Achieving high-quality audio from your podcast guests can be a game-changer for your show. However, this often requires educating your guests on expectations and best practices. Below is a guide to help you ensure your guests sound great while maintaining your show’s professional standards.
Why Guest Audio Quality Matters
Podcasting is more than a simple conversation; it’s a curated experience intended to be heard around the world. Poor audio quality can diminish the listener’s experience and reflect poorly on your brand. Unlike Zoom calls, where audio quality is secondary, podcasting demands higher standards.
Step 1: Alternatives to Guests
Before discussing guests, remember you don’t always need one. Solo episodes allow you to connect deeply with your audience, showcase your expertise, and grow your influence. If a guest cancels or doesn’t meet your quality standards, use the opportunity to share personal stories or insights directly with your listeners.
When you do a solo show, you grow your influence, and when you do an interview show you grow your network - do both.
Step 2: Setting Expectations with Guests
The key to great audio is setting clear expectations. Many guests are unfamiliar with podcasting and may not realize their audio setup impacts the listener’s experience. Here’s how to prepare them:
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Provide Clear Guidelines: Share a document outlining the technical requirements, such as:
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Use a quality microphone, ideally a USB mic like the Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100 (both under $100).
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Position the microphone 1-2 inches from the corner of the mouth.
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Avoid built-in laptop microphones or rooms with hard surfaces.
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Get a Sample: Ask for a link to previous interviews to gauge their audio quality and storytelling ability.
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Communicate the Stakes: Emphasize the importance of good audio for your show’s professionalism and their credibility. Always explain how this is for their benefit. If they say they don't care, then explain that you do. It's your show. It's your brand that takes the hit for a poor listening experience.
Step 3: Creating an Optimal Recording Environment
Advise your guests to:
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Avoid rooms with hardwood floors or glass surfaces that create echo.
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Use thick curtains and carpets to minimize reverb.
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Eliminate background noise by choosing a quiet environment.
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Reboot their computer and close unnecessary applications to improve system performance.
Step 4: Using the Right Tools
Recommend tools that ensure high-quality recordings:
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Recording Platforms: Tools like Riverside, SquadCast, and Zencastr offer local recording, which captures high-quality audio directly from the guest’s computer.
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Editing Software: Use Auphonic or Adobe Enhance to clean up background noise and balance audio levels.
Step 5: Leave the Door Open
As the podcast host, you’re the gatekeeper of quality. If a guest’s audio doesn’t meet your standards:
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Reserve the right not to publish the episode.
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Be transparent about your expectations during the pre-interview phase.
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Protect your audience by prioritizing content that adds value and maintains quality.
Step 6: Handling Subpar Audio
Even with preparation, bad audio happens. Here’s how to salvage it:
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Use tools like Auphonic or Descript’s Studio Sound to clean up noise and improve clarity.
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Edit aggressively to remove unnecessary distractions and maintain professionalism.
Step 7: Educate Your Guests with a Resource
Providing a resource for guests can streamline the process. Create a checklist or document (see sample) with tips such as:
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Using headphones to prevent feedback.
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Ensuring the microphone is correctly selected in the recording software.
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Muting notifications and minimizing distractions during the recording.
- Be sure to go through the process of joining your call from a visitors perspective (so you can help troubleshoot if needed).
We Covered This in Our Last Monthly Meetup
Resources Mentioned in This Training
Guest Prep Checklist
Conclusion
Great guest audio doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of clear communication and thoughtful preparation. By educating your guests, investing in the right tools, and setting firm expectations, you can create a polished and professional podcast that keeps your audience coming back for more.
With these tips, you’ll not only enhance your show’s audio quality but also build a reputation for professionalism and excellence in podcasting.
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