Elaine A. Clark - Voice-Overs for Podcasting

Copyright 2020 by Elaine A. Clark

All rights reserved. Copyright under Berne Copyright Convention, Universal Copyright Convention, and Pan American Copyright Convention. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Allworth Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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Published by Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Allworth Press is a registered trademark of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

www.allworth.com

Cover design by Mary Ann Smith

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Print ISBN: 978-1-62153-746-5

eBook ISBN: 978-1-62153-747-2

Printed in the United States of America

Praise for Voice-Overs for Podcasting

I feel very fortunate to have found Elaine Clark and was able to experience her coaching and directing firsthand. With my podcast at around 6 million subscribers, I figured theres always room for improvement, and I clearly came to the right place. She gave me that added boost to really connect with my listeners.

Jordan Harbinger, host, The Jordan Harbinger Show

I have been itching to dive into the world of podcasting for years with no idea how to go about it. And then, hello! Elaine Clark, whose books and coaching have guided and jumpstarted the career of voiceover actors for years, is bringing her expertise to podcasting. Thank you, Elaine! With the inspiration and tools from your book, I cannot wait to host my own podcast. Please promise to be my first guest!

Bob Bergen, three-time Emmy-nominated voice actor

The best ear in the business. When Elaine hears a problem, she corrects it until we get it. LOVE her knowledge.

Trish Bell, voice actor and former radio announcer

Contents

Acknowledgments

Id like to thank my publisher, Tad Crawford, for offering me the opportunity to write this book on podcasting, as well as Chamois Holschuh and Caroline Russomanno for providing their expert editing skills again. Skyhorse Publishing and Allworth Press have been instrumental in the success of my first book thats now in its fourth edition, Theres Money Where Your Mouth Is: A Complete Insiders Guide to Earning Income and Building a Career in Voice-Overs. My two communication apps, Activate Your Voice and Adding Melody to Your Voice , support the strength, clarity, and performance of the voice as an instrument that connects the listener not only with their intellect and mind, but with their heart, soul, and body. Ive been a groundbreaker in communication techniques for over forty years. With the help of the team at Skyhorse Publishing, we have broken additional ground in the area of voice usage, knowledge, storytelling, and podcasting.

I thank the six podcast hosts and creators who shared their experiences: Jordan Harbinger, Jason Allan Scott, Melissa Thom, Mandela Leola van Eeden, Aaron Static Render, and Michael Brandon. Their insightful firsthand contributions will undoubtedly help new and existing podcasters move closer to their dream and goals. I also applaud all the podcasters not included in this book who blazed a trail and continue to build a subscriber base of new ears and future audiences.

Preface

When I began writing this book, I knew I wanted it to be different. I aspired for it to be the book I would want if starting a new podcast or needing to improve an existing one. For most, the creative process is the most fun. However, the technical components of recording, editing, posting, marketing, and monetizing can be overwhelming and daunting. My belief is if you build it well with good structure and excellent communication skills, the audience will find you and subscribe. Without an audience, there wouldnt be a need to speak up and be heard. Be considerate of their time, as well as yours. Focus your message. Dont let it ramble and get off track. Connect on a personal level. Be proud of your accomplishment. And, if you want to make some money at this, turn it into a business, or share your knowledge, experience, and passion, may that happen for you.

Famous Quotes to Live By:

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

Herman Melville

Opportunities dont happen. You create them.

Chris Grosser

Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion.

Tony Hsieh

Dont aim for success if you want it. Just do what you love doing and it will come naturally.

David Frost

Introduction

Podcasts continue to be the Wild Wild West of broadcasting. The field is vast. Expectations are numerous and varied. Results are all over the map. Its filled with hobbyists, professionals, and everything in between. How does a wildly popular podcast like Serial build an enormous following and corporate financial sponsorships?

Engaging story.

Organized content.

Interesting audio format.

Voice that draws you into the auditory world so the audience not only hears words but can see it, smell it, taste it, touch it, and imagine being there.

Theater of the mind is not new. Shows like Dick Tracy, I Love A Mystery, and You Are There are but a handful of old-time radio shows that brought joy, laughter, information, danger, and mystery to people gathered around their radios. With podcasts as diverse as their nearly century-old predecessors, its time to raise the stakes and make this golden age of podcasting even better.

As a communication and voice-over coach for over four decades, Ive been interviewed by and have worked with numerous podcasters. To get immersed in this real-life setting or fictitious world, speakers must switch gears from being visual communicators to auditory storytellers. This adjustment is easier for some than others. Even with the restraints of having to stay on mic, movements and gestures are needed to add humanity and realism to the recording. Increasing the intensity and adding an emotional arc in each episode helps engage the listener and hold his or her attention. Podcasters must bring each audience member into his or her world and trust that its an interesting place to explore episode after episode.

As you plan your podcast, remember that the idea or dream of what you want to do or say is easy. Putting it into action is the work. This book will give you a soup-to-nuts overview and insights on how to format, perform, produce, broadcast, network, and monetize your podcast. The goal is for your personality, opinion, inspiration, and truth to shine through. Embrace this information so your voice is heard and your unique message stands out in a meaningful and engaging way.

If you want to start or improve your podcast, lets begin! Its time to use your voice effectively and share your message.