Producing an audio story can be a lot. Sometimes it’s navigating a noisy environment or faulty equipment just before an important interview. Note to self: make sure I am ACTUALLY recording. And other times it’s imposter syndrome like, can I really do this? It’s also remembering not to just READ the questions but to ask follow-up questions too. Like I said, it’s a lot.
Don’t pack away your audio recorder just yet – you’re not alone, we’re here to help.
Two weeks ago at the Africa Media Festival in Nairobi, we asked audio producers for their top tips for starting out. Hopefully, this will answer some of the questions you might have and help you to keep going.
Here’s what we asked and what they had to say.
What is your favorite interview question to get people talking?
Mo is a producer from Lagos, Nigeria and he says it’s not a question, it’s a feeling. The person being interviewed is just as nervous as the person doing the interview - if not more. But once you both feel comfortable, things will flow.
“A problem that's pretty popular with audio is once you put the microphone in front of someone's face, they kind of clam up.”
Mo’s advice: Spend the first ten minutes talking about something unrelated to the interview. Ask them about their day or to tell you about who they are. It’ll help create a connection between the two of you, and then they will feel free to speak openly when you ask the questions you’re really there for.
What’s the most encouraging thing about the podcast community in Africa?
Melissa is the co-founder of Africa PodFest. She says she often suffers from imposter syndrome because she doesn’t have a production background. But luckily, the podcast community has been nothing but supportive.
“I think podcasting attracts the best people. Podcasters are the most curious, kind, patient, empathetic, detail-oriented people I’ve met.”
Melissa’s advice: We need to stop thinking there's an established standard or way of making podcasts. Podcasting is growing on the continent, and we’re creating our own industry standard. We can't copy the Western model because it doesn't work here, so just do your thing!
How was the transition from writing for print to writing for audio?
Wale is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic, a publication from Nigeria that covers news, culture, science, and more - from an African perspective. He’s also the editor and host of their narrative history podcast.
“When I started out, my sound engineers would leave comments on my script saying ‘this doesn’t sound natural’ or ‘that’s not how you speak.’ I had to learn to write for radio. I listened to a lot of narrative history podcasts to get a sense of what we were aiming for. And then the process was: research, write, edit - over and over and over.”
Wale’s advice: Write in short sentences. Read it out loud and if you’re out of breath by the end of the sentence - change it. Choose words you’re comfortable pronouncing, and take it sentence by sentence.
Any advice for podcasters just starting out?
Immanuel Muasya calls himself the Kenyan Fixer. He’s worked in media for over a decade and his move into the world of podcasting is a recent one. Much like Melissa, he’s had a positive experience and wants to urge anyone starting out to trust themselves.
“If you're starting out, just go out there, record anything, record yourself talking, interviewing your cats, do whatever! Cut that down, see how that sounds, and move from there. Just do something. You learn a lot by doing.”
Immanuel’s advice: Don't let the anxiety of thinking, “Will it turn out great?” or “I don't know how!” stop you. Just go ahead and do it!
Now, here’s my tip: When you record yourself narrating a podcast episode, think of your voice as a musical instrument. And just like any other instrument, you have to practice. You can learn to use your voice to bring layers of emotions to your story. Aside from what you are saying, how you say it is crucial to how the story comes together.
Do you have any interesting anecdotes from making your podcast? We want to hear from you! Please share with us and we'll keep telling these stories. But for now, like that kindergarten song, 'Be bright in the corner where you are.' Bye, audio fam.
Lesedi Mogoatlhe