts—they are original and have unique takes on popular topics.
Example:
“Freakonomics Radio” with Stephen Dubner explores common topics from unique and unexpected angles, making even well-trodden subjects fresh and interesting.
Actionable Tips:
– Dig deeper into your niche to find an angle no one else covers.
– Be specific with your content to attract a dedicated audience.
– Avoid generic topics; find a unique perspective to stand out.
There’s nothing more off-putting than a podcast starting with, “Hello everybody!”
Who is this group you’re addressing?
You’re not in a hall with 500 people.
You’re speaking to one person, likely through headphones.
Speaking to a group when it’s actually an audience of one is a major turn-off.
Listeners will feel the message doesn’t apply to them but to the “audience” you’re addressing.
Engaging with your audience as individuals creates a personal connection, fostering community and making listeners feel valued.
Example:
“Call Your Girlfriend” with Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
Actionable Tips:
– Speak to your audience as individuals, not as a crowd.
– Incorporate Q&A segments, shout-outs, and interactive social media.
– Build a community around your content to foster loyalty.
There are many reasons why your podcast is boring.
The issues I’ve highlighted might be just the tip of the iceberg.
Instead of mindlessly producing episode after episode, take time to evaluate your content honestly.
Review the what and how of your work, and get honest feedback from outsiders.
Use this to replan, rethink, and find more entertaining ways to present your content.
If you don’t trust anyone enough to be brutally honest, give us a shout at Baird Media.
We will gladly do an in-depth overview, identifying what’s wrong with your podcast and offering advice, ideas, and solutions to make it better, more entertaining, and more engaging.
We understand the intricacies of creating compelling, high-quality podcasts.
Our Podmaster programs, books, and consultation services are designed to elevate your podcast from boring to brilliant.
If you’re ready to transform your podcast and captivate your audience, contact us today.
Let’s make podcasting exciting and entertaining!
When you are ready to start your own podcast, join the Baird Media Mentorship program, and let Ethan and Hendrik give you all the help and support to start your own podcast.
You can also read Hendrik’s book, “Become a Podmaster: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Art of Podcasting” to help you understand what you are letting yourself in for.
Baird Media’s “Become A Podmaster” podcast offers valuable insights, tips, and inspiration from experienced podcasters.
Whether you’re a hobbyist seeking artistic expression or an entrepreneur looking to amplify your business, this podcast has something for you.
Join the adventure and unlock the secrets of podcasting success!